4 Entry-Level IT Jobs to Jump Start your Tech Career

By Monster

As technology continues to rapidly evolve, it’s time to reconsider entry-level IT jobs not as static, monotonous roles but as a launch-pad from which to jump start a seriously exciting career in the Tech industry. From IT support to programming, entry-level IT jobs can equip you with all the relevant skills you’ll need to excel in the ever-growing world of technology. Read on to find out how far you can leap!

Desktop Support Technician

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If you have:
A minimum of 5 C-grade GCSEs and a passion for solving problems in a fast paced environment, you can be trained through on-the-job programs. Alternatively, an Information Technology bachelor degree will also give you a good foundation.

Start with:
Being the first point of contact when something goes wrong with a desktop computer – from helping someone whose internet is down, to fixing a computer that completely crashes. This also includes configuring, testing and troubleshooting network and wireless issues, setting up user accounts and formatting desktop computers. The key is to solve problems in a timely manner, either in person, by telephone, or via email in order to ensure a smooth operation and optimal workstation performance.

Jump to:
Becoming the people person. As this is a forward facing role, you will be exposed to different issues and applications on a daily basis. As long as you equip yourself with certifications such as a Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) and CompTIA A+, you will have the opportunity to gain insight into the different facets of the business and to strengthen your interpersonal skills as a senior, ultimately allowing you to take an even bigger leap to something like a business analyst role.

An example of an inspiring leap is when Jeremy Kurt went from being the help desk of a Fortune 500 retailer for 7 years to an Information System Manager and is now President of HDI’s New England.

His experience as a technician gave him enough insights into common tech problems and call centre trends to move into a managerial role. Similarly, gaining enough trust and having multiple areas of experience was a fast track to becoming a director. Therefore, the potential of a help desk technician is often overlooked, as it can put you in a good position for future growth through routes like system administration, data centre operations and network management.

Junior Systems Administrator

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If you have:
A Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering bachelor degree, an interest in network technology and a passion for keeping up to date with new technology trend.

Start with:
A hands-on technical role that allows you to provide a secure and stable network for, and maintain the work flow of, an organisation. This includes setting up computers and networks, maintaining hardware and keeping software up to date. For example, you must make sure the Internet connection in the office is working for staff to surf the web or ensure that the mail server is running for staff to be able to send or receive emails. Although they may seem like the most basic operations, your role forms the backbone of any organisation.

Jump to:
Being a bigger problem solver. As you progress in this line of work, you will realise the importance of technical inquisitiveness – the same quality that most probably got you into this role in the first place. The drive to figure things out will ensure that you keep learning from your mistakes in order to prepare for the next challenge.

As long as you keep equipping yourself with the relevant certifications like Cisco’s CCNA and administrative languages like Python, Perl, Ruby and Windows PowerShell, you can make a promising leap to Technical Lead roles or IT management roles.

Junior Software Engineer

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If you have:
A Computer Science or Mathematics bachelor degree, a solid understanding of computer languages like JavaScript, C++, Linux, Oracle, .NET and a passion for creating new technologies.

Start with:
An open mind, a willingness to learn new development languages and an eagerness to keep up with rapidly changing technology. This will enable you to suggest relevant changes to existing software and present cutting-edge ideas for implementing future software. You will also be responsible for collaborating with business analysts and developers to interpret business needs and to design software solutions.

Jump to:
A world of endless possibilities. As you begin to master multiple computer languages and gain certification, you will find more and more exciting options become available to you - joining a startup or starting your own business, for example.

Pierre Omidyar, CEO of eBay followed the same path – he started working as a software engineer and had an idea to build an online marketplace that could bring the power of financial markets to regular people. Since he had the relevant knowledge to build the software, he was able to create eBay single-handedly.

Learning to write software means you have complete control over what you are building, which then opens up your career choices and fuels an even bigger jump. Alternatively, you can also take on roles such as IT Architect, Java Developer, or Information Technology Consultant.

Junior Business Analyst

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If you have:
A Computer Science, Business Management or Business Analysis bachelor degree, a varied set of skills including excellent communication, problem solving, negotiating skills and a hunger for a challenge or two.

Start with:
Learning to be a critical evaluator. This includes shadowing a senior business analyst to translate customer needs into technical solutions. From analysing an organisation to documenting the business’s processes and its integration with technology, the key responsibility is to identify areas that need improving and updating in order to ensure that the business’s technology is performing at an optimum level.

Jump to:
Creating something you’re proud of. If you are ready to take an adventurous step forward, you can choose to start your own business, just like Brian Wong, whose mobile platform Kiip’s success was due to his thorough analysis of the DNA of gaming.

His insight – based on the fact that rewards were the key to engaging players - sparked the idea to convert in-game achievements into real-world rewards. By taking on the role of Business Analyst and examining the data, he was able to create something that resulted in extraordinarily high levels of engagement, the likes of which have been emulated several times since.

On the other hand, if you would like to continue with the type of responsibility you have now, you can increase your reach by taking a Business Analyst Consultant or a Business Architect role. You will have the opportunity to take on diverse projects, expand your network and majorly enhance your skill sets.

It’s time to prepare for your big leap! Find out where you can get started in the fast-paced, ever evolving world of Tech with the latest IT job openings.