It seems like a distant memory from just a few years ago when the technology market was booming and everyone was getting into tech. Casually scrolling social media, you would see countless videos and posts about how to secure a six-figure tech job with no experience and other get-rich-scheme videos focused on technology careers.
Today, times have definitely changed. Many of the major players in technology, like Apple, IBM, Cisco, and Intel, have conducted widespread layoffs, culling the technology workforce. Yet, the layoffs do not tell the true story about the technology job market today. While there was a big boom in the tech job market during the COVID pandemic, the downshift going on today is more of a reflection of the market returning to pre-COVID times.
That said, a technology career is still very much in demand globally. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, computer support specialists, a common entry-level information technology job, have a faster-than-average projected job outlook at 6% over the next decade. While not the hottest job on the market, entry-level IT work is still in demand.
So, with information technology jobs still in demand, how does one get their first IT job? Read on below to find out.
The tried-and-true path to getting into tech has been through education and certifications. While slightly diminished to some degree today, formally focusing on the fundamentals and theory of information technology through education is the surest way into an IT career. Professional certifications like CompTIA’s A+ are the gold standard for obtaining an entry-level IT job.
Today, the landscape of IT education is more varied and open. Instead of putting all your eggs in one basket by focusing on the A+ exam, you can now take/view courses on Coursera, Udemy, edX, or even YouTube to learn the fundamentals. Gone are the days of cramming for exams and deciphering the brain-melting exam books. You are just a few clicks away from starting your IT career today.
Many consider hands-on experience the most important aspect of attaining an entry-level IT job. The key to hands-on experience is that it can be obtained in a variety of settings.
You can volunteer for a non-profit or local business. Local businesses and nonprofits are often desperate for any help they can get, especially from in-person volunteers. Volunteering is a great opportunity to get your hands on some technology and fill up your resume with new skills.
Internships are another option for gaining hands-on experience, but they are not as available and open as nonprofits. You get internships through colleges or universities that partner with reputable companies. If your dream is to work for one of the big FAANG companies, an internship can be your direct pipeline to your destination.
Lastly, a home lab setup is another way to gain vital hands-on IT experience. In the past, a common path for an aspiring IT professional would be to purchase a secondhand computer and networking equipment and trial and error different things to learn more about IT hardware.
Today, it’s much simpler. With the help of virtual machines and simulation software, you can easily recreate Windows or Linux environments as well as hardware configuration setups. If you break something, you can always restart your machine and start over. The possibilities are endless.
Networking, without a doubt, is the biggest factor in gaining an entry-level job. While gaining hands-on experience and education is very important, who you know can ultimately make the difference if you are hired or not. Since IT in itself is not a standardized career like a teacher, lawyer, doctor, nurse, or engineer with requirements like degrees and license exams, hiring in IT is really up to the organization doing the hiring.
Another aspect of networking is being an internal candidate for an open position. When it comes to interviewing and hiring IT talent, preference is usually given to internal employees and referrals, and then it goes to outside applicants secondarily. So, even if you don’t know the hiring manager or team, being on the inside will drastically increase your chances of obtaining your first IT job. At the very least, being an internal candidate will get you in contact with a recruiter or human resources representative who can be of help or advice.
Rather than focus on education, hands-on-experience, or networking, a balanced approach will give you the best opportunity at obtaining your first coveted IT job. With a resume filled with a solid education, quality hands-on-experience, and getting your name out there to the right people, you will be well on your way towards achieving your goals.