The technology sector is one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving industries today with many career opportunities. As a student planning or beginning your career in technology, it’s okay if you don’t know exactly which one you may like to pursue. I was in the very same place once. After I experienced a traumatic back injury, I could no longer do construction at a professional level, so I needed to change my career. That’s when I applied for the A.A.S Information Technology Specialist program at UAF. I knew very little about technology but by the time I graduated in 2006, I felt confident enough to apply to several IT-related jobs.
Below are a few areas in IT:
- Technical Support: assisting users with hardware and software issues
- Help Desk Management: overseeing support teams and ensuring efficient resolution of technical problems
- Software Development: creating applications, websites, and software systems
- Networking and IT Infrastructure: systems administration, managing and maintaining hardware and software infrastructure
- Network and Data Science and Analytics: analyzing and interpreting complex data to help organizations make informed decisions
- Cybersecurity: protecting systems and networks from cyber threats
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: developing systems that can learn and make decisions
Out of the specialties above, my current job revolves mostly around technical support, systems administration, managing and maintaining hardware and software infrastructure, and some networking.
Map Your Education
Now that we have an overview of some IT specialties, there’s no denying education is a crucial step in pursuing a technology career. The following three areas highlight some of your academic goals if pursuing a professional career in IT:
- High School: focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects and participate in technology-related extracurricular activities, such as coding clubs or robotics teams
- College: pursue a degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field, with courses that cover fundamental topics like programming, databases, algorithms, and system architecture
- Online Courses and Certifications: Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer specialized courses and certifications in various tech fields. These can supplement your formal education and provide you with practical skills.
Gain Practical Experience
Although education, training and certifications are very helpful, I’ve found I learned the most with hands-on experience. It’s critical for a career in technology! Some ways to gain practical experience are through:
- Internships
- Get a student job in the field (which I did!)
- Work on your own personal tech projects
- Work on personal or open-source projects.
- Spin up your own server or try to develop your own script.
- Networking and joining a tech community or even finding a mentor who can provide guidance and advice in the field.
Follow Current Events
Technology is constantly evolving, so continuous learning is essential. Stay up-to-date with industry trends, new technologies, and best practices by:
- Reading tech news: follow tech news websites, blogs, and podcasts to stay informed about the latest developments
- Attending workshops and conferences: participate in workshops, webinars, and conferences to learn from experts and network with peers
- Boot camp training and certificates: consider pursuing advanced degrees or certifications in your field to enhance your expertise and career prospects
Pursuing a career in technology requires a combination of education, practical experience, networking, and continuous learning. By understanding the technology landscape, building a strong educational foundation, gaining hands-on experience, developing a professional network, and committing to ongoing professional development, you can successfully navigate your path to a rewarding career in technology.
