There’s no shortage of jobs in IT. A quick job search will show plenty of results. The sector is constantly looking out for new people, especially talented people who specialise in certain fields like web design, UI design, and even animation.
Before you become a web application developer, system or network administrator, or embark on any IT project, you’ll need training in the field.
The IT profession is fast growing and very lucrative. These days, IT jobs are highly in demand, and according to the Bureau of Statistics, it is estimated that IT jobs may increase by 12% between 2014 and 2024.
There are some fantastic things about technology jobs. They come with fat salaries, benefits, paid vacation, job security, and enhanced work-life balance. Another unique thing is that you can do it from anywhere. It is one of the few jobs that you can do confidently from home in your pajamas. Who doesn't need a job that gives you the freedom to live the kind of lifestyle you envisioned?
In this article, Superprof is going to give you an overview of everything you should know before you embark on your computing adventure and send your CV to a potential employer.
To learn more about IT, find computer courses near you.
5 Questions to Ask Before You Study an IT Course
Before you become a programmer and start coding, you’ll have to get the basics of programming down.
Here are 5 things questions to ask about working with computers and the web.
1. What is an IP address?
While we often hear about IP addresses, what is an IP address?
IP is short for Internet Protocol. Your IP address is basically like a unique telephone number for your computer. Computers use this address to send information between one another as long as they’re connected to the same network.
An IP address is made up of a series of numbers between 0 and 250. It’s assigned by your router rather than your computer itself.
- Computers are great until they stop working! (Source: Gabriel Peter)
2. What’s a server for?
This is one of the first things you’ll learn about the web in an IT training. A server exists to serve. While it’s not a waiter, a server does provide a similar service in the way in serves you data.
Severs are the cornerstone of the internet. When you publish a video on YouTube, you only publish it once. However, it’s relayed between hundreds and thousands of servers so that people all over the world can see it.
A video or app that relies on poor servers won’t go the distance. This happened to the global phenomenon Pokémon Go on its first birthday when too many people connected at the same time from the same place and caused the servers to crash. Servers need to be powerful enough to avoid such bad publicity.
3. What is HTML?
Hypertext Markup Language isn’t a programming language as such. Just like an IP address, HTML is a language for computers. It’s a language that deciphers and should be understood like a foreign language. The latest version is HTML5.
This language tells the computer which fonts to use, the size of the text, and the images to put in. Don’t worry if you haven’t learnt all the elements off by heart, you can easily find them online.
For example, if you want to put some text in bold, you just need to surround the text with the tags <b> and </b>. If you hadn’t guessed, “b” stands for “bold”.
4. What are cookies used for?
Aside from being a popular type of biscuit, cookies are marks left on your computer when you browse the internet. You browser can store a harmless file on your computer which can tell ad servers which adverts to show you based on your search history.
Let me explain...
Imagine you are looking for some shoes online. You close the page without buying anything or even putting anything in your basket. Later on you’re watching a YouTube video. You’ll probably see an ad on the video with the shoes you were looking at a little earlier.
It’s not magic, it’s just cookies.
5. What are the different programming languages?
There are a few of them.
Java, C, and Python are among some of the most popular ones. Be careful about trying to master them all.
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If you want to make a site on WordPress, you should get to grips with JavaScript and PHP.
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To work with Windows (the operating system), you should probably master C#.
Start by choosing either Java or C++. Then you can move onto JavaScript. After that, you should choose between PHP, Swift, or Python, depending on what you’re looking to do.
If you want to learn 5 more essential things for your training, check out our article on becoming a real geek!
ICT is incredibly useful. To learn more read our article Learning ICT.
What IT Degrees, Qualifications, or Certifications Should I Get?
With IT jobs being in abundance, why not go full time and work in IT? However, with so many jobs and so many people wanting to work in IT, you’ll need to have the right training.
How can you become an IT teacher or tutor and meet the growing demands of the sector?
While it’s no longer necessary to have a degree in IT from a top university to become a web developer, project manager, or network administrator, you’ll still have to consider training or education. This is particularly true if you want to give private IT tutorials to beginners or helping IT students with their degrees.
There are plenty of websites offering free lessons and step-by-step guides in IT courses. There are also IT classes for the elderly and local governments tend to have IT skills classes in a variety of different topics for anyone looking to integrate IT into their lives.
Find IT courses online here.
- If you want a job as a programmer, you're going to have to learn to code. (Source: Lukas)
However, learning to give IT tutorials isn’t for everyone. You need to have teaching skills and patience for effectively transferring your knowledge. You’ll also need to respectful and caring to your students.
Facts You Need to Know About the IT Profession
Here are some things you probably don't know about the IT profession.
