Practical Strategies for Entering the IT Industry
Breaking into the world of information technology can seem overwhelming, especially for those without a formal technical background. However, with dedication, careful planning, and realistic expectations, it is entirely possible to build a successful career in this rapidly evolving field.
Industry professionals from around the globe have shared valuable insights for newcomers looking to establish themselves in one of the most dynamic industries today.
According to Olga Pogozheva, founder and CEO of Mellivora Software, the journey into IT begins with an honest assessment of one’s existing skills. “You have to be realistic: what skills do you already have?” she asked. “Are you a good writer? You can become a tech writer. Are you more on the tech side? The fastest way would be to become a QA specialist. Want to get deeper into coding? Great, that will take a bit longer but is totally worth it.”
Pogozheva warned against expecting quick results, particularly for those without any technical experience. “If you have zero background, if you struggle with logic or maths, or if your English is very basic, don’t think completing one online course means you’re ready for the profession. Without a foundation, you can’t just jump in and start making millions.”
She emphasized the importance of effort and building a solid foundation. “Don’t fall for shortcuts. Put in the effort, build your foundation, and success in IT is very much achievable.”
Education: A Key Step
For those looking to enter the industry, education remains essential. Pogozheva encouraged self-taught routes when university isn't feasible due to time, finances, or age. “Start with free courses from top universities,” she suggested. “Subscribe to YouTube channels, enrol in structured paid programmes, or attend offline bootcamps. The important thing is to choose a specific direction and pursue it with consistency.”
She also noted that while formal certification isn’t always necessary at the junior level, it becomes increasingly useful as one progresses. “Later, certifications from organisations like Cisco, CompTIA, or Microsoft can serve as proof of expertise and help boost your credibility.”
Beyond Salary: Considering Other Factors
While high-paying roles are attractive, corporate trainer and Quora contributor Rohit Bajpai encouraged aspiring professionals to consider other job characteristics. “Salary is important, but you should also look for jobs that offer long-term career growth, personal satisfaction and respect.”
He pointed out that the IT sector has expanded significantly, with total income reaching $167m in the past year alone. Some of the highest-paid jobs today include data analysts, machine learning specialists, and cybersecurity experts.
Emerging Fields: The Future of IT
Chuck Moeller highlighted the growing importance of machine learning and artificial intelligence in the future of IT. “Anyone who can design and optimise algorithms for AI and deep learning will be in high demand,” he said. “The acqui-hire price for a machine intelligence expert is already five times higher than that of a standard developer.”
Citing Google’s acquisition of DeepMind as an example, Moeller noted that AI specialists are now among the most valuable employees in the tech world. He added that there is still significant room for data scientists and engineers with expertise in cloud infrastructure and data modelling.
“Big data, mobility and AI will continue to define the most valuable IT roles over the next decade,” he predicted.
Hardware and System Roles: Not Just Coding
Not all IT roles require coding expertise. Ellie Rice, an account manager and tech recruiter, highlighted the enduring demand for computer hardware engineers and systems analysts. “Hardware engineers must combine creativity and logic to test systems for reliability and performance,” she explained. According to data from the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, the median annual income for hardware engineers was $115,120 in 2017, with growth projected to remain steady.
“Systems analysts also play a vital role,” she continued. “They assess business processes, recommend technological solutions, and ensure organisations remain competitive. They need to be excellent communicators, analytical thinkers, and up to date with the latest trends.”
Anamik Adhikary, former founder of Flarow, offered a historical perspective on IT job trends, noting the cyclical nature of demand. “In the 1990s and early 2000s, web developers were the most sought-after,” he said. “Then came mobile app developers with the rise of the iPhone. More recently, it’s been all about big data and cloud computing. Now we’re seeing massive interest in AI.”
He believes the future may shift towards roles in augmented reality, virtual reality, blockchain, and quantum computing. “The spotlight changes every few years, but as long as software exists, IT professionals will remain in demand.”
Play to Your Strengths
Jay Watt, a data warehousing consultant, had a simple message: focus on what you do best. “It’s tempting to chase whatever is trending, but you’re better off mastering your natural strengths.” He noted that modern programming languages and big data analytics are particularly valuable today, but what matters most is how well one can apply those skills in real-world situations.
Conclusion
Breaking into IT isn’t about overnight success or simply taking a single course. It’s about identifying your strengths, investing time in education, building real-world experience, and staying curious. With the right approach, anyone can find their place in this ever-evolving industry.