How I Got an IT Job Without a Tech Background
Finding a job in the tech industry without a tech background can seem daunting; however, it is possible with persistence and the right strategy. In this guide, I’ll share how I got my first IT job without a tech degree or any prior experience. If you’re looking to break into the IT field but don’t have a tech background, the tips in this article can be the push you need to get started on the right foot.
Why You Don’t Need a Degree for an IT Job
One of the biggest misconceptions about the tech industry is that you need a tech degree to get a job. This is not true. It is increasingly common for IT companies to hire employees with no computer science degree or related technical background.
I am living proof. I have a bachelor’s degree in management; however, I did not take any tech classes while in college. I was able to land my job as an IT administrator with the help of good network connections, demanding additional responsibilities, and honing my ability to think like a coder.
Types of IT Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
When looking for an IT job without a tech background, there are certain roles that you can pursue. Here are some of the most popular:
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Help Desk Technician: A help desk technician works with users to provide support and troubleshooting services, including installation of software and help with hardware maintenance.
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Network Admin: Network admins install and maintain systems for connecting computers and other devices, manage security and keep track of IP addresses.
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System Administrator: System Administrators are responsible for maintaining the overall health of an organization’s network and systems, including hardware, software and communications.
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IT Security Analyst: IT Security Analysts are responsible for protecting networks and systems from unauthorized access and security threats.
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Technical Writer: Technical writers create documentation and instruction manuals for software and hardware products.
Essential Skills for Breaking Into the IT Field
While it’s possible to get a job in the IT field without a technical background, there are certain skills that you should focus on mastering to ensure your success:
• Computer literacy: You must be comfortable using a computer, basic software programs and internet technologies.
• Problem-solving: IT jobs require the ability to quickly identify problems and develop solutions.
• Understanding of networks and databases: Strong knowledge of network and database structures and programming languages is essential to many IT roles. Being familiar with networking and database management tools is also helpful.
• Business acumen: You don’t need to have a degree in business administration, but understanding the basic fundamentals of business will make you a more attractive candidate.
• Communication: Having strong communication skills, both written and verbal, will help you develop strong relationships with colleagues and customers.
How I Landed an IT Job Without Tech Experience
When I started looking for an IT job, I found it hard to compete with candidates with tech backgrounds. Luckily, I was able to stand out by marketing myself as an ideal candidate. Here are the steps I took to secure the job:
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Identify Your Value and Experience: I knew that my lack of direct tech experience was a problem, but I also knew that I had skills that could transfer over. I had strong communication, problem-solving and business acumen, so I identified these as my strengths.
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Take Online Training Courses: I started taking free online courses to strengthen my knowledge of coding and database management tools. A few free resources that I used include Codecademy, Codecore, and The Odin Project.
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Reach Out to Connections: I reached out to my professional connections and asked if they knew of any IT positions I could apply for. They were able to point me in the right direction.
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Network: I joined local tech groups on LinkedIn and went to networking events. I met with people in the industry and asked how they got started.
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Ask for Additional Responsibilities: After I was hired, I asked my team leaders if I could take on additional responsibilities related to my job. This gave me a chance to demonstrate my problem-solving and coding skills.
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Make Suggestions: Finally, I proactively made suggestions on how to improve systems and processes. My ideas were taken seriously, and I was given more opportunities to lead projects.
Getting an IT job without a tech background can be a challenge, but it is possible. Focus on marketing yourself as an ideal candidate and take advantage of free resources to strengthen your skills. Network, reach out to connections, and make sure to show that you’re willing to put in the work. If you follow these steps, you can eventually be successful in landing an IT job.
