TechCareer Compass (TCC)

I'm New to the IT Industry

Finding your first job in IT is important, but sometimes it's tough to know where to start. TCC will help you determine the next steps you should take in order to build a career in the IT industry.

Start Your IT Career with the TechCareer Compass (TCC)

Building an IT Career is a continuous process:

IT Process Graphic

Step 1:
First, take the Interest Quiz to decide which information and communications technology (ICT) careers appeal to you. The quiz will suggest specific areas, such as support, technical writing, development or systems administration.

Step 2:
Once you complete the quiz, look up your suggested job titles in the Explore Job Roles option. For example, if the Interest Quiz suggests technical support, enter "tech support" in the job title field. You can also search by IT Concentrations, such as administration or development, by using the search criteria drop-down box.

Click on the job title to read a detailed description. If it is something that interests you, take the Skills Gap Analysis and compare your current skills and abilities to those needed for this job role.

Step 3:
After assessing the skills you need for the job, start looking for a training provider that offers the required education or certification needed for your desired job title.

Step 4:
When your training is complete, start your job search. Let employers know of your preparation, skills, knowledge and personal interest in the job.

IT Pro Advice

Your first IT job is more than just a bullet point on your resume. It creates new opportunities and future career options. Below are some tips to help you achieve success:

Assure future employers that you are good investment. Hiring is an expensive and time consuming process. Employers look for individuals who are not only knowledgeable, but are also reliable. It's a good idea to have references that can vouch for your credibility.

Certification adds trust to your name and job application. Choose certifications that are widely recognized and respected by the industry. A certification behind your name shows employers that you have proven knowledge beyond training and education alone.

Entry-level IT jobs typically consist of routine tasks or services. As a beginner in the industry, you may find yourself in a role such as technician, customer service, repair associate or starting developer. Although you may not have much responsibility at first, these jobs are critical to helping an organization run smoothly. Don't be discouraged, eventually you will gain enough experience to move to more advanced roles.

Entry-level positions are a great way to transition into the IT industry. Because professionals in entry-level positions tend to move on after gaining experience, this area usually has more openings.