Whether you’re stuck in a dead-end job or transitioning from the military, everyone has their own reasons for wanting to break into the IT industry. And there’s no better time to make the leap. With demand for skilled professionals at an all-time high, IT offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and countless career opportunities.

Even if you lack experience, don’t worry — you wouldn’t be the first to start from scratch. Here are seven practical tips to help you take the first step toward a rewarding career in the IT industry.

Here’s what you’ll find in the article:
1. Leverage your past experience to break into IT.
2. Earn industry certifications.
3. Your degree in another field could be a valuable asset.
4. Be willing to start fresh.
5. Harness the power of networking.
6. Build relevant tech skills and gain practical experience.
7. Seek out crossover opportunities.

1. Leverage your past experience to break into IT

Transitioning to a career in IT can feel daunting, especially when scanning job postings filled with technical jargon. However, your past experience — particularly your “soft skills” — can be far more relevant than you might think. Many skills are transferable, even if they don’t initially seem related to IT.

Take help desk roles, for example, which are among the most common entry points into the industry. Skills like effective communication, customer service expertise, proficiency with Microsoft Office, and similar abilities can set you apart as a candidate. By re-evaluating your previous roles through the lens of your desired IT position, you may uncover a wealth of relevant experience you hadn’t considered.

For military veterans, this process can be particularly rewarding. The discipline, teamwork, and technical training gained during service often align perfectly with the demands of an IT career. Additionally, veterans can take advantage of specialized programs, such as WIOA or Chapter 33, which provide funding and support to ease the transition into technology roles.

To position yourself for success, start by crafting a new resume tailored to the specific IT roles you’re targeting. Highlight transferable skills and relevant experience, ensuring your resume aligns with the expectations of hiring managers. Don’t forget to update your LinkedIn profile to match your resume, as employers will almost certainly review it during the hiring process.

Lastly, write a compelling cover letter that ties your prior experience to the new role. Explain how your skills will add value, why you’re excited about transitioning into IT, and what motivates your career change. A well-crafted cover letter not only addresses potential employer questions but also builds a strong case for why you’re the perfect fit for the job.

2. Earn industry certifications

Earning certifications is one of the quickest ways to break into the information technology (IT) field. While earning a tech degree can take anywhere from 1 to 4 years, certifications can often be achieved in just a few weeks. While there’s ongoing debate about the value of a degree versus certifications, the truth is a degree isn’t always necessary to start a career in IT.

Certifications demonstrate to potential employers that you possess the skills they’re looking for, helping to bridge the gap if you lack hands-on experience. In fact, the right certifications can sometimes place you ahead of candidates with limited experience but no certifications. They also open doors to more entry-level opportunities, giving you the flexibility to pursue roles that align with your goals rather than settling for the first job available.

Top IT certifications for beginners

If you’re starting your IT journey, here are some certifications to consider:

1. CompTIA A+: This vendor-neutral certification provides a solid foundation in various IT areas, including networking, hardware, cloud technologies, mobile devices, and troubleshooting. It’s an excellent starting point for landing your first help desk role.
2. CompTIA Security+: Ideal for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, this vendor-neutral certification validates your ability to implement essential security measures. It covers core IT security concepts such as network security, threat management, compliance, identity controls, and cryptography.
3. CompTIA Network+: Another great entry-level option, this vendor-neutral certification focuses on networking fundamentals, troubleshooting, infrastructure, operations, and security concepts.
4. ITIL® Foundation: This certification introduces you to the IT service management framework. It demonstrates your understanding of the processes that enable IT teams to deliver high-quality service efficiently.

All of these certifications, offered in Learning’s entry-level Computer User Support program, can provide a strong foundation for future roles in networking and cybersecurity.

How to get certified

To earn a certification, you’ll first need to study the exam objectives for your chosen credential. Study options include self-study, certification prep programs, virtual instructor-led training, in-person courses, or online on-demand training. For those with little to no IT experience, taking a course led by an expert with real-world knowledge is often the best approach. These instructors can answer questions and help you deeply understand the material.

Once you’ve prepared, purchase an exam voucher from the certification vendor and schedule your exam. The exact process may vary depending on the certification vendor, so be sure to follow their specific requirements.

Earning industry certifications is a powerful step toward launching your IT career. With the right preparation and determination, you can open doors to opportunities that align with your skills and aspirations.

3. Your degree in another field could be a valuable asset

If you’re feeling frustrated or regretful about earning a degree in a field unrelated to your dream career, take a step back and reevaluate. Many employers value the dedication and perseverance it takes to earn a degree — regardless of the subject. Your degree may be more beneficial than you think.