- You don't need to have a computer degree to work in IT
There are many ways to dive into the IT profession. And a computer degree isn't a must in this case. You could jump on an IT role through a band of experience in the IT profession or other degree with strings to the IT profession.
Most IT professionals do not have a Bachelor’s degree because they were able to hone their technical skills through several training, certifications, and experience in the field.
Therefore, if you want to pursue a career in IT, don't let a lack of a computer science degree stop you. Go for it. The sky shouldn't limit you as well.
- You must have soft skills alongside technical skills
Although technical skills are the hallmark of success in the IT world, you must know how to balance them by acquiring soft skills. When hiring for an IT firm, recruiters consider soft skills mostly to determine the applicant's eligibility.
If you have soft skills like effective communication, project management skills, analytical and problem-solving skills, you have already set yourself up for success in the IT world.
- Age is never a barrier
Who said you are too old to begin a career in IT? The fact is that hiring managers do not consider age an essential criterion to giving a job offer. They are more concerned about what you are bringing to the table than your age. The most important thing is for you to be able to show your competence and demonstrate your skills.
It may surprise you to know that the majority of IT pros are in their 40's and 50's. Depending on the route you take, it may take a few years to build a successful career, assuming you start working in an IT firm this month.
- You will need people skills in the IT profession
We already know soft skills are essential for success in an IT firm. But among these soft skills, interpersonal skills stand out to be the most sought after by recruiters. To succeed easily in this profession, you must know how to start a conversation, keep it lively, and build solid relationships.
Find computer programming courses here on Superprof.
For instance, if you are a software developer, you will likely work with a team in an IT company to build apps, websites, and products. Knowing how to work with a team on-site or remotely will help you coordinate yourself better and gain the admiration of senior managers.
Find programming courses here on Superprof.
6 Jobs You Can Do with IT Training
Even if you already have an A Level in IT, you can still do more training to become a web admin or app developer. There's no shortage of web developer jobs, either. Here are some great Jobs for those taking IT courses.
Become an App or Web Developer
Job Description: Java or PHP web developers are tasked with designing and creating IT programmes and web applications for the client. A software developer will need to be familiar with programming and web technologies as application development is always evolving.
They focus on either web-based app design or software development. In both cases, they'll need to be driven as they work on improving the usability and functionality of the programmes and web apps they create. There are a lot of companies hiring in this field.
Training required: IT Degree. Of course, equivalent qualifications will also be enough. In some cases, marketing will be useful if they're designing apps for e-commerce.
Skills required:
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Knowledge of programming languages
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Project management
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IT maintenance
Qualities required:
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Discipline
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Analytical skills
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Diligence
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Creativity
Average salary: £30,000/year
Web Designer
Job Description: a web designer’s job is to create the visual identity and layout of the brand’s website and web pages. In addition to creating the website’s looks, web designers also have to make sure that the website functions well and is responsive both on the front end and back end.
Discover various IT courses Toronto here.
- Do you need a master's degree to be a web designer? (Source: pixabay.com)
Web design is a fascinating field and those who work in it need to be familiar with modern technology and the latest developments. They'll also need an impressive portfolio of what they've been working on and show that they're passionate about design if they want someone to hire them.
Training: There are two main routes for this. An IT degree with art classes or training or an art degree with IT classes and training. You can also take these extra classes outside of university or even enlist the assistance of a private tutor for this.
Skills required:
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Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects).
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A good knowledge of HTML and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets).
Qualities required:
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Organisation
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Creativity
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Autonomy
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Diplomacy
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Teamwork
Average salary: £23,000/year.
Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Expert
Job Description: The main goal of an SEO expert is to ensure that their client’s website appears higher up in search results. They’re an expert in statistical analysis and will give advice and recommendations as well as information on how to implement them.
Training: IT Degree with Marketing or similar.
Skills required:
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A good knowledge of HTML and CSS.
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Editing skills
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Knowledge of analytical tools
Qualities required:
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Resistant to stress
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Teaching skills
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Analytical skills
Average salary: £30,000/year.
Application Analyst
Job description: you will maintain face-to-face communication and perform IT services within the company. Application analysts are also responsible for maintaining the various applications and software infrastructure within the firm.
You will oversee the general information systems of the IT firm. Application analyst usually works alongside software engineers and application developers in a team. It's a fascinating field with exciting job benefits.
Training: a formal university education is often not to work as an application analyst. Although a degree in computer science, information systems, engineering, math, and information technology is an added advantage to anyone seeking such a position in an IT company.
However, certification or training in Microsoft SQL, HTML, and CSS is a must. The job role requires a high level of technical experience and training.
Skills Required: the following skills are usually mandatory
- Customer service skills
- Problem-solving or analytical skills
- Ability to report and analyze both technical and non-technical information
- Project management skills
Cyber-Security Analyst
Job description: a cybersecurity analyst's primary role in a company is to protect its IT infrastructures such as software, hardware, and networks against potential attacks.
