Which Entry-Level IT Careers are popular in the current job market.
Just like you, there are more than a few people out there who have been considering a career in IT.
And why not? It is a growing industry with rewarding career opportunities.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer and IT occupations are expected to grow by 15% between 2021 and 2031.
Moreover, the average salary in the field was over $97,000, twice the mean salary across all occupations.
Hence, it is evident that people want to get a job in the IT sector.
While it’s true that the industry is increasing and has plenty of jobs available, not everyone can be an expert on everything.
So what do you do if you want to enter this field but aren’t sure where to start? Beside Entry-Level IT Careers, many entry-level jobs can make you a part of this growing industry.
Entry-Level IT Careers
Help Desk Technician
A help desk technician is the first point of contact for users and customers.
Help desk technicians provide technical support, troubleshooting, and customer service via phone, email, or chat.
They may also handle requests for new accounts, passwords, and other administrative tasks.
A help desk technician’s job duties can vary depending on their employer’s size and industry, but they typically include:
- Troubleshooting software issues such as viruses or malware infections
- Resolving connectivity problems between computers/devices on networks
- Creating user accounts for new employees at companies that require this step in their onboarding process
Since the help desk technician job requires no special skills, it is an easy way to enter the IT industry.
Additionally, even the pay is good enough. According to data from Indeed, the average hourly wage of a help desk technician is $22.76.
Electrical Tech Operators
Electrical technicians, or “electricians,” are responsible for installing and maintaining electrical systems and appliances.
In the context of the IT industry, an electrical technician with profound hardware knowledge can also help with network cabling.
The electrical tech operators can also help maintain and repair hardware systems.
They can also help maintain the electrical supply for the company.
Large IT companies usually hire electrical technicians, as seamless electrical connectivity is vital for their systems.
You can easily get this job by enrolling in an electrical tech program.
Such a program can teach you all the skills required to read and understand electrical circuits, hardware appliances installation, electrical blueprint reading, etc.
An electrical tech program will also get you a certification showcasing your skills and expertise to a potential employer.
This will give you an advantage over other candidates who would not have a certificate.
Network Administrator
Network administrators are responsible for maintaining computer networks, including routers and switches.
They also perform security audits on their company’s network, including installing firewalls and antivirus software to prevent unauthorized access.
A network administrator needs to have a solid understanding of how computers communicate with each other over IP networks to configure them properly.
In addition, they should have experience with common protocols such as TCP/IP and DNS and various authentication methods like RADIUS (Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service).
The average salary range for this position is around $80k per year, depending on experience level.
However, it may be higher if you have certifications such as CCNA Security or CompTIA Security+.
Consistent growth opportunities exist within this field due to technological changes requiring additional IT professional skill sets.
Web Developer
Web developers are the ones who build and manage websites using different programming languages, including the following:
- HTML (HyperText Markup Language)
- JavaScript
- PHP (PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor)
- CSS (Cascading Style Sheets)
- MySQL (a relational database management system)
A web developer’s job can vary depending on their employer’s needs. Some may work with small businesses, while others might be part of large corporations.
Web Developers typically have at least an associate degree in computer science or a related field.
However, many entry-level positions are available for those who do not possess this level of education yet still have relevant experience.
It may seem like becoming a web developer can be challenging, but it is an entry-level job in the IT field that you can get after a simple certification.
All you need is a Bachelor’s degree and some programming language skills.
The best part is that even when you get a job as a web developer, you can continue learning new programming languages to become a full-stack developer and get a higher salary.
According to BLS, the average salary of a web developer was $78,300 per year in 2021.
Database Administrator
A database administrator (DBA) is a person who manages the structure and security of an organization’s databases.
DBAs typically work with applications like Microsoft Access or Oracle but can also work with newer technologies such as NoSQL databases.
DBAs are generally responsible for designing and implementing, and maintaining database systems once they run.
They might also oversee backup strategies for their organizations’ data, which can be crucial when protecting sensitive information from hackers or other cyber threats.
The most common path to becoming a database administrator is to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology.
However, some employers may also look for candidates with experience in database administration or related positions.
DBAs manage databases and ensure they are secure, well-performing, and reliable.
They do this by working with other IT professionals and business leaders to manage data storage needs and oversee the operation of databases.
To become a DBA, you should have at least five years of experience working with databases in an IT environment.
You’ll also need strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate effectively with others on your team.
Information Security Analyst
If you’re interested in information security, consider becoming an analyst. As the name suggests, this job involves analyzing and assessing risks to computer systems and networks.
This job is in demand because of the growing cybersecurity challenges and skills shortage.
According to Statista, cloud security, network analysis, and application security are the areas with the highest skills shortage.
It can be a challenging career path because so many aspects of information security need to be considered, from network architecture to user habits.
However, this makes it all the more rewarding when you find ways to improve your company’s cybersecurity strategy.
Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting their organizations’ data from unauthorized access or theft by implementing policies that prevent hacking attempts on their networks.
Conclusion
We hope you’ve gained some insight of Entry-Level IT Careers into the many IT careers available.
There are many jobs available, and all of them require different skills.
Hence, it is vital to understand what you want to do and choose a field accordingly.
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