I don’t always agree with the advice that you need to start at the bottom and work your way up, but for many budding IT experts, they need to get that foot-in-the-door job in order to have some experience listed on their resume.

It’s worth discussing a few of your options when you are just starting out. Of course, you MUST get IT certified because it removes some of the risks for the company hiring you and proves you are motivated.

Entry-Level IT Jobs

There are several entry-level IT jobs that are popular for those just starting out in the field. Some of the best options include:

1. Help Desk Analyst: Help desk analysts provide technical support to customers over the phone, by email, or in person. They help users troubleshoot and resolve software and hardware problems. Consider the CompTIA A+ and Network+ certifications.
2. Technical Support Engineer: Technical support engineers work on the front lines of IT, providing technical assistance to customers and helping them resolve issues related to software and hardware. Consider the CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA certifications.
3. IT Support Technician: IT support technicians typically work within an organization and provide technical support to employees. They help users troubleshoot and resolve software and hardware problems and often assist with network and server administration. Consider the CompTIA A+ and Network+.
4. Junior Software Developer: Junior software developers write code and develop software applications. They work under the guidance of more experienced developers and may specialize in a specific programming language or technology. Consider Linux and Python certifications.
5. Junior Network Administrator: Junior network administrators are responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting an organization’s network infrastructure. They may work with routers, switches, and other networking equipment, as well as help with security and compliance. Consider the Cisco CCNA and CompTIA Network+.
6. Junior System Administrator: Junior system administrators are responsible for maintaining and troubleshooting an organization’s computer systems. They may work with Windows, Linux or MacOS servers and help with security and compliance. Consider Linux and the CompTIA Network+.
7. Junior Data Analyst: Junior data analysts help organizations make sense of their data by using software tools to collect, process, and analyze large sets of data. Consider the CompTIA Data+ certification.

These are just a few examples of entry-level IT jobs, and there are many other options available depending on your interests, skills, and career goals.

Tips for Getting Your First IT Job

Getting your first IT job can be a challenging but achievable task. Here are a few tips that may help:

1. Get educated: It’s important to have a solid foundation in IT concepts and technologies. Pursue a degree or certification in a field like computer science, information technology, or a related field.
2. Build a portfolio: Having a portfolio of projects you’ve worked on can be a great way to showcase your skills to potential employers. Participate in coding challenges or hackathons, contribute to open-source projects, or build your own projects to add to your portfolio.
3. Network: Networking is key to finding job opportunities in any field. Attend local IT meetups, conferences, or job fairs, connect with professionals in the field, and use LinkedIn and other professional networking sites to make connections.
4. Get hands-on experience: Many IT jobs require experience working with specific technologies or tools. Look for internships, co-op opportunities, or volunteer positions that will give you the opportunity to gain practical experience.
5. Be flexible: The IT field is constantly evolving, and new technologies and skills are always in demand. Be open to learning new technologies, and consider taking on short-term or contract work to gain experience and build your resume.
6. Be persistent: It can take time to find the right opportunity, so don’t get discouraged if your job search takes longer than expected. Keep applying, networking, and building your skills, and eventually, you’ll land your first IT job.
7. Tailor your resume and cover letter: Make sure that your resume and cover letter are tailored to the job you are applying for. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match the requirements of the job.

I have and entire course showing you how to get your first IT job over at howtonetwork.

It’s important to remember that the journey to your first IT job will be unique to you, and that the most important thing is to be persistent, stay positive, and keep learning and growing.