Faster, stronger, and more efficient – the pace of IT progress is breathtaking, and with it comes a multitude of chances to capitalize. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, IT occupations are projected to grow significantly from 2022 to 2032, with about 377,500 expected annual job openings . This growth is faster than the average for all occupations due to technological advances and the need to replace retiring workers. More than double the average for all occupations, the median annual wage for these roles was $100,530 in May 2022.
If you’re new to the workforce or itching for a change, IT is a field that can bring both personal fulfillment and a fat paycheck. The path to a successful transition begins with clearly defined goals – let us show you how to get started on the right foot.
Goals for a Smooth IT Transition
Setting achievable goals and regularly assessing your progress is vital for success in IT. This systematic approach not only maintains focus but also aids in tracking development and aligning with career aspirations. According to a study on FounderJar, people with goals are ten times more likely to succeed, and those who set actionable tasks and report progress to a supportive peer can achieve their goals 40% faster.
Surprisingly, FounderJar cited statistics indicating that 92% of people do not achieve their goals. In comparison, 8% follow a consistent pattern for success, including setting specific, challenging goals and being passionate about them.
Establish a Strong IT Foundation
A solid programming, networking, and system administration foundation is essential for a successful IT transition. A sturdy foundation is crucial for making the leap to new IT systems – it’s the very groundwork that will keep your business running smoothly during the transition.The tech landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, and the price of admission is possession of serious skills – skills that open doors and yield real-world results. Career Success Coach, Rob, highlights this necessity: “Understanding the ‘IT language’ is crucial. You can be a whiz at IT, but if you can’t explain it to the CEO, it’s a wasted skill. Lucky for newbies, there are plenty of resources to tap into. If you’re looking to upskill or reskill in IT, you’re in luck – many community colleges and universities now offer intensive programs and online courses that can take your career to the next level. Yellow Tail Tech’s Lnx for Jobs gets you job-ready, building your knowledge from the ground up. Say goodbye to guesswork and hello to learning with purpose: structured learning paths lay out a clear direction for gaining the knowledge and experience you need. Reflecting the industry’s evolving needs, the most in-demand tech skills for 2022 were cybersecurity, data science and analytics, AI and machine learning, cloud computing, and software development.In 2023, we saw web development, DevOps, and database software skills emerge as the top in-demand tech skills, according to Statista. The pace of change in IT is relentless, and staying ahead of the curve demands constant skill updates and flexibility.
Stay Abreast of Emerging Tech Trends
The IT industry constantly changes due to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Keeping abreast of these trends is crucial, as they significantly influence the industry’s direction and opportunities. The McKinsey Tech Trends Outlook 2023 report shows that tech-related job postings grew 15% between 2021 and 2022, compared to a 13% drop in global job postings.
As Rob aptly notes, “Technology changes daily. To keep up with these changes and trends, you must be a full-time student for the rest of your life.” This lifelong learning approach is vital for professionals aiming to stay relevant and competitive in the IT sector.
To remain up-to-date, engaging with tech blogs, subscribing to tech newsletters like ‘TechCrunch’ and ‘Wired,’ and listening to podcasts such as ‘The Daily Tech News Show’ are effective strategies. This continuous engagement enriches your knowledge and positions you advantageously in the evolving job market.
The rapid expansion of particular tech markets further emphasizes staying current. For instance, the global AI market, valued at $428.00 billion in 2022, is projected to reach $2,025.12 billion by 2030. Cloud computing, another important market, was worth $546.1 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach USD 2,321 billion by 2032, growing by 16% between 2023 and 2032. AI and cloud computing are growing, and programs like Yellow Tail Tech’s Cloud for Jobs 2.0 help professionals learn the necessary skills.
Build Your Network in the Tech Community
In the tech industry, your professional network is your best asset – it can connect you with influential people, lead to new opportunities, and even find a mentor to guide you. Forget the Networking Lite approach of quick handshakes and superficial small talk – it’s time to build rich, meaningful relationships that spark growth and innovation. Having friends in the right places really paid off last year: 46% of job seekers discovered job openings through their social networks. And for those who parlayed those connections into interviews, the numbers were even more impressive – 54% of new hires were chalked up to good networking.
IT might not be the typical 9-to-5 job, but as Rob observes, its fast-paced, collaborative environment has its own rhymes and reasons. Unlike the more structured routines of retail or hospitality, IT’s success hinges on being able to navigate and belong in this dynamic, team-oriented ecosystem.
Tech meetups and professional networking sites like LinkedIn are invaluable for those in IT. These events, which often include workshops and discussions by industry experts, reveal the latest trends and best practices. In 2023, 88% of professionals considered networking crucial for their career progress, with 85% filling jobs through personal and professional connections.
Furthermore, according to 94% of top management and 88% of employees, a positive workplace culture affects not only talent acquisition and retention but also innovation and overall business performance. 79% of Americans believe attending tech meetups is vital for career advancement, so many embrace this practice.
Work on Real-World Projects or Internships
No amount of theory can replace the value of actual experience in the IT sector – it’s where the learning curve really takes off. So you want to break into tech? The best way to do that is by rolling up your sleeves and getting involved in real-world projects, internships, or volunteer work. Trust us, your resume (and your future employer) will thank you for the tangible experience and expertise you’ll gain. Forget Ivory Tower thinking – here, you’ll take the abstract concepts you’ve learned and plug them into the realities of the professional world, emerging with practical skills and a deep sense of preparedness. Muridi Jeilani (MJ), a Yellow Tail Tech alumnus, reflects on his journey: “My journey was filled with ups and downs. What I love most about what I do now is that I look at something new every day, and this keeps my job from becoming a boring thing I do over and over again.” MJ’s experience underscores IT roles’ dynamic and ever-evolving nature, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. The market needs data science and statistical analysis interns, as Indeed.com alone lists 877 statistical data analysis intern jobs. Furthermore, volunteering increases job prospects by 27%, according to the Corporation for National and Community Service. HR executives think volunteering counts – 81% of them consider it when making hiring decisions, and a solid 76% give it a big thumbs up, especially for new grads.
Insights for IT Aspirants
Rob offers crucial career advice for those hoping to transition into IT: “It’s super important to have a passion for the work you do in IT. It involves a lot of problem-solving and research. If you’re only doing it for the money, you will probably burn out quickly.” His words reflect the essence of goal-setting in IT—a blend of passion and strategic planning.
Reflecting, learning, and adapting are essential to your IT journey. The IT career path is a marathon, not a sprint, requiring perseverance, adaptability, and clear goals. The dynamic nature of IT makes it a great place to grow personally and professionally with the right mindset and strategy. Also, check these 5 IT career mistakes you should avoid.
Charting Your Course in IT: Key Steps to a Rewarding Career
Venturing into the IT sector is a path of learning and growth. Solidifying your IT foundations, staying abreast of technological trends, cultivating networks, garnering real-world experience, and setting attainable milestones are the stepping stones to a thriving career in this dynamic domain. It’s essential to foster persistence, nurture curiosity, and wholeheartedly embrace the ongoing learning journey intrinsic to IT.
As you embark on this new chapter, remember that the IT landscape is ready to welcome your aspirations and ambitions with myriad opportunities. To explore more about kickstarting your IT career, book a 10-minute intro call with an Enrollment Advisor now.
