What you don't know won't hurt you. What I wish I knew when I started in IT (Part One)

There is something to be said about ignorance being bliss, and then there are times when it is good to know a little bit more about what you are getting into. My IT journey started over 20 years ago.  All I knew going in was that I liked IT based upon my studies and that the university I attended had 100 % placement in IT positions of it graduates.  That’s not a whole lot of detail to start from, but I was all in.

At the time I certainly didn’t have the foresight to understand how big this IT thing would become.

Done with college, done with learning

So I was done with college, and I was done taking tests forever right?  Wrong!  I would be forever learning.

IT becomes part of you. It becomes natural to want to read a book, search the web for new insights, or start working with some of the latest new technologies.

Always learning

The best part of working in IT is the always learning and growing nature of the industry. Even more exciting is that people who never spent a day studying IT, but are willing to learn, can easily move into this space. I have worked with history majors, music majors, sociology majors, and more. You name it. When you think about it, this is really cool!

As long as you have the drive to learn, keep learning, and get your hands dirty in technology, working in IT really is an opportunity for many.

Just getting started in IT?

Today, there are countless varieties of IT jobs. Organizations around the world are looking for very smart and driven individuals. Be willing to research the answer to questions, and spend time on certifications. Certifications are important to everyone, but especially when you are getting started in your IT career. It shows drive and it also prompts you to learn enterprise technologies that will benefit you both personally and professionally.

This approach will also provide a good foundation for your entire IT career. IT is full of opportunity, so also be sure to keep an open mind about what you can do. You will be sure to go places with a position-driven approach.

Best of luck!