How to Get Into IT Without a Degree
If you’re looking for a career that will grow and flourish over time, information technology (IT) jobs might be your best bet. This field is projected to grow faster than average over the next ten years, and 377,500 new jobs open up annually across the US.
Many people think that college degrees are essential for computer and tech careers. But this is a myth. With just a few months’ worth of online courses, you can get into this high-paying and rewarding industry. Read on to learn how to get into IT without a degree.
Understand Your Goals
Going into IT is popular because of the high pay and benefits that it offers. $88,000 per year is the average base salary, and after a few years, the job becomes even more lucrative. Many IT jobs have salaries of well over $100,000.
If your primary aim is to make money, you likely want to start on the path toward the highest-paying IT jobs available. IT executive positions can give workers over $164,000 annually, and this figure is only increasing. Software engineers, solutions architects, and DevOps professionals also receive high pay.
However, other people are more interested in indulging their passions than in making money. If your goal is to work with computers and technology because you love it, you likely already have an idea of what you’d like to do.
Those who enjoy innovation and evolution may want to be systems architects, mobile app developers, and cloud engineers. People who are money-minded and enjoy analyzing and developing may want to become program or cybersecurity analysts. Those who want to code their own programs make great IT directors.
Some people want IT jobs not because they’re tech-oriented but because they’re business-oriented. If this describes you, you may enjoy testing software and boosting digital security.
Know Some IT Jobs for Beginners
After identifying your goals, it’s time to peruse some IT job options for people who don’t have degrees.
One of the simplest entry-level jobs is that of a help desk technician. These technicians talk with customers and clients about tech-related problems they’re having. They then help to troubleshoot these issues quickly.
This job is fairly easy to get compared to other tech-related jobs, and it’s a good in with many different industries. Even if IT or software isn’t your ultimate career goal, beginning at the help desk of a hospital, college, government, or corporate facility can help you network with those around you. It’s a stepping stone to all sorts of other healthcare, education, or business jobs.
Technical Support Specialists
Like desk technicians, a support specialist has a job in customer service. Their goal is communicating and collaborating with other people to solve computer issues around a business facility. They can work in tons of different industries to help IT staff and management teams.
Usually, they can later go into management and consulting careers. This is an awesome stepping stone to future careers, and technical support professionals usually have remote positions with flexible schedules. If you want a good work-life balance, this is the job for you.
Web and App Developer
If you’re getting an IT job to nurture a love of technology and innovation, designing websites and mobile apps might be the perfect career for you.
You don’t need any formal degrees assuming that you already have the training and experience needed to create great designs. All you need is certification and extensive knowledge of programming and coding. Data analytics skills are also beneficial.
This job is ideal for those who like working on their own. If troubleshooting issues and problem-solving tasks are your passion, you’ll love developing websites and apps. There are also tons of career advancement opportunities for those looking to become IT managers or lead developers.
Software Developers and Testers
Creating new software requires a professional who can figure out how to meet the needs of those using it. If you work for a business that’s struggling to streamline payroll, for example, a software developer or engineer may make something to partially automate these processes.
Part of developing and testing software is assessing users’ needs and requirements. They also plan to fit their development into restrictive timeframes and tight budgets.
This is a fun job in and of itself, and many people choose to retain it for a lifetime. However, you’ll take on new responsibilities as time goes by and lead development teams and complex projects.
Increase Your Chances With IT Bootcamp
These are just a few of the many IT-related no-degree jobs. But they and the dozens of other options out there all share some commonalities. They require in-depth knowledge of how software and web systems work even for those without degrees.
That’s where software engineering bootcamp comes in.
“Software engineering” is an umbrella term for careers that focus on:
- IT Design and innovation
- Software development
- Testing software
- Maintaining IT systems
- Troubleshooting potential difficulties to refine software
You’ll schedule an admissions call with Coding Temple’s team after taking a five-minute skill assessment. We’ll help you understand your skills and needs before enrolling.
Enrollment
You can choose a 40+ hours/week full-time course with live instruction if you want to begin your career soon. These nine-to-five courses take place Monday through Friday for between eight and twelve weeks.
If you hold a full-time job or have other daytime commitments, you can take the course part-time. These courses happen from Monday through Thursday for 10-14 weeks and meet from 5 PM to 9 PM.
Flex courses are slower and self-driven, but you can work at your own pace. You get six months of access to recorded lectures and take group sessions each week. This lets you interact with instructors effectively.
Sign up for your course online and start learning ASAP!
Learning Goals
At this point, you can take the course and acquire a wide range of skills. Some of the most important things you’ll learn about include:
- Core programming concepts
- Web development foundation
- Programming techniques (including intermediate and advanced options)
- Database management
- Manipulating IT data
- Developing backend software
- Designing user-friendly web/mobile interfaces
- Frameworks
It’s comprehensive and expansive so you’ll feel ready for whatever your career throws at you.
Other Bootcamp Options
Data analytics, cybersecurity, and quality assurance bootcamp options are also available. Which course you take will depend on your specific goals. However, those who are unsure of what IT career they want usually can learn all they need to know with a software engineering course.
If you want more information, make sure to talk with Coding Temple’s experts before applying. Talking to admissions means getting more in-depth information about all courses so you can make a more educated and confident decision.
Take Your Exams
After completing your Coding Temple course, you’ll have the knowledge you need to take industry-acclaimed certification exams. These exams show employers that you have a thorough understanding of IT technologies, coding, development, cybersecurity applications, and more.
This means that you’ll immediately stand out from other uncertified candidates. You’ll qualify for more job positions and can request more competitive pay.
Grow a Resume
Once you land your first no-degree IT job, you can feel accomplished for starting your career. But there’s still a lot left to do, primarily growing your resume and getting experience.
Your entry-level job may not be what you want to do for the rest of your life, but you need to give it your all and gain experience. Make sure that you produce high-quality work. You can learn helpful skills from a quality assurance course or from others within your workplace.
You won’t just pad your resume. You’ll also learn new skills while on the job that you can take to the next position you get post-promotion. You also may find that you enjoy types of IT jobs that you haven’t considered before and find yourself on the path to the perfect job fit.
Network
While you’re in an entry-level IT job, you also should take the chance to network with other professionals. You’ll be constantly surrounded by people in your field, and building connections means meeting people who can help you build relevant skills.
Their professional advice can help you get your career off the ground, and you won’t feel alone in the industry. This can alleviate a lot of stress and help you grow within the IT field.
It also means that you may meet someone who can introduce you to potential employers. You may be able to find a higher-paying job or something that more closely matches your career goals. At the very least, someone will likely inform you of new job openings that you may be interested in applying for.
Beyond How to Get Into IT Without a Degree
Now that you know how to get into IT without a degree, it’s time to begin your journey toward a fast-growing and rewarding tech career. At Coding Temple, we’re committed to helping computer and business enthusiasts excel with several different accelerated training programs.
The first step to unlocking these programs and subsequent IT certification is a five-minute application. Complete this application today to join our community and get the knowledge you need to thrive in the ever-growing field of information technology.
Share
