How to Begin a Career in IT

IT is a popular field to work in for people around the world due to the many benefits that a career in IT offers. From the fast-growing salaries to the diverse range of roles and industries you can work in, a career in IT could be just what you are looking for. 

IT can allow you to apply your technical skills in industries such as gaming, healthcare, business and finance, making it a great career if you have different interests. Whether you want to explore web design or cybersecurity, you can find out the qualifications you need, where to find tech jobs in Ireland and how to begin a career in IT.

There are also several specialities you can explore in the IT field. If you are a creative person, you could apply your design abilities to a speciality such as web design. However, if you are someone who is skilled at seeking out and solving problems, then cybersecurity could be for you. Here are some of the most popular IT areas that you could specialise in as well as the qualifications you’ll need to get into these careers.

IT support involves overseeing the maintenance of computer systems and networks of a business or organisation. You will work in a team or as a freelance/solo IT support technician and will be responsible for maintaining the functionality of computer systems and assisting clients/customers. This can involve day-to-day tasks such as:

This career is a very popular avenue for people who have knowledge of computer systems, know the ins and outs of software development and hardware management and know how to fix IT problems. IT support is also a thriving career path with plenty of job opportunities in a variety of industries, as many organisations need a specialist in IT. 

If you’re keen to begin a career in IT support, enrolling on an IT support course is the best course of action. This can give you insight into the skills and knowledge you’ll need when working in a professional environment and can demonstrate to employers that you have what it takes to become part of their IT support team. 

IT development is all about the management and development of computer systems and software development. Although some duties may cross over, this differs from IT support as instead of helping to find and diagnose problems. IT development explores the progression of computer systems to make them the best that they can be. Day to day duties of an IT developer might include:

IT development covers a broad range of industries, as organisations in all fields need up-to-date computer systems, apps and software. This role would be suited to someone who enjoys software or app development and knows how to make IT improvements. 

Beginning a career in IT development can start with an IT course, Web Development course, Programming course or Coding course. Depending on which kind of IT development you’re interested in, different courses can give you the skills you need to break into this career field. 

Having expertise in data is incredibly useful when becoming an IT professional. A career in data, such as a data analyst or data scientist, will involve analysing and working with data in order to provide useful insights for the organisation. Some of the day-to-day tasks of a data analyst or data scientist include:

Data is a huge area of IT which is invaluable to organisations around the world, helping them to access important information from raw data which can influence key business decisions.

Exploring online courses in Data can be the best course of action. Learning in this area can help you fill in gaps in your knowledge and stand out when looking for employment opportunities. 

Cyber Security is a fast-growing sector with excellent potential for career growth and high salaries. The more our jobs, finances and lives rely on technology, the more it is essential that digital data is stored safely and securely. Cybersecurity jobs in Ireland include engineers, consultants and security architects. Some of the key day-to-day skills of someone working in cyber security include:

Cyber security is needed for individuals, organisations and businesses worldwide, so there is ample opportunity to gain experience and jump into your new career. This is a good career choice for those who are confident in analysing security issues and fixing problems.

Cybersecurity is an exciting and accessible career option, and courses in Cybersecurity can help you break into this career field. Becoming qualified in this area can give you a full knowledge set of how to keep companies’ hardware and software safe or work with public bodies to protect important data.

A career in IT will require some skills, knowledge or experience in computing, either developed through work, school or independently. Having an IT qualification under your belt is a great way to give you a leg up on the competition when it comes to applying for IT roles. 

Becoming qualified in IT can open you up to opportunities, including work from home, in-person and entry-level jobs. If there are tech companies you want to work for but can’t find job postings on these sites, then you can see if there are any vacancies or get in touch with them to discuss employment or work experience that can help you find and get the job role you really want.

There is a range of information technology courses you can study flexibly and at your own pace, which will develop the fundamental skills you need to succeed in computing careers. 

These areas all have a range of courses, from certificate programs to bachelor’s degrees, designed to teach you the key skills needed in a range of information technology careers. They vary in length and depth, and span across skill levels, so whether you are a beginner or advanced learner, new to the field or having an IT career switch, you can find the right course for you. 

Additional IT skills in areas such as computer science, software development, python, java, HTML, project management, cloud computing, operating systems and big data will also help you get a job in the IT industry.The next step to beginning your career in IT, after you have gotten a qualification, is to start the job search for IT jobs in Ireland. With the current skills shortages in Ireland, finding job opportunities in IT where you can apply your skills is easier than ever.