DEVELOPING A REWARDING IT CAREER

Due to the diversity that can be found in IT certifications and the growing demand for IT professionals – thanks to advancements in technology, it remains a popular career choice among college students and professionals that are switching careers alike. But gone are the days where an IT career began by simply applying for a position and working your way through the ranks. The majority of organizations will set a list of prerequisites that need to be met before a candidate will be considered for a position.

Below we will take a look at the different ways in which you can ensure that your IT career gets off to a flying start.

Gain a trusted certification

One of the most common requirements before being considered for a position, is having a certification listed on your CV. This gives employers the peace of mind that new recruits are well versed in IT and have already gained at least the foundational knowledge that is necessary to be a contributing member of their IT department.

The CompTIA A+ certification is considered to be the perfect starting point for an IT career as it lays a solid foundation of knowledge from where a lucrative career can be built. It is also one of the certifications that is most commonly required by recruiters. The most convenient way to gain this certification is by studying an online CompTIA A+ course, giving you ample time to complete your studies from the comfort of your own home.

Keep your skills up to date

Technology is evolving at an astonishing rate with news of emerging tech being released on a near-daily basis. This can make it difficult to stay current with changes in the IT field. It is, however, possible to ensure that your skills and knowledge don’t become outdated by writing re-certification exams or by following trustworthy sources of tech news, such as print media, trade journals and trusted websites.

Further study

As mentioned earlier, the IT field has a myriad of career options to offer, depending on the area of IT that interests you the most. After gaining a foundational certification, it is possible to study further by choosing the certifications that will steer you towards the branch of IT that best suits you.

Whether it be IT security, networking, cloud computing, web design or graphic design, you will have a range of options at your disposal when deciding on the direction that you wish to follow. This will also ensure that your CV is diversified, enabling you to progress your career and further adding to your skill set.

Soft skills

Being a team player can play a major role in career development. If your employer feels that you work well with others and that you are an asset to their organisation, career advancement becomes a greater possibility. This is where your soft skills will be tested on a daily basis, as is always the case when working closely with other individuals.

Some of the soft skills that employers consider to be vital are good communication, a strong work ethic, time management skills, flexibility in your duties, adapting to stressful circumstances, punctuality and the ability to not only lead well, but also being a good follower.

The IT industry is one that is laden with opportunity and following the right steps towards your IT career will ensure that it is one that will become truly lucrative and rewarding. As technology continues to develop and evolve, so does the IT industry, ensuring that those with a passion for IT are assured continuous growth and seemingly endless career opportunities.