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Dreaming About Working in IT? Here’s How to Pull It Off

Gloria Martinez

Dreaming About Working in IT? Here’s How to Pull It Off

Check out Coda to find out how this

intuitive platform⁠

is bringing teams together and changing the face of IT.

Are you dreaming about a job in IT but aren’t sure how to make it a reality? If so, you’ll be happy to know that it’s often easier than you’d think. However, if you want to join the

12+ million⁠

people who work in technology, you want to use the right approach. Here’s a look at the steps you need to take to make your dream a reality.

Choose a Tech Field

While it may seem like the first thing you need to do to launch an IT career is head to college, that isn’t the case. Instead, it’s wise to check out the various tech job options and

learning tools⁠

before you sign up for a degree plan.

Each specialty area requires a unique skill set. If you don’t figure out which capabilities you’ll need to land your dream job, you may accidentally concentrate on the wrong skills while getting your education.

Plus, your earnings potential can vary from one IT job to the next. For example, here is a look at a few tech positions and their average annual salaries:

Forensic Computer Analyst –

$75,073⁠

⁠

Data Scientist –

$103,930⁠

⁠

Network Operations Engineer –

$83,084⁠

⁠

Software Engineer –

$116,510⁠

⁠

As you can see, there is a pretty notable difference between those yearly pay rates. If you have your sights set on earning a particular amount, make sure you do some salary research before you start focusing on any specific tech area.

Get the Right Education

A college education is usually the foundation of a strong tech career. Often, beginning with a Bachelor’s degree is a wise move. That level of education gives you critical skills that can make you eligible for many IT roles, depending on the exact major you pursue.

However, if you want to sharpen your capabilities and stand out from the pack, going back to school and earning an online Master’s degree in IT could be a great choice. You’ll learn about information technology management, cybersecurity, data analytics, or other vital areas that turn you into an in-demand professional.

Plus, by

getting your Master’s online⁠

, you get a ton of flexibility. You can complete your degree at your own pace, ensuring you have enough time to work or handle personal obligations.

Nail Your Job Search

After you earn your degree, it’s job search time. As your first step, spend some time defining your ideal entry-level job. Consider what duties you’d like or the skills you want to use. Figure out what kind of company culture best meets your needs, as well as what is a fair salary for your preferred role.

Once you do that, use the information to find opportunities that align best with your needs and preferences. While you may not find perfect matches, you want to make sure that the role is close enough to what you want to offer you appropriate job satisfaction, growth potential, and compensation.

When you find a contender, take a moment to target your resume. Speak to the required skills listed in the job description,

using keywords⁠

from the posting whenever possible.

Finally, spend time practicing for your interview. You can

increase your confidence⁠

by rehearsing your answers, ensuring you’ll come across as a prepared professional when you meet with the hiring managers. Plus, it gives you a chance to hone your replies, allowing you to cultivate engaging, thorough answers that are guaranteed to impress.

⁠

Image via

Pexels⁠

⁠

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