10 Tips for making a Career Choice in IT

Considering a career in Information Technology (IT) - beginner, fresh graduate,
enthusiast or career changer? What is your reason for choosing a career in IT? Your
motive may differ from mine, but does it make sense? Not all reasons people give for
wanting to go into IT are reasonable. It is always in your interest to make your career
choice for the right reasons.

Here are some suggestions of what you should consider in making a career choice in
IT.

1. There is financial reward in IT but don’t choose your career simply for the
money. IT is financially rewarding when you choose the right field, make sensible
career choices and work hard. Although the economic factor must come into play
when making a career decision, it shouldn’t be the sole determining factor.

2. Avoid the “bandwagon effect”. Don’t jump on anybody’s bandwagon. What is good
for Lagbaja may not be good for Tamedun. For some it has been described as the
“Feel Good, Rave of the moment or Go with the flow” factor. Everybody seems to rush
for the hot career choices.

3. With specific reference to IT, don’t jump on IT because IT is the in thing. There is
no doubt that the scope of IT is quite wide. In a world ruled by fads and trends, IT
may be the “reigning champion”, but the significance of IT is more than that – IT adds
value. Do you really appreciate the power of IT or are you simply pursuing the latest
craze?

4. First and foremost, you must answer the “Who Am I” question. Understand
yourself. Sincere self-evaluation is a necessity for quality career management.
Knowing who you are helps you in determining what you want and don't want in a
career, and in providing career direction.

5. With specific reference to IT, what is your interest? Do you want to create, provide
or use IT, or create with IT? Are you the sort of person who wants to know how IT
itself works, i.e. the inner workings and how you can be an IT creator, or you are more
interested in how to get results using IT?

6. You desire an IT career because IT is not boring. Note that we perceive things
differently - what may be fun to you may be boring to me. This has to do a lot with
your perspective, your values. Does the idea of an IT career appeal to you? Many
come into IT because of the stimulating opportunities and rewards.

7. Do you want to work in IT because it is a well-respected profession? The IT
profession is respected globally because of the impact Information Technology (IT)
has on society. It is certainly a field where if you make the right impact you can get the
respect you deserve.

8. The sheer diversity is what attracts many to IT. The diverse nature of IT offers
many professionals the opportunity to work in different areas over time, and
sometimes even on an ongoing basis.

9. IT is a field that emphasizes knowledge and contribution.Individuals in IT need
knowledge and skills as noted previously in (3).Do you want the power of
knowledge? Do you enjoy and hunger to learn new things?

10. It should be obvious that your passion is key. You need to have a huge passion for
IT and how it works. Be honest and sincere with yourself: how passionate and
committed are you to a career in IT?