Ana Elizondo, IT recruiter, shares her experience on navigating the path of technology as a means of employment and professional integration
When we talk about IT (Information Technology), we are referring to information and communication technologies responsible for managing information in a business, related to the internet, computing, and technology.
Starting anything requires effort, even something as simple as getting up from the couch. Embarking on a career change or beginning your career in an area like IT also requires significant effort. In fact, it may sound easy when someone with experience shares their journey. However, in my experience, that path, that starting point, requires persistence, tolerance for frustration, and resilience.
Many people have asked me if starting a career in IT is easy, and at first, I used to say yes, but eventually, I changed my answer. Any field of work requires us to learn processes, terminology, and ways of doing things. Just today, I went for a coffee, and the cashier was new; it was difficult for him to ring me up, but I know that in a couple of days, it might be easier for him because he will have gone through a learning curve. The same goes for IT.
In my personal case, starting in the IT field was not easy; in fact, it was quite challenging: a path filled with stumbling blocks, frustrations, underestimation, a lonely journey, and high demands. But, at the same time, it was a journey filled with victories and genuine smiles after overcoming challenges. The truth is that personal, professional, and financial satisfaction made the effort worthwhile.
But how do you start? Where do you begin? I believe that if you've reached this part of the article, it's because you have a general idea of what's involved in the IT field. However, if you don't have much of an idea, let me explain.
An IT department in a company can be very large. When I first started working, I thought IT only fixed computers, but that's just one area. There are also departments responsible for networks and the internet, programming and its processes, support, project management, sales, among others.
Yes, yes, YES, I do recommend you educate yourself, and for that, I'll leave you with a couple of books that worked really well for me:
How to Speak Tech: The Non-Techie 's Guide to Technology Basics in Business
I've even recommended this book to recruiters, managers, and salespeople. It gives you a general idea of the different areas within IT.
CODE
This book is more of a technology history. It's not a book to learn something quickly as it might get a bit frustrating. However, with this book, you can learn what's behind computers and even how we end up using the website where you're reading this text.
Alright, cool, by now you should have some understanding of what IT is and the different areas you can explore. Now, you might be wondering where to start, right? Well, no, I would recommend that if you're not very sure or don't know where to begin, you can seek support.
But who would help me if I have questions and don't know anyone? There is a large, LARGE community that I'm sure will help you with any doubts. Here in Guadalajara, there are programming communities you can join; it's just a matter of searching on Facebook (*see below).
Now, starting from my point of view can be seen in three ways. I've seen companies looking for people with some knowledge in programming, databases, networks, systems, or other areas where you can start. However, they may require some prior knowledge.
Another option would be to start your training on websites like:
https://udemy.com/
https://www.coursera.org/
https://www.edx.org
The last option I would propose is to look for bootcamps. Some of these may have a cost for training you in a specific area, but they often have agreements with companies so that, upon completing your bootcamp, you can start working.
Up to this point, there is quite a bit of information to give you an idea of where to start and what you can expect from this large, in-demand, and challenging field.
I wish you the best of luck!
Ana Elizondo
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(*) Here we add some recommendations for Groups:
1 Facebook developers circle: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DevCGuadalajara/
2 DevOps Gdl: https://www.facebook.com/groups/devopsgdl/
3 GDL Connect:
https://www.facebook.com/GDLConnect/
4 GDL JUG:
https://www.facebook.com/gdljug/
5 IxDA Gdl:
https://www.ixda.mx/
6 DL DevComms:
https://www.facebook.com/gdldevcomms/