If you enjoy working with computers and solving problems, a career in Information Technology may be a good fit for you. The field is continually evolving, and opportunities for growth and advancement are endless. If you’re considering beginning a new career, this article will share some of the advantages and disadvantages of a career in the IT field.
Here Are 15 Reasons Why IT is a Great Career Choice
Here are some of the top advantages (pros) of pursuing a
career in the IT (information technology) field:
REASON #1: IN-DEMAND.
Career opportunities in computer and information technology
are growing.
The gap between these opportunities and those qualified to
fill the positions is also growing. As technology evolves daily, so does the
need for new, innovative employees with the latest up-to-date training to enter
the field. As the demand grows, so do the opportunities for growth and
advancement.
REASON #2: EXCITING WORK.
If you are fascinated by computers, then a career in
Information Technology just makes sense. You will have the opportunity to do
something fun every day and maybe be amazed by how technology is applied to
different industries.
REASON #3: FLEXIBLE WORK OPTIONS.
Working technology is a necessity for just about every
occupation. The options are endless, from government and healthcare to small
businesses and agriculture.
Many IT positions are typical office hours, but you may be
able to find positions that allow you to work remotely, work during odd hours, or work on a project-by-project basis. When you’re skilled at what you do,
where and when you do it may be flexible.
REASON #4: PROBLEM-SOLVING.
IT is a great career field for anyone who enjoys solving a
riddle. When you arrive in the office, it’s impossible to know what problems
may arise and what solutions you may develop. It’s a constant challenge, but if
you are excited about meeting the challenge head-on, this career will not
disappoint.
REASON #5: WORK IN A GROWING INDUSTRY.
Advancements in technology are not slowing down any time
soon. In fact, many industries are finding new ways to use automation and
computers to improve a customer’s experience. This industry has exploded over
the past 20 years, and the train is not slowing down!
REASON #6: ABILITY TO WORK REMOTELY.
Working from home has become a popular trend, but it’s not
always possible with some careers. Luckily, IT is one career that does allow
for some flexibility. After an initial setup, most IT troubleshooting work is
done on a computer over the Internet. With the right skills and training, you
may be able to find positions that are completely remote.
A study has found that there are many important benefits to
remote or flexible work. A 2018 survey found that most people said having a
more flexible job would have a positive impact on their quality of life. While
a job in IT may be challenging, it may also allow for a greater work-life
balance.
REASON #7: EASY TO LEARN IT CONCEPTS.
If you use technology regularly, much of the work you do may
be intuitive. Automations are meant to make life easier, after all. If you are
handy with a computer and have spent some time troubleshooting issues at home,
you may find learning IT concepts comes naturally. If you get stuck, plenty of
resources help you understand different techniques to address and resolve the
issue at hand.
REASON #8: QUICK EDUCATION.
Working in IT requires you to have specialized knowledge and
the ability to prove your skills, and many employers do not require candidates
to have a college degree. You can gain new skills and build your resume by
completing an IT Training Program.
If you are unsure where to start with a career in
Information Technology, you should consider enrolling in an IT Program. The
program covers a wide variety of topics, and at the end of the program, you
should feel confident applying for entry-level positions in the field.
REASON #9: CAREER GROWTH.
We all know technology is changing daily, but someone with
basic skills to get started can evolve with the technology and build a career
that can last. There are plenty of opportunities to go in-depth on certain
topics and gain certifications that can quickly help you advance your IT
career.
REASON #10: FEEL GOOD BY HELPING PEOPLE.
At its core, a career in IT is all about helping people. You
can take great satisfaction in sharing your skills and knowledge with those who
need it. Your work helps protect people’s privacy, makes working more
efficient, and solves important issues.
REASON #11: OPPORTUNITY TO BE CREATIVE.
A career in IT is a great fit for out-of-the-box thinkers.
Sometimes complex problems call for creative solutions, and this is where you
will have the opportunity to shine.
REASON #12: QUALITY TRAINING OPTIONS.
One of the great things about working in such a quickly
growing field in the technology sector is the availability of training options
open to you due to the high demand for qualified technicians. You can begin
training for a career in IT completely online in just a few hours a week or get
more comprehensive training through a trade school program.
There are plenty of programs that offer hands-on learning
experiences and the opportunity to learn from people who have worked in the
field. Don’t be intimidated by an in-person program. These programs offer
training on a wide variety of topics that will set you up for success no matter
what direction you decide to go with your career and can be completed in as few
as ten months.
REASON #13: AVAILABILITY OF FINANCIAL AID.
