According to a study by Glassdoor.com, jobs in the IT field counted for 12 of the top 25 highest paying jobs of 2016. These jobs are in high demand, and there are tons of opportunities for candidates with the right set of skills and experience. [1]
But how does an inexperienced recent graduate or seasoned employee without IT training break into this lucrative field? Many positions require years of experience using technology which was never covered in college coursework. As an IT insider, I wanted to share with you the approach that worked for me.
Consider applying to work for an IT consulting firm. IT consulting firms build teams of experts to temporarily help companies install and support enterprise software packages. These consultants do not work in a typical head office setting but instead travel to a client’s office for a project. Projects can last from weeks to years and after the project is over, you move on to the next project. Consultants receive relevant training for these top jobs while traveling to exciting destinations at no personal cost, all while getting paid a generous salary.
Why will they consider me?
IT consulting firms are always hiring new employees to prepare for upcoming client projects as new IT enterprise software products become available . Because some aspects of these products are brand new, few candidates have the perfect set of skills needed to do the work. So, consulting firms tend to hire on new candidates which have strong communication skills and an aptitude to learn quickly. They plan to provide these new hires with on-the-job training before sending them to a project.
The clients of IT consulting firms include businesses of all sizes and industries. IT consulting firms need candidates who can work comfortably alongside clients in these industries. Industry terminology and practices are sometimes much more complex than the technology solutions that support them. Often it can be much easier to train a candidate how a software package works when they already have a deep understanding of the industry which will be using the software.
When we combine the factors there are simply not enough candidates around to fill all of the desired roles. This provides a great opportunity for candidates that can segue their non-IT skills to an IT role.
Translate what you know
Most software exists to explain and enable a process that happens in the real world. As a non-IT employee who has used software to do your job, or simply as a customer that has interacted with a business in any capacity, you likely have significant and valuable knowledge of these processes. Do not take this knowledge for granted! When applying for a job in IT, explain how you will draw on your real world experience to be able to understand the technology.
IT consulting firms have to make technology simple and approachable for business users, and cannot afford to be perceived as too technical to work with. Many people fear working with an IT guru who speaks over their head using only jargon and complex detail. Communicating using clear and concise language with both technical and non-technical audiences is an exceptionally valuable and rare skill. IT consulting firms are looking for people who can bridge this gap. If you demonstrate this ability during the application process, by emphasizing your ability to relate to real world examples, you will set yourself apart from other candidates.
Over time, as you learn more of the technical and industry details, you will hone your ability to share technical knowledge using language and examples that anyone can understand.
Expand your horizons
During the application process, show proof that you are eager to find new and better solutions to problems. Describe to the recruiter how you seek out opportunities to learn regularly and how you use that new information to improve the way you work, study, or live. If you are able to demonstrate your ability to constantly learn and grow, they will be able to picture you easily transitioning into your first project, and staying up to date on the latest industry knowledge.
For example, you may not know how to use a database query to merge reports, but may be familiar with an alternate solution, such as using Microsoft Excel formulas and macros to accomplish the same result quickly. The world of Information Technology moves so quickly that understanding a specific technology is often not as important for an entry level job as a general understanding of how technology can be used to solve a problem.
Indeed, many of the same concepts exist between software systems. If you are flexible and willing to do some research, you will find that your knowledge of Excel can translate to quickly understanding a more powerful tool. Do not be afraid to stretch out of your comfort zone and try to solve problems in different ways. Once you have solved a problem more than one way, you will have the confidence to use any available tools to solve other technical problems in the future.
Ramp up quickly
After you have been hired, your project team may attend an extensive training boot camp. These boot camps offer an opportunity for new hires to quickly “ramp up” on the latest in-demand skills and gain unique knowledge of leading technology. This may feel like “drinking from a fire hose” but the process prepares you quickly for success.
Often new consultants are wary that they may not remember or understand even 80% of what they learned. However, as you begin project work you can reinforce the knowledge you have acquired by referring back to training materials and product documentation. You will truly solidify your understanding by putting the knowledge to practice.
A new consultant’s project tasks typically focus on one specific function, while more experienced consultants oversee the work of a group of functions. You will always almost certainly have someone there to back you up as you learn on your first project. As you take on additional projects you will see your ability growing quickly.
Dinners out while attending training or while on a project also give an excellent opportunity to build a deep network by getting to know more about other expert consultants. Senior consultants are often willing to mentor bright and hard-working junior consultants by sharing knowledge, tips, and tricks, and serving as a resource for future questions.
Carve a sustainable path
Five years ago, I was able to land a job with a top technology firm despite having little to no experience with their software by following the steps above. I quickly built an outstanding resume demonstrating experience solving problems for multiple Fortune 500 companies, and became a certified expert in my field.
I now have the credentials and experience which are in high demand across the country, freeing me to pursue a broader variety of career options. Because I no longer care to travel as much and enjoy spending more time with my family, I have been able to settle down and take an excellent IT job doing similar work in my hometown.
If you have an aptitude for technology or interest in solving problems, this type of career step may be for you.
[1] https://www.glassdoor.com/List/Highest-Paying-Jobs-LST_KQ0,19.htm