Q&A for How to Start a Career in Information Technology

Make sure your resume is tailored as much as possible to the actual job description. If there are technical requirements that you meet or are even willing to learn, go ahead and list them. Lastly, try to draw a concrete connection between actions you took and what they achieved. For instance, if you managed marketing campaigns, a proper bullet would say "managed 20 plus marketing campaigns with budgets of up to $1 million, which resulted in 20% to 30% growth in social media following," not simply "managed marketing campaigns." Showing action and results is key.

Get Linux. Then start using the Shell, use Bash, not zsh. Zsh teaches bad programming habits with its autocompletion that can cause terrible mistakes if you don't know what you're doing. Then learn C++ and Ruby. Just start at the base (the shell) then learn higher level languages. Then go back later and learn some assembly code.

This depends on the person's aptitude and skill level with computers.There is a very broad spectrum of fields and subsets within IT such as programming, networking, and hardware. Some people who are more geared towards math may be better at programming, and people who are more technically minded may be better at hardware, such as building servers or PCs. Remember you can always enroll in an introductory IT course.

Having a degree helps you get an IT job, but it's not a complete necessity. It depends on the company, but there are definitely networking certifications that you can get on the internet without going to school. Check out Cisco and Juniper Networks for certification.

Yes, you can get a master's degree in Information Technology if you have gotten your bachelor's degree in this or any related field.

A degree is not necessarily needed in order to code games. Many programmers are self-taught. That said, a Bachelors of Science in Information Technology with a focus on Software Design/Programming is a good bet.

Find a reputable program that's offered in your country and relates to the work you want to do. Focus on your online work as carefully as you would focus on in-class work.

Yes, if you're willing to put in the elbow grease and do whatever it takes to learn. You can take courses in basic office applications online, through Youtube or EdX, or at a community college. You can also use a community college to learn programming languages and other computer skills. Some Computer Science degrees are entirely online if you check your state university. There are many online resources to learn computer language basics like Codecademy.com, freecodecamp.com, codeschool.com, or Microsoft Virtual Academy.

Yes, you can, although your job options might be more limited. I would suggest trying to improve your skills in math before pursuing a career in IT so you have a wider range of potential options.

Yes, you can look for an entry-level job in help desk, especially if you get some certifications. If you find places online where you can learn excel and SQL (database language) in the meantime, that can leverage you into low-level analytics and computer programming. With time and experience and some investment in your own education, depending on your interest and specialty, you can get better IT jobs in many places.

It's good to be well-rounded in high school, but especially focus on STEM opportunities. If your school offers computer science, take advantage of that.

It depends on the role and task. For example, for game development, excellent math skills are more important than for program development.

Update your knowledge base for whatever field you want to go into. If it is programming, find the most recent versions of your developer language. If it is network security, you will probably need to research and learn the most recent challenges and best practices. Prepare your resume and start applying to jobs. Practice your interview skills, both interpersonal and practical.

If you want a career in IT, your best bet is usually a 4-year degree, although you can go to school online to make that happen! However, if that's not a good option, you could start by studying free online tutorials to learn the basics. When you feel ready, take various certification exams to show employers you know your stuff.

It's best to have a basic knowledge before you get started. Try studying online tutorials, and practice on your own computer or laptop to help you learn some of the basics!

IT itself is a big space. Find out what you enjoy in IT (is it programming, networking and hardware?). In this case, I'd say find your "thirst". Then find opportunities in that field. You can look for a job in that field, that way you are earning and doing what you like. Go to IT meetups, help people with their problems.