How to start a career in the computer field
June 13, 2009 by admin
Filed under Information Technology Jobs
The Computing field. One of the most vast, diverse and flexible industries. That’s a big statement to make, so let me explain what I mean.
The computing arena is so vast that whether your academic background has been in this realm, or whether you are coming from a completely different background, this industry offers you a wide range of jobs and unlike many other sectors, also offers many junior opportunities, or ones where priority is placed on professional qualifications attained, over experience.
This means that the two most common obstacles people face are almost eliminated: age and academic qualifications.
If you have been in industry for years, it is never too late to pursue a career change towards the computing industry. If you do not come from an academic or professional computing background, you can undertake professional qualifications, where all you need is money and time. Even if you work, so many of these courses are designed for such cases and provide part-time, evening or short course solutions.
So this brings us to how?
Step 1: Profile
The best way is to start is from a blank canvas. List what you feel your strengths are and ask yourself the right questions. For example:
* Do you enjoy working in a people/client facing role or prefer to work independently as a member or a team?
* Do you like your role to be varied or would you prefer one which stays the same on a daily basis?
Answering these as honestly as possible means that you can build up a true profile of yourself which will help you decide which branch of the computing industry you are best suited to. For example, if you enjoy client facing roles, maybe the career for you is an IT Trainer or IT Consultant. If you prefer being part of a team but working more privately maybe a career in Development or Testing suits you.
Step 2: Explore
Start broad computing job searches on various online job agencies. This will show you the various jobs available so that you can:
* See the demand: you can assess which careers are and are not in demand. Also consider which roles you think have the potential of long term security.
* See job descriptions: this will enable you to see if your profile fits the job descriptions. You can decide whether it is something that you think you would enjoy and be good at.
This is the best way of getting an unbiased and varied view of the jobs available in the computing industry.
Step 3: Shortlist and Research
From the job titles that you felt good about during step 2, start typing them into Google so that you can find out more about the job, and other useful facts like salary trends.
Step 4: Defined Job Search
From that shortlist try and focus on one particular job title and start searching for it on online agency websites. Now you need to see what you need to get your foot in the door, most commonly, a professional qualification. Often different jobs ask for different qualifications but you will start noticing a trend where certain qualifications are repeatedly asked for. Look into these and see if you think they are attainable. If so, find out about the course and book it!
Step 5: Go get it!
Now the last step is to go for it! Get your qualification. They do tend to cost a significant amount of money but view it as an investment. Tailor your CV and Covering Letter towards the job role and start applying!
Good Luck!