Start a Career in Information Technology

Many people love the people in IT (Information Technology). This is a good field but it does not mean that you work with computers only. Helping others use their computers is often a big part of the job. This field is very big. From an ATM machine, to PC techies, to a graphic designer, these people are all in IT.

First, you must find out if you are already skilled in IT; most geeks are from the IT field. If you have a PC and use it for more than just typing and basic office work, then you have the right stuff for the job.
Make a list of what types of IT work you might be interested in. You can use Google to search for the types of fields available in IT. For example, if you love computer games, you can list "game testing," or "writing game software." If you enjoy designing, "graphic design" should go on your list.
Choose something that will make you happy. If you really enjoy it as a pastime, you will progress in skill much faster.
Get to know the right people. Many IT gurus love to assist people. Look into a formal or even casual apprenticeship. Make a geek your new best friend.
Once you know the right people and choose what fields to pursue, you can gather information about career options, rates of pay, likelihood of the field growing or shrinking over time, and so forth. This information will help you narrow your choices down to a select one or two ultimate job goals.
Search for educational opportunities in your area or online, and determine what the entry requirements are for each field of study. Make comparisons.
In some fields, it's possible to supplement self-taught skills with a few classes or an associate degree, and move right into the job market. The more education you get in the field, the better your income will probably be in the long run, but there are entry level jobs even for people with little education.
Look in to professional certifications. Even without a college degree an MCSE or A+ certification can gain you significant credibility.
Seek internships at reputable companies. An internship at Google or Microsoft will open a lot of doors for you later.
Write a competitive resume&e acute; and list it at Monster.com and/or other prominent internet job sites. Include any cities you'd be interested in moving to.
Take the best entry level job you can get, and in your spare time, focus on honing your skills and on keeping up with the constantly evolving applications, hardware, and software that you'll need to utilize.
Enjoy your new found celebrity geek status and your six-figure paycheck!


Don't give up hope. The fields of information technology are competitive and hectic.
Be prepared for constant change and a need to steadily increase your wealth of knowledge.
Have a strong sense of curiosity and a desire to know how things work.
Bring your unlimited patience. This field can often be frustrating.


Think carefully about your final career choice. Is this something you'll still want to do after 12 hours of things not going according to plan? What about a daily serving of constant frustration? Be sure this is what you want.
Expect dead ends. Sometimes, there are no easy solutions. Sometimes, you just have to start over.
Don't pick a job for the money. Pick it for your passion in that field. Then pick the highest paying job with the best opportunities.
When things go wrong, the IT department are the first ones to be blamed. When things go right, IT are the last ones to get credit. Do the job because you love it. Otherwise, you'll hate it.