Are you considering a career in IT? When I made the decision to move from Inventory Control/Project Management in Warehousesing, I had similar questions and concerns. It was one of the most comforting things that I discovered when I began researching was that these are common questions and concerns for anyone transitioning to tech. These are some things you should know before you change your career to IT.
#1 You don’t have to be a programmer
You don’t have to be a programmer in order to get a job in IT. Although understanding basic programming is nice, it is not required to work in many positions outside of being a developer/programmer. The majority of IT jobs are related to supporting programmers. There are many non-programming jobs that can be done while developers are doing their thing.
#2 You don’t have to be too old
This was my biggest concern when I decided to go into IT. Worrying about how I would transition into a world dominated by younger people was the biggest obstacle that kept me from moving forward in IT. This kind of thinking is a waste. You are not too old! Your experience in other industries will be a benefit in IT. It was surprising to learn that the average age of tech workers is 38 years. You can work with people older than you and be open to learning new skills. However, your age shouldn’t stop you from pursuing a rewarding career as an IT professional. Many people in their 40s and 50s have used the skills they learned during their early careers to transition into a successful career. No matter what age you choose to live, life begins.
#3 Math is not necessary for success
I am so grateful that my first interview for an IT job didn’t include a math test. Actually, I do most of my math calculations daily by calculating my time card.
IT does require a high level of math proficiency for certain roles, but not all roles require it. I am currently working on a help desk and have never been asked to use a calculator to calculate anything. Do your research on the career path you want, and if math is required, go for it.
#4 You don’t have to be a tech enthusiast to learn.
This was a surprise to me and I didn’t find out until I went to the service desk. It turns out that not everyone in IT can build their own computers, write their own programs, or have a command center at home that can crack the most complex passwords in a matter of seconds. Many people who work in IT are skilled at process and procedure. Would you believe that many people I have met in IT who have worked for 10+ years, do not have a personal computer? You will understand the importance of t