Breaking into the IT industry without a traditional degree might seem challenging. However, there are pathways available that combine training and real-world experience, opening doors to lucrative entry-level IT jobs.
In this guide, we’ll explore key steps and opportunities to launch your IT career, with a focus on IT training programs.
How to Get a Job In IT
1. Choose a Focus Area
Choosing a focus area in IT is an important step that helps you direct your learning and job search toward the type of work that fits your interests and strengths.
IT is a broad field with many different roles, so figuring out what excites you most can make the journey more meaningful and manageable.
| Interest | Career |
|---|---|
| You enjoy helping people and solving problems quickly | IT support or help desk roles |
| You’re curious about how networks connect computers and devices | Networking |
| You’re want to know how to protect data and systems from online threats | Cybersecurity |
| You’re interested in powers tools like Google Drive and Amazon Web Services (AWS) | Cloud computing |
Understanding the basics first will give you enough exposure to make an informed decision.
Once you pick a focus, you can start learning the specific skills and tools used in that area. Choosing a focus also helps when selecting certifications, as many are geared toward specific paths. By narrowing your focus, you’ll build targeted expertise that will make you stand out to employers in that field.
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2. Get Trained
One of the number one reasons people hesitate on changing careers is education. Let’s face it. Education is prohibitively expensive at $38,270 per year. Merit America makes getting an entry-level job in IT accessible at $5,700 with zero upfront cost.
Let’s explore how Merit America programs can be your gateway to a successful IT career.
IT Support: Hands-On Training for IT Enthusiasts
Merit America’s IT training offers hands-on training for those interested in helping people navigate technology challenges. IT support specialists play a crucial role in setting up new users, overseeing computer systems, and troubleshooting tech issues.
The IT Support program covers fundamental skills, including system administration, network essentials, and effective troubleshooting techniques. Graduates emerge ready to excel in entry-level IT support roles across diverse industries.
Data Analytics: Making Sense of Information
Our Data Analytics program prepares individuals to make sense of data and drive decision-making in organizations of all sizes. Specialists in data analytics query databases, identify trends, and construct visualizations to support key business decisions.
This program equips graduates with the skills needed for entry-level positions in data-driven roles across industries.
UX Design: Crafting User-Centric Experiences
In the growing digital product industry, our UX Design program addresses the demand for skilled designers. UX designers play a vital role in building products like websites and apps, focusing on making user interactions useful, enjoyable, and accessible.
This course covers entry-level skills, including understanding product usability, exploring great user experiences, and designing wireframes and prototypes. Graduates are prepared for roles such as visual designer, interaction designer, UI designer, UX researcher, and product designer.
Cybersecurity: Safeguarding the Digital World
Cybersecurity analysts are essential in safeguarding organizations from cyber threats. Our Cybersecurity program equips individuals with entry-level skills, covering programming for cybersecurity tasks, mastering security frameworks, utilizing SIEM tools, and detecting and responding to incidents.
Graduates of the IT training can pursue various pathways in Cybersecurity Operations, IT Infrastructure and systems, Governance, Risk and compliance, entering roles such as incident responder, network technician, penetration tester, and more.
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3. Build credentials
Gaining credentials is a key step toward landing an entry-level IT job. It shows employers that you have the technical knowledge and skills needed to succeed, even if you don’t have a college degree.
Entry-level certificates like the Google IT Support Professional Certificate are designed specifically for beginners and cover essential topics like computer hardware, software troubleshooting, and networking basics. The certificate is widely recognized by employers and can help your resume stand out when applying for help desk or technical support roles.
Merit America helps you earn the Google IT Support Certificate through a flexible IT job training program designed for working adults, with no prior experience needed. Along with technical training, you also get personalized career coaching, resume support, interview prep, and job placement assistance to help you launch a successful career in IT.
📌 Related Reading: Certificate vs. Certification: What’s the Difference?
4. Build a Resume
Building a strong resume is a crucial step in landing your first IT job because it’s often your first impression with potential employers.
A well-crafted resume highlights your technical skills, certifications, and any hands-on experience you’ve gained—even if it’s through job training programs or personal projects.
If you’re new to the field, focus on showcasing transferable skills from other jobs, like problem-solving, communication, or customer service, which are especially valuable in roles like IT support.
Be sure to list any certifications you’ve earned, such as the Google IT Support Certificate, as these show that you’re serious about the field and ready for entry-level work.
With the right resume, you can stand out—even without a traditional tech background.
📌 Related Reading: How to Create a Tech-Focused Resume: Tips for Beginners
5. Apply to Jobs
Once your resume is ready, it’s time to start applying to jobs!
If you’ve job hunted before, you know the deal. Job boards such as Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor are standard and can expose you to different types of roles.
That said, if you want to supercharge your job search, you must network.
In addition to applying online, Networking can be a powerful way to land your first IT job. Many jobs are never posted publicly and are filled through connections, so building relationships with people already in the field can open doors.
Start by updating your LinkedIn profile and connecting with classmates, instructors, and professionals you meet through training programs or local tech meetups.
Don’t be afraid to message LinkedIn recruiters or IT professionals to ask how they got started or if they know of any openings. Most people are happy to help, especially if you’re respectful and curious.
The more visible and connected you are, the more likely you are to hear about opportunities before they go public.
📌 Related Reading: How to Network for a New Career When You’re Starting Fresh
6. Keep Learning
In the fast-moving world of IT, “keep learning” isn’t just good advice—it’s essential to staying relevant and advancing your career.
Technology is always changing, with new tools, systems, and threats emerging constantly. Once you land your first job, you’ll start to see how much more there is to learn on the job, from company-specific systems to advanced troubleshooting techniques.
Continuing to learn not only helps you solve problems more efficiently but also shows your employer that you’re proactive and committed to growing in your role. This can lead to raises, promotions, or chances to take on more advanced responsibilities.
You can continue building your skills with more advanced options like CompTIA Network+, Security+, or vendor-specific ones like Cisco CCNA or AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, depending on the career path you want to take in IT.
Staying curious and committed to learning will keep your career moving forward and open up exciting new paths along the way.
Land Your First Job in IT
Getting a job in IT is completely achievable, even if you’re starting from scratch or changing careers. The IT field is full of opportunities—from help desk support to cybersecurity—and the demand for skilled workers keeps growing.
With determination, hands-on practice, and the right resources, you can break into the industry and start building a career that’s both stable and rewarding.
If you’re looking for support and a structured path to get there, Merit America is a powerful option. Our job training programs are designed for busy adults and include flexible learning that leads to in-demand certifications like the Google IT Support Certificate.
But it doesn’t stop at training—Merit America also provides one-on-one career coaching, resume help, mock interviews, and job placement support to help you land your first IT role.
In fact, with an 80% completion rate, Merit America alumni with outcome data see an average annual wage gain of $21,000 three or more months after program completion (Job Success).
If you’re ready to launch a new future in tech, Merit America can help you take the leap with confidence.