Such a role also requires in-depth monitoring of networks for potential threats and reporting any to the appropriate personnel. A cyber security analyst usually works in any of the following broad areas:
- Consultation services
- Working within an IT company to ensure cyber security is guaranteed
If you are a cyber security analyst, you are expected to keep up to date with the latest happenings in the world of technology, prevent a threat before it arises and manage them after they occur.
Training: it's possible to enter this field without a degree by starting an entry-level position or doing volunteer service. That way, you can easily walk your way up the ladder to become a cyber security analyst.
Another alternative route is to take up an apprenticeship in cyber security. You may have to work and study simultaneously towards earning the required certification.
For the most part, employers prefer graduates with a degree in computer science, network security, software engineering, and computer and information systems.
Skills Required:
- You should have an interest in IT and a passion for leading a team.
- Understand the various cyber security risks and how to prevent or manage them.
- Time management skills
- Attention to detail
- Understand the various security technologies
- Problems solving and analytical skills
- Must know how to manipulate computer networks, understand and interpret a wide range of data sets.
Average salary: $70,000/year
Data Scientist
Job description: as a data scientist, you are expected to manipulate, analyze and interpret a wide range of data within a limited time. A data scientist works closely with team heads and business executives to maximize the use of data and suggest possible solutions to various problems within an organization. Success in this job requires that one possess a high level of creativity and imaginative skills.
Training Required:
For more jobs in IT like app development, project management, or becoming a web master, check out our article dedicated to the subject.
You will need a degree in math, computer science, information technology, or any other science-based program to become a data scientist. Most companies prefer applicants with vast knowledge of a programming language such as SQL, Python, or R.
Many data scientists have a post-graduate degree which is specifically helpful if you plan to pursue senior-level IT positions like data scientist within an organization.
Skills:
Experience in data interrogation and data analysis
Excellent presentation and communication skills
Listening skills and the zeal to achieve a specific goal
Understanding of data analysis tools, software, and programs
Average Salary: $80,000 per year
Why Learn IT Skills with a Private Tutor?
While doing a degree in IT can be a good way to get work in the sector, they can sometimes be really difficult. A private IT tutor can be used to help you when you run into trouble or on their own to gain some valuable IT skills.
- You should have an informal meeting with your tutor before you start working with them. (Source: burst.shopify.com)
If you choose not to study an IT degree, they can help you get your foot in the door of a career in IT, web development, or cloud computing in a way that traditional courses cannot.
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A Personalised Approach: Unlike teachers in sixth form or university tutors, when you work with a private tutor, you’re their only student in that class. They can adapt their classes to your level as well as work with your strength and weaknesses. The classes are planned for you and not the tutor themselves. Your tutor, who’ll be an IT expert, will be a great source of motivation for you. With regular private tutorials, you won’t be able to hide behind the best student in class.
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They can help you get ready for an IT degree or help you brush up on concepts that you haven’t seen since GCSE. A good private tutor can help you get through all the skills you’ve forgotten or haven’t used in years.
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Go at your own pace: If you always felt classes were too slow or too fast, in-home private tutorials mean that you get the most out of every minute you spend with your tutor. You can even have private tutorials on the weekend or during the evenings. This is great if you have a busy work schedule. Remember to have a plan and you'll be great.
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The student’s choice: You’re the boss. You can tell your tutor what your objectives are and what you need to learn. You should make sure you choose the right tutor for you. You should be aware of your tutor’s qualifications, their experience, and their teaching style. Qualifications aren’t everything, after all. While they’re a useful example of what they know, they’re only part of the story. On Superprof, students can leave reviews of their tutor so that you can work out which is the best tutor for you.
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Affordable rates: Unlike what you’d think, private tutorials needn’t cost an arm and a leg. In some cases, tutorials can be cheaper than other types of classes. Some tutors charge very little but may have a lot of experience. Experienced tutors may provide the best education but come at a cost. The rates of tutors can vary wildly between £15 to £60 per hour and change depending on where the tutor is, your level, the tutor’s experience, and the type of IT tutorials that you’re looking for.
In short:
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Start by getting to grips with the basics of computers and IT.
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Since the sector is growing, you might be tempted to start teaching IT. Make sure that you’ve got the necessary skills and training. There are plenty of websites with free lessons and valuable resources.
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In general, you’ll probably need more than A Levels in IT if you want to work in the field or teach it. If you’ve got a degree or even a master’s degree, you’ll be fine.
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There are in-home IT tutorials available for those needing help with their degrees or just those wanting to learn more IT skills.
Find programming courses Montreal here on Superprof.
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