So You Want a Career in IT? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

By Support | June 30, 2021

Courtesy of Guest Blogger, Cody McBride of techdeck.info

Image from Unsplash

Technology and computers affect pretty much everything in our daily lives, from how we set our alarms to how we get to work. The benefits of working in the world of technology are endless — the careers are creative, recession-proof, innovative, and with endless potential for growth. There’s also an opportunity to branch out into IT or computer science, both of which come under the same realm of study, but with different specialties and focuses.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology roles are projected to grow 13% by 2026. Considering that the median pay for computer scientists is estimated at over $100,000, as opposed to the median $37,000 for other professions, it is fair to say that employment in this sector is both lucrative and long-lasting.

Read on for more information on how to get into a career in IT or computer science and what it entails, courtesy of the Easy Time Clock blog. 

Work and Skills

While both IT and computer science fall into the tech world, they offer different duties and roles within the field. Professionals in IT typically solve technological problems by applying computer applications and processes. Computer science (CS) professionals aim at creating computer programs and applications that further technological processes.

Both professions require skills such as SQL, software development, and Java. IT-specific skills include project management, information systems, and customer service, while skills needed for computer science include Javascript, Python, and software engineering.

Education

Working in the tech industry is a lot like other traditional careers — lower levels of education allow you to enter the workforce faster, while more advanced degrees have better-paying opportunities. You will have good employment opportunities if you’re able to demonstrate considerable skill and a technical portfolio to back you up. 

If you decide to opt for a degree, these are the most common pathways:

  • Computer Science: Prospective students can choose from an associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in computer science. 
  • Information Technology: The most popular majors include computer science, information systems, and software engineering.

Both pathways will take about four years to complete for an undergraduate degree, with coursework in science, history, systems organization, software engineering, and artificial intelligence.

Specialize

After graduating, you should have a pretty good idea about what area within your program you wish to specialize in. This can range from advanced statistics for those interested in analysis and data systems, or programming for those interested in creating applications.

Get Certified

Both CS and IT are professions wherein you can excel without traditional schooling. Since it is the skills that set you apart, you will definitely want to pursue certifications or courses that boost your work and credentials. According to Forbes, personalized, accessible, and online education is a growing trend to watch out for in the tech world.

Therefore, listing certifications in courses will allow you to develop learnings in fields like cryptography, digital forensics, cyber defense, data management, and network security. Doing these courses through an online degree is ideal for those who wish to build their own portfolio, have the flexibility and freedom to pursue other work, and make an impact on their CV when applying for positions. 

Find an Entry-Level Job

A well-crafted resume and cover letter, along with a strong portfolio will go a long way when applying for your first job. Your first job will also help you assess the additional skills you may require and allow you to gain mentorship opportunities from fellow staff members.

Continuing Education

Both IT and CS are constantly evolving, with more requirements on employees coming up every year. To stay relevant, you may find you need to take some continuing education credits (which many organizations offer) to stay up to date.

Now that you have all the knowledge necessary, you’re all set to grow your career in the tech world! With the right portfolio and skills, you will be armed with everything you need to get successful in your chosen specialty. Although competitive, the world of technology offers great learning opportunities, with potential for immense growth and career satisfaction.