Jumping Into IT
Recently, I had a few students ask how to get into the Information Technology field from a point of zero experience. I created the Cyber Zero to Hero series on YT to provide some hard skills learning but thought I should address the challenges of jumping into IT through a straightforward article.
The information technology field is expanding to house many types of experts that help support the daily operations of almost every job across the globe. Think about it... we have nurses using electronic record systems to chart, police and fire personnel using computers to manage the flow of emergency information, sales teams supporting their products online, professors teaching their courses with a quick record button, and machinery being connected to networks to complete tasks from mass manufacturing to ringing up your lunch order. Tech is everywhere and the people in the information technology field are working around the clock to keep these live systems running.
If you are a student eager to jump into IT for the first time or a seasoned professional aiming to switch fields, there are plenty of disciplines to explore today. After a quick search online, you may find suggestions to learn a programming language, explore a software tool, start building your own hardware, create a database, explore virtualization and containerization, the entire cloud, and... and... starting to feel a bit like an overwhelming list? That's because it is.
Most people seeking to jump into IT start off on a path in one discipline only to get sidetracked by another, scraping at the surface without making much progress. The daunting activity of climbing the IT mountain might discourage new learners before they get their start. The current marketplace offers an endless number of products and organizations get pretty specific when seeking talent. How can someone get into IT and prove they are up to the task?
Here are my tips for jumping into IT:
Utilize the online tools available through YouTube or LinkedIn Learning. Learn from the best using structured, easy to follow learning tools. Practice activities ready for download or guides that help you follow along using your own host machine will give you the direct experience needed.
Focus on systems over checking a box. Learn how to navigate through the command line, pop in and out of directories, create files, use text editors, explore syntax, and annotate along the way. Once you have the basics down, you can do a deep dive into specific languages or packages. Some flavors may support your favorite tools and help keep you energized to learn more.
Pursue certifications. Certifications are great to use as checkpoints along the journey. Start with basic certifications and climb the ladder once you feel that your skills have advanced. Remember, certifications may open up the door for an interview, but you have to be skilled enough to pass assessments or accomplish tasks to support your team after hire.
Focus on hard technical skills from the start. Definitions and concepts are great to know but ensure that you focus on building hard skills from the start of your path. Don't wait to get started on spinning up a virtual environment to test in. Create programs, download tools, then wipe it and start again using a different distribution. Get familiar with updating operating systems, packages, and the various tools you may use daily to get the job done.
Don't forget methodology and policies. You must understand the why behind the design of information systems. Consider creating a mock policy or thinking about a better design that may offer solutions to a team. Build soft skills to compliment your expertise in your discipline.
As always, if you have any questions -- feel free to send me a direct message. Have any tips for me? Send those my way as well.
Thanks for taking the time to read this week and the continued support!
