Transitioning from non-IT to IT: Steps to get started

Life is full of unexpected turns, and sometimes, it leads us down a path that we never planned for. For instance, have you ever found yourself working in a field that you never intended to be in? If so, you are not alone. Studies have shown that many professionals experience regrets about their career choices and may desire to transition into a different field, including IT.

Research has shown that many professionals experience regret about their career choices and wish they had taken a different path. For instance, a study conducted by the University of Phoenix found that 66% of working adults regret their career choices, with many citing lack of passion or interest as the reason. Another study by LinkedIn found that 75% of professionals would take a different career path if given the chance.

In particular, many professionals have expressed a desire to transition into the IT field. A survey by Robert Half Technology found that 55% of IT workers had previously worked in another field before transitioning to IT. Additionally, a study by Burning Glass Technologies found that IT jobs are in high demand and pay well, making it an attractive career choice for many.

However, transitioning to IT can be challenging, especially for those who have already established themselves in their current profession. A survey by CompTIA found that 60% of IT workers had to learn new skills to transition to their current job, with 42% of those learning the necessary skills through self-study.

Despite the challenges, many professionals have successfully made the switch to IT. For example, Scott W. Ambler, a former chemical engineer, transitioned to IT and is now a prominent author and speaker in the agile software development community. Similarly, Jeff Atwood, a former systems administrator, transitioned to software development and co-founded the popular coding community Stack Overflow.

Overall, while transitioning to a new field can be daunting, it is possible with the right mindset, determination, and effort. But, transitioning to IT can seem like a daunting task, especially for those who have already spent a lot of time in their current profession. However, it is possible to make the switch with some effort and planning.

Here are the steps you need to take to get started:

Step 1: Understand your reason for transitioning

The first step is to identify the reason for your desire to transition. Is it due to the compensation, work culture, or lack of necessary skills in your current field? If your answer is the latter, then you can skip to the next step. However, if it's due to compensation or work culture, you need to evaluate further. If it's compensation, then you need to give yourself some time, as compensation is directly proportional to your growth in the organization. If it's the work culture, gather information about whether it's standard across the industry or if there are other organizations with a better culture. For example, sales roles are generally high-pressure, but some companies have a better work culture than others. Alternatively, consider exploring departments within your organization to find a better fit.

Step 2: Research the IT field

For those in their 30s and 40s, transitioning to IT can be challenging. However, it's not impossible. The key is to research the IT field thoroughly, understand the basic technical knowledge required, and evaluate whether you need to learn additional technical skills to become successful in this field. One way to do this is to connect with people from the IT industry and gain insight into their work-life balance, required technical skills, and career prospects. It's important to research various IT job roles, such as software development, network engineering, cybersecurity, etc., and evaluate which role aligns with your interests and skills.

Step 3: Acquire the necessary skills and education

After identifying your desired IT job role, acquire the necessary skills and education to become a competitive candidate. Several online resources, courses, and certification programs can help you learn new technical skills and enhance your existing ones. You can also consider enrolling in a part-time or full-time degree program in IT to gain in-depth knowledge. ?

Step 4: Gain practical experience

Practical experience is key to succeeding in IT. Consider taking on freelance projects, internships, or volunteering in your desired IT field to gain hands-on experience. It's also a great way to network with IT professionals and learn about industry trends. In conclusion, transitioning to IT is a challenging but achievable task with proper planning, research, and effort. It's important to identify the reason for the transition, research the IT field, acquire the necessary skills and education, and gain practical experience to become a competitive candidate. Remember, age and background do not define your ability to succeed in IT; with the right mindset and determination, anyone can make the switch.

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