Some people are nervous about beginning a new career because
of the cost of training, but that’s not really an excuse for a career in IT.
When you enroll in a trade school program, you can apply for financial aid that
may make the program more affordable than you thought.
REASON #14: YOU WILL LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERY DAY.
As an IT technician, you never know what issues may come up
during the day. As new software comes out and new programs, there is always
something new to explore and something new to learn. The more you learn, the
more chances you may have to grow in the field.
REASON #15: IT IS A CAREER THAT WILL TEACH YOU PERSISTENCE.
In the Information Technology Field, you have the option to
try different solutions until you find the one that works. Sometimes it takes
several attempts, but you’ll learn to keep trying until you reach your goal.
SHOULD YOU TRAIN TO BEGIN A CAREER IN THE IT FIELD?
You should train for a career in the IT field if you
have an interest in technology, enjoy solving problems, and like providing
great customer service. If you are driven to learn, you can build a rewarding
career that’s flexible and fulfilling in the Information Technology Field.
Careers in this industry have skyrocketed in the past ten
years, and the field is only expected to grow. Information technology is an
excellent choice for someone looking to start a new career because it has the
right combination of potential and need. Not enough people have the training to
take on a position in this field, giving those who do a huge advantage. Many
people have begun to recognize this potential so the more training you can
achieve, the better your chances are of finding the perfect job position.
A day in the life of someone in an Information Technology
position may include fixing, maintaining or offering support to manage an
organization’s computer systems. You never know what problems you may
encounter, so you’ll need training on the latest tools and techniques to keep
up. As the industry evolves, there is always something new to learn, making
this a great option for someone who likes things fast-paced and who does not
want to be bored.
An IT Technician’s job is to solve problems that help a
business function more efficiently. It’s a great feeling to use your unique
skills to help an entire organization.
You should train for a career as an IT Technician if you
have or would like to develop these skills:
- Great
communication. As an IT Technician, you’re often helping people
who are not good with technology solve their technical problems. This can
require patience, but it also requires you to be able to communicate
clearly.
- Ability
to work with your hands for repairs and installations. IT work is
hands-on when you are installing a system or equipment. If you enjoy
understanding how things work, this is a good career for you.
- Organized. IT
Technicians help install new equipment and then manage and keep it running
over time. It’s helpful for someone in this position to be organized and
keep good notes about how old equipment is and any issues that have popped
up repeatedly.
- Value people’s privacy. Privacy is a huge issue for individuals and for businesses. It’s often left up to the IT department to protect a business’s valuable information stored within its computer system.
HOW CAN I START A CAREER IN IT?
If starting a career in IT sounds like a good fit for you,
getting started is easier than you may think. The IT field is constantly
evolving and creating new opportunities to get started with any amount of
experience. In fact, there is no universal way to begin a career in the IT
field. Following these steps may be one of the easiest and quickest ways to
build a foundation of knowledge and begin a career you can be proud of:
Step 1: Research opportunities.
There are so many different positions to consider in the IT
field. Before you begin your training, it may be helpful to have an idea of
what type of work you enjoy the most. Do you like working with your hands or
installing new equipment? Do you prefer troubleshooting issues? Maybe you have
a passion for cyber security. Do you want to work remotely someday?
Take some time to talk to those currently working in the
field to better understand their daily responsibilities. It’s always a good
idea to seek comprehensive training, but getting certified in one area may give
you a better chance of doing that daily.
Step 2: Research training opportunities.
There are so many ways to gain knowledge about the IT field.
There are hundreds of online training and videos that will offer a wealth of
information, but programs that are set up to prepare you for a career are
rarely free. You should expect to invest some money in your training.
Step 3: Enroll in and complete a training program.
Many trade colleges offer programs in Information Technology or Computer and Network Technician (CNT). These programs provide an excellent foundation for a career in the IT field. Further training adds to your opportunities.
Step 4: Update your resume.
A resume is an important part of any job search, but in the
IT field, which depends so much on experience and knowledge, it is even more
crucial. The skills portion of your resume should highlight the courses you’ve
taken.
You can add to your resume by volunteering to do some
projects on a freelance basis or seeking professional certifications.
There are dozens of certifications available, but the most
popular include CompTia, Microsoft, Oracle, Certified Ethical Hacker, Certified
Information Systems Security Professional, and Certified Information Security
Manager. Certifications are paramount for most IT jobs and for advancing in the
field.
Step 5: Apply for positions.
Equipped with training, experience, and a great resume, you are ready to begin applying for IT positions.