If you’re reading this, you’re probably trying to decide if a career in IT is right for you. You probably have lots of questions about what working in the industry is like, and you might even believe some common misconceptions about IT careers.
Don’t worry – we’re here to help!
According to Statista, over 860,000 people in the UK currently work in the IT sector. In this week’s blog, we’ll answer some of the most common questions we get about working in IT – and hopefully, you’ll be encouraged to take the first steps into the industry yourself!
How do I know which IT role is right for me?
There is a huge variety of career paths available in the IT industry. From technical roles to HR support, IT companies need people with all kinds of skills and experience to fill their roles – so even if working with computers isn’t your thing, there could still be a rewarding career for you in IT!
Think about what skills you have, and what you want your dream job to look like. Do you like helping others? Do you enjoy solving problems under pressure? By answering these questions, you will be able to narrow your search and find a specific sector or area of IT to focus on.
The best part of working in IT is that many roles in the industry share transferable skills, so if you already have experience in one area, you could easily switch to another. At IT Career Swap, we can help you decide on a starting point for your career, and help you gain the knowledge and certifications you need. To find out more about which of our courses might be right for you, check out our blog post on the subject here!
I don’t have an IT degree or previous industry experience – can I still work in IT?
Yes! Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to have a computer-related degree to have a career in IT. Many people enter the industry through other pathways, such as by completing an apprenticeship or by achieving certifications through online courses.
Our IT Technician course is specifically designed for students who are completely new to IT, and features modules from industry leaders Microsoft, CompTia, and Cisco. We offer full support with every step of your journey, from beginning your studies to helping you find your first IT role after graduation.
Is there any job security in IT?
Yes again! The IT industry is growing from strength to strength across the country, with UK tech investment having grown 2.3 times in the last year (the highest growth since 2014). Many organisations are currently suffering from a cyber skills shortage, with reports saying this number is as high as 50% of all UK businesses, so there is no lack of job opportunities in the sector.
In fact, some sectors, such as cyber security, are famous for having a 0% unemployment rate. By gaining the in-demand skills and qualifications, you will certainly be able to have a secure and rewarding career for years to come.
Is there any work-life balance in IT?
Another common myth about working in IT is that 60-80 hour work weeks are the norm. While some companies do ask for longer working hours during busy periods, in the vast majority of cases, you can expect to have a regular 40 hour work week. In fact, as you progress in your career, you may even have opportunities for freelance or contract work to give you even more flexibility in your schedule.
In addition, there are currently many job vacancies for remote IT positions. IT is consistently one of the leading industries for offering flexible or remote jobs – so if spending all day in the office isn’t something you enjoy, maybe a career in IT could be up your street.
I’m ready to apply for a job in IT, but what do I need to know for my application or interview?
When applying for an IT role, the most important thing to show is that you have both the technical knowledge and soft skills that you need to succeed in the job. Having the latest industry knowledge and skills under your belt will go a long way to impress potential employers, as well as having a strong network of other IT professionals.
We regularly share IT career advice on our blog, covering everything from in-depth studies of certain fields, to advice for preparing for an interview. Make sure to follow us to stay in the know!
Need help getting your IT career started? Talk to us!
We hope this blog has helped answer your questions about having a career in IT – and with our job offer guarantee, we can help you kickstart the IT career of your dreams even sooner. Call us today on 0203 982 7573 to speak with one of our advisors for more information, or visit our website here!
