The tech industry is one of the fastest-growing fields, with endless opportunities for innovation, problem-solving, and career growth. Whether you're passionate about cybersecurity, software development, or IT support, there’s a path for you.
But let’s be honest—starting in IT can feel overwhelming. Where do you even begin? Do you need a degree? What skills should you focus on? And how do you land that first job?
This guide will walk you through every step of breaking into IT, whether you're a complete beginner or making a career switch.
Step 1: Understand the IT Field
Before diving in, it’s important to understand what IT actually involves. The field is massive, covering areas like:
- IT Support & Helpdesk – Assisting users with technical issues, setting up systems, and troubleshooting.
- Cybersecurity – Protecting networks and data from threats.
- Networking & Systems Administration – Managing servers, databases, and IT infrastructure.
- Software Development – Writing code, building applications, and maintaining software.
- Cloud Computing & DevOps – Working with platforms like AWS, Azure, and automating IT processes.
Each area has different skills and certifications associated with it, so take some time to explore and see what excites you the most.
Step 2: Build a Strong Technical Foundation
You don’t need a computer science degree to break into IT, but you do need a solid understanding of how technology works. Start with the fundamentals:
- Computer Hardware & Software – Learn how computers, operating systems, and networks function.
- Networking Basics – Understand IP addresses, routers, firewalls, and how data moves across the internet.
- Coding & Scripting – Even if you’re not planning to become a developer, knowing some Python, JavaScript, or PowerShell can be incredibly useful.
- Troubleshooting & Problem-Solving – A big part of IT is fixing things when they break. Start practicing how to diagnose and resolve issues.
There are tons of free resources available. Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and YouTube have great beginner courses, and IT certifications can also help validate your knowledge.
Step 3: Get Certified (But Be Strategic About It)
Certifications aren’t always necessary, but they can give you an edge, especially when you’re just starting out. The key is choosing the right ones for your career path:
- CompTIA A+ – Great for IT support and helpdesk roles.
- CompTIA Network+ – A solid choice if you want to work in networking.
- CompTIA Security+ – If cybersecurity is your thing, start here.
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner – A beginner-friendly intro to cloud computing.
- Microsoft Azure Fundamentals (AZ-900) – Ideal if you’re interested in Microsoft cloud services.
Don’t go overboard trying to collect certifications like Pokémon—focus on those that align with your career goals and reinforce your hands-on learning.
Step 4: Gain Hands-On Experience (Even Without a Job)
Experience matters more than anything in IT. But how do you get experience if you’re just starting out? Here are a few ways:
- Set up a home lab – Build your own network, configure virtual machines, or play around with Linux and cloud platforms.
- Freelance or volunteer – Offer IT support to small businesses, nonprofits, or friends and family.
- Open-source contributions – If you’re interested in development, contributing to GitHub projects is a great way to showcase your skills.
- Internships – Even unpaid internships can help you gain real-world experience and make industry connections.
The goal is to be able to demonstrate your skills to potential employers, whether through projects, troubleshooting experience, or side gigs.
Step 5: Network & Join IT Communities
Breaking into IT isn’t just about what you know—it’s also about who you know. Networking can help you find job opportunities and mentors.
- Join online communities – LinkedIn, Reddit (r/ITCareerQuestions), and Discord groups are great places to connect with other IT professionals.
- Attend local meetups & tech events – Look for events on Meetup or local coding bootcamps.
- Engage in IT forums – Sites like Stack Overflow and Spiceworks are great for learning and networking.
Making connections with people in the industry can open doors to job opportunities and valuable advice.
Step 6: Apply for Entry-Level IT Jobs
Once you have the skills and experience, it’s time to start applying for jobs. Entry-level IT roles to look for include:
- IT Support Specialist
- Help Desk Technician
- Technical Support Analyst
- Junior Network Administrator
- Systems Support Engineer
Make sure your resume highlights your hands-on experience, certifications, and projects. If you don’t have formal job experience, showcase freelance work, home labs, or volunteer projects.
Step 7: Keep Learning & Growing
The IT field is always evolving, and staying relevant means continuing to learn. Once you’ve landed your first job, focus on:
- Expanding your knowledge with advanced certifications.
- Learning new tools and technologies related to your field.
- Seeking mentorship from experienced IT professionals.
- Considering specialization in areas like cybersecurity, cloud computing, or automation.
IT isn’t a “one and done” career—you’ll need to keep learning and adapting to stay ahead.
Get Started in IT
Starting a career in IT might seem daunting, but if you take it step by step, it’s totally doable. Focus on building a solid foundation, gaining hands-on experience, networking, and continuously improving your skills.
Most importantly—don’t be afraid to start! The best way to learn IT is by doing. Set up a home lab, troubleshoot issues, and immerse yourself in the field. You can also sign up for a free trial of Siit and get hands-on experience with IT service management today!
