From Beginner to Tech Pro: Industry Experts Share Roadmap for Breaking into IT
By Abbas Badmus,
Breaking into the world of information technology (IT) can seem intimidating—especially for those without a formal technical background. Yet, industry veterans say the door is wide open for determined newcomers who are willing to invest time, energy, and a realistic mindset into the journey.
Across continents, seasoned professionals have shared their best advice for aspiring tech entrants, offering a blend of practical guidance, cautionary notes, and insight into where the industry is heading.
Start with What You Already Have
Olga Pogozheva, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mellivora Software, believes the journey begins with an honest self-assessment.
“You have to be realistic: what skills do you already have?” she asked. “Are you a good writer? You can become a tech writer. Are you more on the tech side? The fastest way would be to become a QA specialist. Want to get deeper into coding? Great—that will take a bit longer but is totally worth it.”
Pogozheva warns against the illusion of quick wins, particularly for those starting from scratch. “If you have zero background, struggle with logic or maths, or your English is basic, don’t think completing one online course means you’re ready for the profession. Without a foundation, you can’t just jump in and start making millions,” she cautioned.
Her advice is simple but firm: avoid shortcuts. “Put in the effort, build your foundation, and success in IT is very much achievable.”
Education is Key—But Not Always Formal
While university degrees remain valuable, Pogozheva champions self-taught routes for those facing financial, time, or age constraints. She recommends starting with free online courses from top universities, subscribing to educational YouTube channels, enrolling in structured paid programmes, or attending offline bootcamps.
“The important thing is to choose a specific direction and pursue it with consistency,” she advised.
Formal certifications, she noted, are not always essential at the entry level but become increasingly important as careers advance. “Later, certifications from organisations like Cisco, CompTIA, or Microsoft can serve as proof of expertise and boost credibility.”
Beyond the Paycheck
Corporate trainer and Quora contributor Rohit Bajpai urged aspiring IT professionals to look beyond salaries when evaluating opportunities.
“Salary is important, but you should also look for jobs that offer long-term career growth, personal satisfaction, and respect,” he said. He pointed out that the IT sector expanded by eight per cent in the past year alone, generating $167 million in total income—proof of its promise.
Data analysts, machine learning specialists, and cybersecurity experts currently rank among the highest-paid roles, Bajpai added.
The Next Frontier: AI, Big Data, and Cloud
For Chuck Moeller, the future of IT is already unfolding in machine learning and artificial intelligence.
“Anyone who can design and optimise algorithms for AI and deep learning will be in high demand,” he said, noting that the acquisition price for a machine intelligence expert is now five times higher than that of a standard developer.
He cited Google’s purchase of DeepMind as a prime example of AI’s rising value but stressed that opportunities remain strong for data scientists and engineers with expertise in cloud infrastructure and data modelling.
“Big data, mobility, and AI will continue to define the most valuable IT roles over the next decade,” Moeller predicted.
Opportunities Beyond Coding
Not every IT role requires programming skills. Tech recruiter and account manager Ellie Rice highlighted the continued demand for computer hardware engineers and systems analysts.
“Hardware engineers must blend creativity and logic to ensure systems are reliable and high-performing,” she said. According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, their median annual income was $115,120 in 2017, with steady growth projected.
Systems analysts, meanwhile, bridge the gap between business needs and technology solutions. “They assess processes, recommend tools, and keep organisations competitive. Strong communication, analytical thinking, and trend awareness are vital,” Rice explained.
Lessons from the Past—and a Glimpse Ahead
Former Flarow founder Anamik Adhikary traced the shifting waves of tech demand:
“In the 1990s and early 2000s, web developers were in demand. Then came mobile app developers with the rise of the iPhone. More recently, it’s been all about big data and cloud computing. Now we’re seeing massive interest in AI.”
He predicts the next wave may include augmented reality, virtual reality, blockchain, and quantum computing. “The spotlight changes every few years, but as long as software exists, IT professionals will remain in demand.”
Play to Your Strengths
Data warehousing consultant Jay Watt advises newcomers to resist the temptation of chasing trends.
“It’s tempting to run after whatever’s hot, but you’re better off mastering your natural strengths,” he said. “The most successful professionals aren’t necessarily in the hottest field—they’re the ones who excel in their chosen niche.”
While modern programming languages and big data analytics are in high demand, Watt stressed that real-world application of skills is what truly sets professionals apart.
A Marathon, Not a Sprint
The consensus among these experts is clear: breaking into IT isn’t about overnight success or a single course completion. It’s about identifying your strengths, committing to continuous learning, gaining real-world experience, and staying curious in an ever-changing landscape.
With the right mindset and effort, the intimidating walls of the tech world can become gateways to a thriving and fulfilling career.
