By Suzana Starting a Career in IT
If you feel that a career in IT would be a good fit for you, make a list of the categories that have a special appeal for you, such as writing games software, network administration or graphic design.
Here are some steps you can take to launch your career:
1) Look for educational programs available locally or online and focus on the prerequisites required. While you may have some self-taught skills, you will want to supplement them by acquiring an associate degree or acquiring one of the certifications needed to fill IT jobs.
2) Consider an internship at a company that is well-regarded because of its IT department. This practical experience will help open doors for you when you are job hunting, and you may even be offered a full-time position when you have completed your assignment.
3) Write a comprehensive resume and forward it to appropriate job sites on the internet. If you are prepared to move for your career, make that known as well.
4) Accept an entry-level job that seems suitable to gain some experience. On your own time, work on sharpening your skills, and try to keep up with the latest advancements being made in your particular field.
5) Certifications related to IT jobs:
– With CompTia A+, you will become a certified computer technician, and the topics covered in the program include networking, hardware and OS. You should have 6 months of related experience, and the two exams required easily lend themselves to self-study.
– You should have two years on experience in networking for CompTia Security+ certification. Only one test is required, security is a major issue in the industry, and the program is a prerequisite for the CNE and MCSA designations.
– Becoming a Microsoft Certified Professional is the first step toward earning one of the other Microsoft certifications, and one exam is needed to become an MCP.
– Consider certification as a Microsoft Certified Desktop Service Technician if you enjoy troubleshooting. If you successfully pass the two exams required, you will be prepared to support various end-user desktop systems.
– You can also earn certification as a Microsoft Office Specialist by developing your expertise in any of the company’s products, including Excel or Word and taking one test. To earn Master’s status, you will need to complete several exams and expand your knowledge to several products.
– As a Certified Internet Webmaster Associate, you will be dealing with internet technologies. Once you complete the Foundation Exam, you move on to more advanced CIW levels (Professional and Master).
– As a Sun Certified Java Programmer, you will develop your skills on Java 2 Platform (Standard Edition). Some self-study of the language is required beforehand, and you might want to attend a training session before taking the test as well.
– For MySQL certification, you will need to complete one exam and possess knowledge of basic software. If you acquire additional SQL skills and complete an additional test, you can move on to the Professional designation.