Instead of dwelling on how your degree might feel like a misstep, focus on how it can propel you toward a career in IT. For instance, someone with a literature degree may bring a creative approach to problem-solving, along with strong writing and communication skills. A philosophy major might excel in logical thinking and offer unique perspectives when tackling challenges. Highlighting your degree as an advantage can help you stand out from candidates with strictly technical backgrounds.

As the IT industry continues to evolve rapidly, there’s a growing demand for professionals with diverse experiences and fresh perspectives. Your background could be exactly what sets you apart.

4. Be willing to start fresh

Transitioning into the IT industry often means starting from scratch. While you may have been a manager or senior professional in your previous field, remember — you’re making this change for a reason. Be prepared to begin with an entry-level role and work your way up. The experience you gain at the ground level will be instrumental as you advance into more complex and rewarding positions.

Don’t let this discourage you — IT offers incredible earning potential for those willing to put in the work. Entry-level positions, such as help desk roles, typically start around $50K per year. However, with a few years of experience and certifications in areas like cybersecurity, you could be earning upwards of $120K in roles such as Cybersecurity Analyst within five years. Your growth will largely depend on your willingness to learn and stay committed to honing your skills.

If you want to accelerate your progress, consider pursuing a degree or earning certifications. These credentials not only demonstrate your dedication to the field but also give you a competitive edge over other candidates. While you may not immediately land a top-tier position without hands-on experience, certifications can help you secure opportunities that pave the way for higher-paying, specialized roles.

In a field as dynamic and expansive as IT, the combination of the right credentials, continuous learning, and determination can quickly propel you toward a successful and lucrative career.

5. Harness the power of networking

Never underestimate the value of connections when building a tech career. Networking isn’t just about meeting people; it’s about building meaningful relationships that can lead to opportunities you didn’t know existed. Many employers prefer hiring through recommendations over resumes from unknown applicants. A strong referral can set you apart in a competitive job market.

Finding an experienced IT mentor is a great way to grow your network. A mentor can guide you, share advice, and provide insights from their own career. They can also help you navigate challenges, develop your skills, and introduce you to their network.

Use platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter to connect with tech professionals. Don’t just scroll — be proactive. Comment on posts, share your thoughts on trends, and send direct messages to introduce yourself. Don’t forget your personal network either. A simple post about exploring opportunities in tech could lead to unexpected connections. Friends, family, or acquaintances might know someone hiring or be willing to refer you.

The right connection can give you an edge, open unexpected doors, and ignite passions that shape your career. Networking isn’t a one-time effort — it’s a process that can benefit you for years to come.

6. Build relevant tech skills and gain practical experience

In today’s tech-driven world, the right technical skills can make a big difference on your resume. Whether you’re starting out or transitioning into tech, mastering tools like Salesforce, WordPress, or programming languages like Python or JavaScript can make you stand out to employers. These skills show you’re proactive, adaptable, and ready to contribute to a tech-savvy team.

Fortunately, there are plenty of resources to help you get started. Platforms like YouTube, Coursera, and Khan Academy offer free or affordable tutorials to build new skills or strengthen existing ones. For deeper learning, paid courses and certifications on Udemy or LinkedIn Learning provide structured paths and credentials for your resume.

When deciding what to learn, focus on areas that match your interests and career goals. Want to get into web development? Start with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Interested in data analytics? Explore tools like Excel, Tableau, or Power BI. Dedicate time daily to practicing, and soon you’ll have the expertise to highlight on your resume — skills that could set you apart from the competition.

For hands-on experience, virtual labs are an excellent option. Sandbox labs, for instance, let you practice IT skills on real servers in a safe environment. They’re great for troubleshooting, experimenting, and building confidence without risk. These labs help you apply what you’ve learned and prepare for real-world challenges.

Combining technical knowledge with practical experience ensures you’re ready to hit the ground running in your next role. Employers value candidates who can not only understand concepts but also apply them. With the right skills, dedication to learning, and practical training, you’ll be set to excel in the tech industry.

7. Seek out crossover opportunities

You may not have direct IT experience, but every industry relies on networks and computers—opening doors for IT roles in unexpected places. For instance, if you have years of experience in car sales, consider pursuing an IT position at a car dealership. Your knowledge of the industry could make you a valuable asset, even if your technical skills are still developing.

Understanding the business side can give you a significant edge, allowing you to contribute meaningfully from the start. While you’ll likely need to begin at an entry-level position, this approach could provide the perfect stepping stone to gain your first year or two of IT experience.

In short, starting a career in IT without prior experience is challenging — but far from impossible. After all, every career has to begin somewhere. By equipping yourself with the right tools, knowledge, and determination, you can increase your chances of building a successful and lasting career in tech. The leap may feel daunting, but the rewards are well worth it.