How to choose the best IT career for you

Considering your interests, skills, education, and experience can provide valuable insights and help you make informed decisions about choosing the best IT career path. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

What are your interests?

Are you the type of person to click through every page of a new website, tool, or program? Do you have a penchant for finding bugs in software? If you’re the patient type that likes helping end users, IT helpdesk roles might suit you. If you’re someone who loves analyzing data and defining company-wide standards, you might search for positions like a computer systems analyst or network engineer. The key is to reflect on specific areas of technology that spark your curiosity.

What are your skills?

Consider your proficiency in programming languages, database management, network administration, cybersecurity, cloud computing, or specific software applications. Assess your math and analytical abilities, as these are highly valuable in many IT roles (such as data analytics, machine learning, and algorithm development).

On the other hand, your ability to convey technical concepts in a clear and concise manner and your capacity to work well with others are highly valued skills in IT project management, consulting, and client-facing roles. The IT field evolves rapidly; adaptability and openness to continuous learning is necessary.

What education do you have?

It’s important to assess both your formal education, such as an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree, and any IT certifications you have (or want to obtain). These educational credentials can shape your IT career in different ways.

A formal education (such as a college degree) in a field like computer science, information technology, or software engineering can give you a strong foundation in IT concepts and principles. It also demonstrates your commitment to academic learning and can serve as a valuable qualification when applying for entry-level IT positions.

However, IT certifications can look just as good on a resume. They’re especially important in the IT field, as they allow you to specialize in specific technologies or roles. For example, Microsoft certifications, Cisco certifications, or coding certifications like CompTIA A+, Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), or AWS Certified Developer can enhance your credibility and marketability in those respective areas.

While formal education and certifications can enhance your qualifications, they are not the only keys to a successful IT career. Practical experience, hands-on projects, and continuous learning through self-study and professional development also play vital roles in helping you land an information technology job.

What experience do you have?

Even if you don’t have direct IT experience, certain aspects of your previous roles can highlight transferable skills and demonstrate your potential for success in IT jobs. Reflect on the following:

• Have you worked on any technology-related projects? These could include tasks like implementing software solutions, managing databases, troubleshooting technical issues, or coordinating IT security protocols.
• Have you supported or trained others on technology tools or systems? This could involve assisting with software installations, troubleshooting common issues, or conducting training sessions.
• Have you demonstrated problem-solving or analytical skills? Think about situations where you have overcome challenges or improved processes. These experiences can highlight your critical thinking abilities, which are highly valuable in many IT roles (e.g., data analysis, systems administration, or software development).
• Have you pursued any IT-related side projects or self-learning initiatives? These could include building websites, developing mobile apps, participating in open-source projects, or acquiring IT certifications through self-study.

What are the best-paid IT jobs?

Let’s get down to business: what are the most lucrative fields to consider? Here are some of the highest-paid IT jobs, their salary ranges, and basic job information:

• Data scientists analyze complex data sets to identify trends, patterns, and insights. They develop statistical models and algorithms to solve business problems and drive data-driven decision-making. They earn an average of $141,524 per year.
• Security engineers design, implement, and maintain security systems and protocols to protect an organization’s digital infrastructure. They’re also well-paid, with an average annual salary of $145,445.
• DevOps engineers bridge the gap between development and operations teams by automating processes, optimizing software delivery pipelines, and ensuring efficient collaboration. These high-earners bring in around $128,464 each year, on average.
• Cloud architects assess business requirements, select appropriate cloud platforms, and design scalable and secure cloud solutions. They also provide guidance on integration with existing systems. These IT professionals also make a decent living: an average annual salary of $140,940.

Land your IT dream job

Landing your dream job in the field of IT requires careful consideration of your interests, skills, education, experience, and the specific job market. By exploring different IT career paths, assessing your qualifications, and aligning them with industry demands, you can increase your chances of finding a fulfilling and rewarding IT career.

So, what are you waiting for? Join Handshake today to kick-start your career in the dynamic world of IT. Create your profile, set up job alerts, and watch the opportunities roll in.