The time is right to kickstart your career in technology — are you ready? There are currently more than 3.97 million tech jobs available* in the United States, meaning the US has a demand for technology professionals. This increased number of remote workers has created a greater need for qualified information technology (IT) professionals to support teams across all industries with their skills and expertise.
Potential for high salaries, growing job opportunities, and flexible remote work options make a career in technology an attractive option for job seekers. Is it right for you? Before you can succeed behind the computer, you’ll need to earn valuable real-world experience in information technology to complement your education. This experience will position you as a strong candidate for potential employers and prepare you for a long and successful career in IT after graduation.
If you’ve identified a specialization within technology that you’re interested in, such as data administration, app development, tech support, or software engineering, this is your chance to gain deeper experience in that field. If you are still exploring your options within IT, you can now learn more about what’s possible and make an informed decision on your preferred pathway.
Looking to gain the experience that will ultimately propel you to an exciting IT career? Here are four approaches to help maximize your IT potential.
Research
One of the coolest things about gaining IT experience is that you can do it from the comfort of your own home. Take advantage of the abundance of resources available to you and discover how easy it is to self-teach. Hone your skills by practicing on computer systems and equipment available to you. Watch how-to videos to gain proficiency in this ever-evolving field. Thanks to the wide array of information online, you can advance your knowledge of technology trends and topics on your own time and in your own way.
Internships
Even if much of your experience comes from being self-taught, you can learn a lot about the IT field from an internship. Internships give you the requisite professional and personal skills to enter the field with confidence. Plus, you will stand out in a competitive job market and increase your chances of landing a job you love by adding this real-world experience to your resume. To give yourself the best chance of earning an internship that aligns with your professional goals, start looking as soon as possible. Internships can be found both through online searches and assistance from your school’s student support services.
Certifications
A great way to highlight your technological understanding and proficiency is by earning certifications. Not only do they help you develop professional skills, but they also give prospective employers the ability to quickly assess your technical skills. Because technology is an ever-evolving field, it’s always beneficial to keep up with IT trends and topics. Even among seasoned industry workers, IT certifications are often required to ensure that the most advanced techniques are being used. You can search for your own line to locate the top certifications required or recommended in your field. Use this opportunity to explore different specializations and get the most well-rounded experience possible.
Networking
Like any career, you can learn a lot from those who walked the path before you. While much of IT work is done independently, being able to effectively network and connect with other professionals is a skill that will take you far in your career. Visit professional networking events to meet professionals in your field and spark a meaningful connection. Scour LinkedIn and other networking sites to locate leaders or people you want your career to mimic. Expanding your network not only expands your knowledge of the field but also allows you to keep a pulse on the fast-moving world of technology. There are plenty of experienced IT professionals that can serve as mentors and collaborators throughout your career; finding them may only be a click or two away.
When it comes to stepping into the exciting world of technology, you’ll do your future self a service by putting your most experienced foot forward. Position yourself for long-term success by using the resources available to you, and seeking out help from those who can positively impact the trajectory of your career. Prepare to flourish in your IT career by taking advantage of Herzing University’s selection of online IT programs. From an IT certificate to a bachelor’s, there are a variety of flexible programs to support your long-term goals. A career in IT is waiting for you — will you answer the call?
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* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2022 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.
