How to start a career in IT and become a digital nomad?
Have you ever wondered about starting a career in IT? It has lots of pros like high demand, good money and possibility to work remotely. So actually everything you need to become a digital nomad.
What’s great here is that you don’t need to graduate from particular studies to become an IT expert. The most important are relevant skills which you can gain in different ways, like through online courses or bootcamps.
But how can you know if IT is for you? Is coding needed to work in IT industry at all? How to choose the right path and get ready to embark on your IT journey?
I have been askeing myself these questions many times. During my studies at the University of Technology I learned a bit about programming and coding as well as other technical areas. I was thinking to myself then that I would like to do something related to IT but not necessarily be a programmer. And I didn't know what to do with it.
I found the answers just recently. And I'm sure there are more people like me, so I want to share my findings with you.
Photo by Aleh Tsikhanau
Tech Career Foundations course
One day a colleague wrote to me saying that she had created a course on Udemy about Tech Career Foundations and inviting me to check it out. I knew that she worked in IT but I had no idea about anything more. I checked the course out of curiosity. And I soaked it all in. The lessons answered all my questions and addressed issues I wouldn't have even thought of. If only I had this information earlier!
I can't tell you all I learnt in this course since I believe it would make a full book out of it, so I’ll share a sneak peek and a brief summary of some of the points that best fit the topic of this article.
Is IT only about coding?
Of course, developers are a big part of the IT industry. However, they cannot work alone. All IT companies are made up of different positions that work together on advanced projects. Some of them require being familiar with programming languages but some can be a great option for those who are looking to begin an IT career without coding.
Technical Roles in IT
Developer - all about coding and programming
Backend Developer
Frontend Developer
Data Scientist - is responsible for data analytics and insights
Solution Architect - crafts solutions for complex technological challenges
QA Engineer ensures software quality through testing
AI Specialist - works in a field of Artificial Intelligence, including Machine Learning
Cybersecurity Professional - safeguards digital assets from potential threats
DevOps Engineer - collaboration between development and operations teams
System Administrator - is in charge of network infrastructure, system performance, end-user support
Help Desk Rep - frontline technical assistance to end-users
Non-Technical Roles in IT
Project Manager - collaborates with cross-functional teams to shape product visions and strategies
Account Manager - keeps relationships with clients
UX/UI Designer - crafts seamless user experiences
SEO Specialist - implements strategies to improve website visibility on search engines
Business Analyst - bridges the gap between business needs and technology solutions
Technical Writer - transforms complex technical information into accessible content
Photo by Brendan Church
What IT career is right for you?
Each position requires a different set of skills and predispositions. There is no job that suits everyone. Most of jobs in IT will involve some technical knowledge as well as good communication and problem-solving skills. (If you are curious about the detailed requirements for selected positions, their pros and cons or ways to go, take a look at the course.)
Getting to know the positions is one thing. Getting to know yourself is the other. What do you like to do the most, and what is challenging or frustrating for you? What are your expectations? And what is your working style? All those aspects matter. After all, you don't want to go all the way to work in IT only to realize that it's not for you.
To get to know yourself better, take personality and aptitude tests. If you decide to work on it with a professional, you will receive an in-depth report and gain additional knowledge throughout the consultation. But you can also do it yourself with tests available online for free or for a small fee.
Personality tests or career tests
Career-oriented personality tests abound. Let me give you some examples. If you know any other good tests that a person thinking about a professional journey will benefit from, please let me know!
Free Career Aptitude Test
Free DISC Work Style
Free The Career Test
Free IT Talent Test
IT career switch: is it worth it?
“Is it worth it?” is a topic that will always come up, regardless of whether you're just starting out in your profession or considering a job change or industry move.
Gaining new information, learning and mastering needed skills, creating a portfolio. All this can take a lot of time and energy. And that's just the beginning! Then comes sending applications, interviews, and the first weeks in a new job. It goes without saying that you want to be sure it's worthwhile.
Unfortunately, no one will give you a guarantee. What you can do is give the subject a lot of thoughtful thought. Analyze the pros and cons of the change. Think about the position you would like to take. Make a list of the skills you need to acquire and the plan you need to follow to get there.
Does it sound like fun? Is your future life after change looking better than now?
Then trust yourself and just go with it! By trying you have nothing to lose. You can always back out if you feel you are going the wrong way. Remember that, while change can be stressful, it can also be thrilling and lead to surprises you don’t even drem of. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about ;)
How to become a digital nomad working in IT?
You already know a thing or two about starting a career in IT. Becoming a digital nomad is a slightly longer topic but I’ll try to keep it brief. To start a career in IT and become a digital nomad you need to:
choose an IT career path that suits your preferences
learn required skills
look for a job of your choice that is offered remotely and globally
apply for a job, prepare yourself perfectly and get the job
survive first weeks and start receiving your salary
book a flight to a country you wish to visit
book an accommodation for a month (check info about internet connection)
pack your luggage and go to the airport
take a cab (or other means of transportation) and get to your rented apartment or hostel
work during your work time and go out in free time
find other digital nomads who stayed in the same area and get in touch
have fun (or not)
decide if you like it: if yes come back to point 6 and repeat next steps
congrats! you are a digital nomad working in IT now*
*more about this lifestyle, first steps, pros and cons etc. you will find in other articles on this blog.
