10 Things to Know About the IT and Technology Industry Before Starting Your Career
Entering the IT and Technology industry can feel like navigating uncharted waters, but essential insights from leading experts can light the way. According to a Chief Solutions Architect, understanding programming fundamentals is key. Meanwhile, a Talent Acquisition Manager emphasizes the importance of getting certified in relevant technologies. These are just two of the 10 insightful tips shared by industry professionals to guide new grads and career changers.
- Understand Programming Fundamentals
- Showcase a Learning Mindset
- Adapt to Fast-Paced Changes
- Focus on Practical Experience
- Develop Domain Knowledge
- Navigate Organizational Changes
- Evaluate Equity Compensation
- Apply Without Meeting All Requirements
- Embrace Continuous Learning
- Get Certified in Relevant Technologies
Understand Programming Fundamentals
One thing new grads or job seekers in IT need to understand is the importance of solid programming fundamentals. I’ve interviewed many candidates who know a specific language well, but when it comes to solving real-world problems, they struggle because their grasp of core concepts, like algorithms, data structures, and object-oriented programming, is weak. It’s not enough to just be good at one language; tech evolves, and you need to be adaptable.
If your fundamentals are strong, picking up new languages or tools becomes much easier. Without that foundation, you’ll hit roadblocks as your career progresses. So, focus on the basics—they’ll carry you much further than just knowing the latest framework or language.
Rajesh Rabadia, Chief Solutions Architect, Silent Infotech
Showcase a Learning Mindset
The tech sector currently needs more talent in areas such as cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity. Universities aren’t keeping pace with innovations in these areas, so employers are actively looking for eager learners with track records of picking up and applying new tools in school and the workplace.
If you’re a recent graduate, the best way to showcase your learning mindset is through certifications and projects. Look for entry-level certifications that align with your target niche, such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals for cloud specialists or CompTIA Security+ for cybersecurity professionals. Remember to consider the specific platforms and skill sets your ideal employers are looking for and how much technical expertise you have before signing on for a course.
At the entry level, tech employers want applicants with relevant technical backgrounds. If you have the basics, you’ll be much easier to train in the specific tools or practices the employer needs.
Give context to your foundational skills by including hackathons and competitions on your CV or documenting personal projects on GitHub. You can find beginner-friendly hackathons on Devpost, Major League Hacking, and Eventbrite. Also, projects that showcase your ability to solve real-world problems or build basic applications stand out to employers on GitHub, especially if they relate to trending industry needs, like data analysis for AI or cloud-deployment basics.
Sebastian Morgan, Senior Content Specialist, CV Genius
Adapt to Fast-Paced Changes
One key thing to know about the IT and technology industry is that it’s fast-paced, and you’ll need to be adaptable. From my experience at Parachute, we’ve seen technology shift quickly, and the most successful professionals in this field are those who can learn new skills and embrace change. For a new grad or career-changer, this means focusing on continuous learning. Whether it’s taking certification courses or keeping up with industry trends, staying current is essential.
Another important aspect is that problem-solving is at the core of most IT roles. When I started in this industry, it became clear that every day brings new challenges. Whether it’s managing security issues or troubleshooting technical problems, you’ll need to be comfortable digging into details to find solutions. This field rewards people who enjoy fixing things and thinking critically.
Finally, it’s important to understand that collaboration is a major part of IT work. Our 24/7 phone support team shows just how much technology professionals need to communicate effectively. Whether you’re helping a client or working with your team, the ability to explain technical concepts in a way that others can understand is crucial. You don’t need to know everything right away, but building strong communication skills will help you thrive in the long term.
Elmo Taddeo, CEO, Parachute
Focus on Practical Experience
IT and tech emphasize practical experience that outweighs traditional education or theoretical knowledge. Employers prioritize candidates with a robust, hands-on portfolio, listing participation in projects, workshops, and practical certifications. Academic background and theoretical knowledge may look impressive, but they often fall short without the real-world application that IT and tech roles demand. If your skills are primarily knowledge-based, it signals a need to gain more direct experience to secure a position or you may face setbacks and disappointments.
So, even if you’re starting out, focus on building a solid foundation of practical skills. Leverage internships, freelance projects, open-source contributions, or even volunteer roles. Beyond these, consider targeted certifications in key areas like software development, cybersecurity, or cloud computing to strengthen your profile.
Unlike theoretical knowledge, practical experience demonstrates your ability to solve real problems, troubleshoot, and work with specific tools or systems.
Nina Paczka, Community Manager, MyPerfectResume
Develop Domain Knowledge
One critical insight for new IT and technology graduates is the value of developing domain knowledge in specific business sectors.
While technical expertise is essential, understanding the industry you work in—whether it’s finance, healthcare, retail, or any other field—adds significant value.
Moreover, companies increasingly seek candidates who can solve technical problems and align their solutions with broader business goals.
