If you are someone that has always loved technology and information technology, then you are likely to want to have a career around that. Having said that, even if it hasn’t been your main forte, there is a lot of stability in IT and technology, as we have so much at our fingertips, so it could be considered a good option for you, if you’re thinking about what career path to go down. There are a variety of different jobs in the industry, though, all depending on what you have studied or are trained in, as well as the experience that you have.
For high school graduates, there are two main routes to choose from, when it comes to a career in IT anyway. They are attending university and studying for a degree in a related field, to then find work afterward, or going into work as an apprentice, and get trained up and experienced that way.
Getting a tech job after university
There are so many courses and IT related degrees available at colleges around the world. So if studying sounds like the best option for you, then there are plenty of choices available. Though it is important to note that you don’t need to have a degree relating to IT especially, in order to get a job in the sector later down the line. But if you are keen on working in the industry, then you’ve got plenty of options.
You could keep your degree course quite specific, with a clear career in mind. For example, studying something like cybersecurity is quite niche, but if you read more about it, there are different career options for you. You could also study something a little broader, like computer science or graphic design, which can be expanded on later down the line, but get you into the career field that you are looking for. So there are options, it just depends if you have a niche interest, or if you’re looking to study something more generally in the area of tech and IT.
Studying an IT and technology degree
Choosing to study for a degree in an IT-related subject means that there could be more technology jobs that you would be able to apply for once you start to graduate, than if you chose a degree in anything. Although you could still get a job in this field, it is more likely to happen with a specific degree in IT.
Common degree titles for IT-related degrees include:
Computer science
Computing
Computer networking
Cybersecurity
Data
Gaming and game design
Software engineering
Information technology
There will be some quite technical jobs that will need applicants to have done something specific, like cybersecurity as mentioned, or something like software engineering. A lot of jobs in tech won’t need you to have or take part in a specific course, though, as a lot of job specific training will be given on the job. They just need to see that you have some knowledge in the area, and are keen to learn more.
Getting a tech job with a non-IT degree
It has already been briefly mentioned, but it is possible to get a job in IT with any degree, such as something like a history degree or an English degree. Some employers will accept applications from graduates with a degree in any subject, as the training can be given on the job, where specific skills training is needed.
Non-technical graduates also have options open after studying, such as a conversion course, a postgraduate course, or a masters. This can then take what you have already studied and make it all much more specific to IT, overriding your original degree, in a way. A course like this can increase your employability and make you eligible for more job openings.
Routes into IT for non-tech graduates
Some employers in tech related fields will need a qualification in an IT-related field, no question. This can be very true of smaller employers as they can’t offer as much training as their resources are limited, so it could be helpful where a conversion course comes in to hone your skills and knowledge in the area. There are other employers that will accept applicants with any degree, such as maths, science, or a STEM subject, but perhaps not from those with humanities or arts degrees. There will also be some employers who will accept graduates with any kind of degree, and then they will train you up and invest in you. This is more likely to be the case with a larger corporation as they have more facilities to do so, but they will only do this for the right candidate.
How competitive will it be?
If you have a degree that isn’t very technical, and more of a general IT subject (or not), then you are likely to face much more competition, as there will be more people like you. The more specific that you can be, then the less competition there will be. Of course, this needs to play to your strengths and interests, so that you can be the most appealing applicant that there is.
Recruiters will want to see that graduates applying for jobs that don’t have a background in It or an IT-related degree still have a genuine interest in technology. Employing someone costs money and takes time, so they want to know they are choosing the right applicant who will work for them and be an investment. So demonstrating what you do in your spare time or hobbies to show this, is important. If you’ve built websites, run blogs, learned coding, or kept up to date with current affairs in the industry, then it will show to them that you are interested and are keen to do more.
Getting into IT through an apprenticeship
Apprenticeships can be well worth a look if you want to start working right away, but have a keen interest in the industry. There are a couple of different types of apprenticeships, and they are all likely to relate to you and how successful your high school career has been.
IT degree apprenticeships
Apprenticeships help you to earn qualifications as you work, and they are becoming something that is more and more common. For an employer it can be a real benefit, as you’re likely to stick with them for a while, and they get to have an employee that is all the while getting more qualified and good at what they do. For the apprentice, it means a wage, having studies paid for, meaning that you’ll be student-debt free and have years worth of experience in the industry on your resume. A variety of companies offer technology apprenticeships, from Bank of America to Goldman Sachs.
The entry requirements for apprenticeships will vary, and there may be contracts set up with each company saying that you’ll stay with them for a number of years after training. So it is worth looking at it all in detail and deciding what will be best for you. All of the routes to go down, whether an apprenticeship, studying and IT-related degree, or studying any degree, all come with positives, as well as negatives. So weighing up your options is important, and then you make the decision that will best suit you and where you want to be with your career.
What are your thoughts on this and these options? It would be great to hear what you think on this.