Best Entry-Level IT Field Jobs in 2023
If you are a fresher, chances are that you may be wondering how you can land your first job in the IT industry. Here’s a list of top entry-level jobs in the sector.
In October 2022, the IT Services, Products, and Internet-enabled sectors created 106K jobs. In October 2022, the volume of entry-level openings increased by 22% to 55K, up from 45K in September 2022.
Computer operator
This is a good entry-level role. When you gain experience in this role, you can learn a lot of skills that can help you grow and evolve in IT.
The role involves keeping a company’s IT infrastructure in fine fettle. You will be tasked with several key responsibilities. This includes checking error reports, executing batch commands, reviewing and performing maintenance checks on software and hardware, and fixing networking issues. You could, in addition to these responsibilities, also be given the task of having an overview of other allied functions.
Since it is quite an allrounder’s role, you will be required to have knowledge of hardware, software and networking. You could be asked a range of technical questions at the interview. If you have knowledge of Unix, and you are a good communicator, you would be preferred over other candidates.
PC technician
PC technicians are the go-to people in an IT enterprise environment. If you are the sort of person that has always dismantled parts of a device and reassembled them, you will be able to land this job with ease.
In the role, you could even get to work from home. You may be tasked with remote tech support or computing. This way you will assist customers by accessing their devices remotely and fixing their app installation issues, malware threats, networking issues, and device performance.
You will be required to have complete mastery over all hardware, most software and over Windows. Additionally, if you have worked with macOS and Linux, that would go in your favor.
Help desk analyst
The help desk is a great place to start your IT career. You get to experience a whole range of issues and fixes. Typically, you start with taking calls for help. You will screen those calls, raise tickets and will offer troubleshooting support for simple matters. You will pass on calls which require more specialized support to the next level in your system. If you are a keen and quick learner, you can dive deep into each fix or resolution that was provided and map it to the original complaint. This learning process is unbeatable. No school or IT training institution can offer you this learning experience.
If you have been in customer service before, make sure you showcase that experience in your resume. Plus, a calm head, empathy for customers and a hard nose for all things tech, can help your candidature. Any additional knowledge like networking, hardware service and experience in working with various software will be valued by employers looking to hire help desk staff.
Cybersecurity technician
Many companies want a dedicated force to deal with malware attacks, ransomware gangs and data thieves. This force would ideally comprise highly-skilled cybersecurity technicians. This role requires agility, sharp observation powers and key hardware and software skills. You will be tasked with keeping a watch over firewalls, monitor networks constantly for vulnerabilities and suspicious activities.
You will be required to possess a degree in computer science. Even if you don’t have this degree, if you have worked in a cybersecurity team before and have working knowledge of cybersecurity systems and processes, you can land this job. Additionally, if you are a certified ethical hacker or have acquired some cybersecurity certifications, you will be highly valued.
Software developer
This is a straightforward developer’s job. Knowledge of Java and C++ is a great asset. You will fix issues related to quality assurance, you will develop applications and programs, and you will work closely with product managers and program managers, supporting their tech needs.
Make your code available on GitHub, participate in hackathons and open source projects and attend tech networking events. This is how you get noticed for this role. If you have an undergraduate degree in computer science, well, that would be a bonus. Additionally, if you have prior experience with software development methodologies like DevSecOps and Agile, you may be considered over others by hiring managers.
Quality assurance (QA) analyst
Every software application, or game, or website goes through a rigorous quality review. QA analysts typically lead and perform this review. They are the final authority on whether a piece of tech is ready for release or not. They work with a comprehensive kit consisting of a test plan and tools. They check for bugs, for security vulnerabilities and red flag concerns. You must be the kind who has a sharp eye for detail. Also, knowledge of methodologies like DevSecOps and Agile helps. As does a basic undergraduate degree in computer science. If you are a certified associate in software testing, that qualification will serve as a huge bonus.
Front-end web developer
As a front-end web developer you will design and build wholesome experiences for users. Think about it. Users today access applications and websites from a whole range of screen options. They access from smartwatches at one end of the spectrum and from widescreen TVs at the other end. What each user wants is a seamless and pleasant experience, every single time. A front-end web developer strives to create and sustain this experience. You should be very well-versed with JavaScript, HTML and CSS. You must have a good website for yourself that can act as a showcase for your creative and technical skills. If you are on the road to becoming a full stack developer, that is, you possess both front-end and back-end development skills, then showcase that expertise too. Hiring managers love full stack folks. Additionally, knowledge of PHP, Python, SQL and MySQL will be huge pluses going in your favor.
Database developer
You will develop and maintain large databases in this role. This requires working on a large software development team. A working knowledge of SQL is critical for this role. Additionally, Oracle, MySQL and MS SQL server skills are considered valuable. Creating your own database, using SQL, and showcasing it at the interview can help your candidature.
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