For example, a software developer working in healthcare IT should be familiar with regulations such as HIPAA. At the same time, those in the FinTech space must have a solid grasp of financial security standards and compliance. This industry-specific knowledge allows professionals to design more tailored and compliant solutions, making them more effective in their roles.
In summary, focusing on domain knowledge alongside technical skills is a rare but crucial advantage that sets candidates apart. It demonstrates a deeper understanding of how technology applies to business operations.
Peter Bryla, Senior Community Manager, MyPerfectCV
Navigate Organizational Changes
One thing that’s not often mentioned to newcomers in tech is the importance of knowing how to gracefully navigate organizational shifts. The tech industry, by nature, goes through constant restructuring, acquisitions, and leadership changes that can shake up entire teams and priorities overnight. New hires sometimes expect a stable road map, but the reality is that you’re likely to experience structural changes that impact your role, your team, and even your projects. And it’s not just the technology that’s shifting so rapidly—the companies are moving too.
But what differentiates individuals is that they read the room, learn from them, and, most importantly, stay in relationships even when things are volatile. To know how to connect and show that you are worth it in a changing world is a rarely practiced skill that can save your tech career. If you are able to take change in stride, and don’t take it personally but have the drive to provide value elsewhere, you’ll not only survive in tech, you’ll flourish, no matter how the organizational world changes all around you.
Anders Bill, Cofounder/CPO, Superfiliate
Evaluate Equity Compensation
When considering a tech job offer, it’s important to understand they often come with some form of company equity compensation. It’s crucial to examine both the cash and equity portions of your job offer. Equity, while often appealing, can be risky and will depend heavily on the company’s growth trajectory, financial health, and projected liquidity events. Understanding the company’s runway, 409A valuation, and potential exit strategies can provide insights into when and how you might realize any value from your company equity. Additionally, aligning with the company’s mission and values can be vital, as personal buy-in to the company’s goals often enhances long-term job satisfaction.
Beyond financials, think about the position’s impact on your career trajectory, skill development, and overall work-life balance. Consider whether the role provides learning opportunities aligned with your career goals or offers room for growth within the company. Cultural fit and lifestyle alignment can significantly affect your daily experience and long-term satisfaction, making them as important as compensation factors when choosing a role that fosters both professional and personal fulfillment.
Jirayr Kembikian, Co-founder, Citrine Capital
Apply Without Meeting All Requirements
Entering the IT and technology industry can be both exciting and daunting for new graduates or those considering a career change. One key takeaway is that you don’t need to meet 100% of a job description to apply. Many organizations prioritize proactive individuals who are eager to learn and bring innovative ideas over those who merely check-off required skills.
In this rapidly-evolving field, companies value employees who can translate complex technical concepts into understandable language for upper management and non-technical stakeholders. This ability to communicate effectively across different levels is crucial for bridging gaps and ensuring that technical insights can influence strategic decisions.
Staying updated with the latest industry trends and emerging technologies is essential. The tech landscape is constantly shifting, so commitment to continuous learning and professional development is vital. Actively seeking-out information and being open to acquiring new skills will help you thrive. Subscribing to industry newsletters, participating in webinars, and engaging in online courses are excellent ways to stay informed.
Upskilling isn’t just about technical abilities; it also involves enhancing your soft skills. As the industry grows, the demand for professionals who can lead teams, manage projects, and foster collaboration is increasing. Developing these skills will better equip you for broader responsibilities and career advancement.
Networking is another crucial aspect of entering the IT and tech industry. Building connections with professionals in the field can provide valuable insights and opportunities. Attend industry conferences, join relevant online communities, and seek mentorship to expand your network and deepen your understanding of the landscape.
Lastly, embrace the culture of innovation that defines the tech world. Be open to experimenting with new ideas and technologies, and view setbacks as learning opportunities that drive further growth.
In summary, while technical skills are important, the IT and technology industry values a proactive attitude, effective communication, and a commitment to continuous learning. By focusing on these areas, new graduates and career changers can position themselves for success in this dynamic and rewarding field.
Geraldine Olea, Tech Project Manager | Diversity Advocate | Media Contributor
Embrace Continuous Learning
The actual coding languages and tools you know right now matter less than you might think. What really counts is being ready to learn new ones as things change. I’ve seen developers succeed not because they knew everything, but because they weren’t afraid to figure things out along the way.
Think of it like learning to ride a bike—once you get comfortable being uncomfortable, you can handle any new model that comes along.
George Fironov, Co-Founder & CEO, Talmatic
Get Certified in Relevant Technologies
If you are a new grad or job-seeker changing careers and you do not currently have any experience in the IT and technology industry, take the time to get certified in the areas/technologies you are looking to work with. It will show future employers that you are taking steps to self-learn and are serious about your interest in the field.
You may not have hands-on working experience, but you show you know some things about the technology and are not starting from ground zero.
Cheryl Pounders, Talent Acquisition Manager, Smartbridge
