So, you want to get into IT or you think you might want to get into IT. Well, great. This video is for you. Consider this video your handy beginners guide for getting started in IT, no matter what your experience level is. In this video, we'll give you the inside scoop on what you want to know and why IT jobs are awesome.
Spoiler: They pay well, are in demand and offer great options for a healthy work-life balance.
Let’s take a look at some topics we’ll explore today:
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Let's get into it. Why are IT jobs awesome? First, they're in high demand. Tech is a growing industry that has added millions of jobs over the past decade. When it comes to IT support specialist jobs specifically, you'll find nearly a quarter of a million job postings in the U.S. each year. Over a third of those job postings are for entry-level positions, and opportunities are in nearly every industry.
There are IT jobs in movies, video games, education, healthcare, the automotive industry, you name it. You can even be an IT pro who works for the FBI or for the San Diego Zoo. Think about your hobbies and interests, and consider how they can be melded with a career in IT.
Another reason IT jobs are awesome is the pay. The median salary is about $51,000 in the U.S., but your salary will vary, of course, depending on where you live and who you work for. But the point is, starting salaries in IT are impressive.
Not only are IT salaries impressive, but so is the work-life balance. Work cultures are evolving, especially in the tech industry. To promote both quality of life and productivity, IT pros often have more flexible schedule options, and many IT jobs involve remote work, too, if working in pajamas is more your style.
Did you know that you might already have many of the skills you need to work in IT? We all have natural abilities and talents, and some of yours may be positioning you perfectly to succeed in IT. Are you a people person? Do you find creative ways to solve problems? Do you fix things around the house? Do you spot any trades as areas where you shine? If you're still wondering if IT is right for you, you can take our quiz to get your answer.
Now that you know which soft skills may help you, let's talk about the things that will help you when getting into IT support. If you're not familiar, IT certifications show you that you could walk the walk, not just talk the talk. What's really cool about certifications is they prepare you for the technical skills needed in the IT world. Even better, you do not necessarily need a four or even two-year degree to get into IT -- a degree is not always required for IT support jobs. Eighty-eight percent of HR managers use certifications as a screening tool or hiring criteria. We'll get to more info on certifications in this series. But for now, know that the CompTIA A+ certification is the industry standard in the IT industry and will help you get your foot in the door. Many employers recommend it, and some even require it. This includes big names such as IBM, Canon, Dell Alienwear and the U.S. Department of Defense. Yep, that's right.
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