If you have a knack for computer systems and information technology, then you may want to consider a career in IT. Like any industry, you can start in entry-level opportunities in IT, such as technical support specialist, junior web developer, IT support analyst, and help desk technician, and then work your way to more advanced positions. By gaining professional experience in entry-level roles, you can eventually be qualified for other IT positions.
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In this article, we discuss how to get an entry-level IT job and share what job titles you might consider when first entering this kind of career.
What is an entry-level IT job?
While an entry-level IT job typically requires little to no professional experience, you may need basic knowledge of programming languages, tools, and technologies. Skills include:
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Network and information security
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Cloud computing
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Virtualization
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Databases
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Operating systems
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Programming languages
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Web development
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Networking
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Project management
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Software development methodologies
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Data analytics and visualization
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Mobile app development
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Artificial intelligence and machine learning
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Cybersecurity and ethical hacking
Some employers might want candidates who have completed certain educational programs, internships or certifications for their entry-level IT roles.
How to get an entry-level IT job
Follow these steps to get your first IT job:
1. Complete your education
When determining what kind of entry-level IT job you want, it’s important to know what each job requires from candidates. While some jobs may only need you to have a high school diploma or GED, others may require you an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Other IT job titles may require you to complete training programs or earn certifications.
See if your high school or college has any career placement resources. Many IT companies reach out to schools to find recent graduates. Meeting with a career counselor is a great way to find out about upcoming job opportunities. They can also help you create your application materials, such as your cover letter and resume.
2. Acquire relevant skills
To acquire the relevant skills required for an entry-level IT job, you can consider enrolling in online courses, attending workshops, or pursuing certifications. You can also gain hands-on experience by working on personal projects or participating in coding boot camps. It’s also important to become familiar with commonly used software, such as word processors, group messaging software, cloud-sharing programs, and collaborative workspaces. Additionally, you can work on enhancing your communication and critical thinking skills, as IT roles often involve collaborating with a team and solving problems with clients and customers.
3. Update your resume
Your resume is the first impression an employer has of you, so it’s essential to create a professional and well-organized document that highlights your education, experience, and skills. In your resume, be sure to include your technical skills, programming languages, the software you’ve used, projects you’ve worked on, and any relevant certifications or training you’ve received. Also, consider adding any relevant experience that showcases your problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills. This can include internships, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities that have helped you develop teamwork and leadership abilities.
4. Network with people in the industry
If you have little to no IT experience, you may want to acquire some through an internship or volunteering. Along with learning some basic IT skills, you can also make important business connections through this kind of work. You may find that a company hires you as a full-time employee if you make a good impression. Even if they don’t have room to hire you, use this as a chance to gain referrals for your job search.
Networking is one of the top ways to get your first job. You can do this by reaching out to companies for informational interviews. The idea is that you’re the one interviewing employers or employees of a company that you might be interested in working at.
During this interview, you can ask them questions about the company and industry. Along with learning if you might want to work for this company, you’re establishing more professional contacts. Here are a few questions you can ask during your informational interview:
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Why did you choose to work in IT?
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What is the company culture like here?
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What could I do to stand out as an effective IT team member?
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What skills does someone at this company need?
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What’s it like to work for your company?
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What is your favorite thing about your job?
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What is your least favorite thing about your job?
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Is there anyone else you would recommend I talk to?
5. Look for internships and entry-level roles
If you’re looking to break into the IT field, securing an internship or entry-level role can be a great starting point. Internships provide hands-on experience and an opportunity to work on real-world projects while building your skill set and expanding your network. Entry-level positions, on the other hand, offer the chance to work in a professional environment and gain practical experience.
Additionally, reaching out to local IT companies and participating in IT-related events and workshops can help increase your chances of finding an opportunity. Some additional examples of IT internship titles and entry-level roles include:
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IT support intern
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Junior software developer
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Junior network engineer
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IT operations analyst
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Technical support specialist
8 entry-level IT jobs
Here are some jobs you might consider for entry-level IT roles.
1. Computer technician
National average salary: $25,524 per year
Primary duties: A computer technician provides computer and network support and tends to work for government offices, nonprofit organizations, and computer support businesses. Their responsibilities include setting up new computer systems, installing software, performing security updates, and providing technical assistance. They may also be in charge of onboarding new hires and helping those in non-IT roles learn new computer systems and software.
2. Computer operator
National average salary: $43,018 per year
Primary duties: A computer operator ensures computer systems are operating efficiently by reporting malfunctions and conducting regular maintenance. Their main duties include reporting system data, monitoring system operations, preparing equipment for operations by accessing software in a computer, troubleshooting user issues, resolving error messages, and managing computer inventory. A computer operator often works on a team of other IT staff members, collaborating to solve problems.
3. IT support specialist
National average salary: $49,434 per year
Primary duties: An IT support specialist helps users with technical support requests. They help troubleshoot issues with computer software and hardware explain new systems to users, install software, and resolve technical issues. This role may also involve documenting processes and providing regular software updates for team equipment. If an IT support specialist doesn’t know how to resolve an issue, they may refer these more difficult cases to a support technician or a senior analyst.
4. Help desk analyst
National average salary: $51,393 per year
Primary duties: A help desk analyst provides technical support to colleagues and clients of their company, often acting as a liaison between users and the IT department. Common job duties include assisting with system setup, answering IT questions, and installing new software and hardware. This role may also involve documenting and tracking issues using a ticketing system. Since many companies want 24/7 support, someone in this role may work nights and weekends.
5. IT operations associate
National average salary: $55,236 per year
Primary duties: An IT operations associate helps IT operations managers complete clerical and administrative tasks. Common job duties involve answering phones, scheduling appointments, creating work schedules, enforcing company policies, helping with accounting-related needs, and tracking daily operations. An IT operations associate may also monitor the IT department’s inventory, place orders as needed, as well as maintain the company’s databases.
6. Technical writer
National average salary: $62,270 per year
Primary duties: A technical writer takes technical information and translates it into easy-to-understand documents. They’re responsible for choosing the type of documentation of a project, doing research to collect information, working with technology-focused team members to understand processes, and editing the content of other technical writers. Because many people need help understanding the way technical systems work, a technical writer can collaborate with developers, engineers, and other IT staff to get an in-depth understanding of the product or service.
7. Network technician
National average salary: $64,052 per year
Primary duties: A network technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing computer and network systems. This technical role involves helping set up internet connections and different kinds of networks. Some of their major responsibilities include selecting equipment and programs for companies, educating employees on how networks operate, providing technical support to clients, and securing computer networks against cyber attacks. This role may also involve disaster management and comprehensive data backups.
8. Database administrator
National average salary: $91,873 per year
Primary duties: A database administrator oversees software databases that include client records, census information, statistical surveys, user accounts, and library catalogs. They ensure access to databases is secured from cyber attacks. It’s their responsibility to back up system data so that it’s available for recovery in the event of a system failure. Their other job duties include creating user accounts, assisting with database design and development activities, determining permission settings, modifying database structures, merging multiple databases, and monitoring hardware and operating systems.
I hope you find this article helpful.
