Transforming Your Career with Information Technology

The world we live in today is more reliant on technology than ever before. And with that comes a huge explosion of opportunity, new jobs, and a career path change for many. In India, information technology has become one of the most coveted career choices as it offers a variety of career options, immense growth potential, and high wages, surpassing the average job market. It is no surprise then that many are seeking to transition into a career in Information Technology today, and that is exactly what we are going to discuss in this blog.

Information Technology (IT) covers a wide range of disciplines, from software and systems engineering to data analysis and cyber security. As such, it presents a great challenge in terms of making sure you choose the right career path; one that is tailored to your skills, knowledge, and interests. In this blog, we are going to discuss how you can make that career transition with an IT-focused focus, how much salary you can earn in different roles, possible challenges you might face in the process, and how to best address these challenges with actionable tips. We will also share some inspirational stories of people who have successfully switched to an IT career within India.

What's In It for You

Technology is the bread and butter of modern day life, from the way we interact, to how we operate businesses, to how we make decisions and calculations. Little wonder then that careers in IT are so sought after. Taking a role in the rapidly expanding IT industry will not just set you up with a steady income, but also with an added sense of fulfillment. Joining the ranks of IT professionals will put you at the forefront of global technological advances and open up a vast array of opportunities that didn’t exist just five years ago. Furthermore, in India, IT professionals are extremely well compensated. On average, an IT professional can expect to earn around Rs. 7.5 lakhs per annum (in the private sector) but the figure can range up to Rs. 25 to 35 lakhs per annum for technical professionals with knowledge in emerging technologies.

Challenges and Opportunities

The challenge with making a career change is making sure you choose the right field that fits you and that offers a steady stream of income. In India, the IT sector is highly competitive, with everyone vying for the most coveted jobs and the most attractive salaries. As such, an individual looking to break into the industry will need to have a mix of both technical and non-technical skills, a great deal of research, and personal initiative. Additionally, an individual looking to transition into an IT career will have to have absolute dedication and commitment to learning. This is due to the ever-evolving nature of technology which changes as new products and services enter the market.

At the same time, there is no dearth of opportunity in the IT sector, particularly in India. With the country being home to some of the world’s biggest software companies, such as Infosys, TCS, and Wipro, the demand for skilled IT professionals remains incredibly high. Companies are always on the lookout for the right talent and often times, a few months of training is all it takes for an individual to secure a job in the sector.

Motivating Real Life Stories

Sometimes all we need is an inspiring story to push us to do what we dream of. We can find myriad of such stories in the ever-growing tech community. Vishnu Jain is a perfect example of how transitioning into a career in technology can result in major success. After completing his computer engineering degree from Manipal Institute of Technology, Vishnu worked for a few years in different IT companies before finally realizing that his dream career path was software engineering. He then quit his job, looked for a job in the software engineering industry, and in no time he was employed at Oracle. He then went on to become the CEO of an innovative start-up company just a few years later.

Ankita Agarwal is another inspiring story. She completed her B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering in 2017, after which she was employed at an IT firm. After gaining some years of experience, Ankita decided to switch to the field of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning after taking free courses on the same. Today, she works as an AI and Machine Learning Engineer at Amazon and earns an impressive salary of Rs. 12 lakhs a year. It is amazing what a bit of research and dedication can do for one’s career! These stories serve to show that with the right set of skills, anyone can make the switch.

How to Switch Careers with Actionable Tips

Switching careers can be a daunting task, especially when that job is in the field of IT. If you’re looking to make a switch, here are some tips to help get you on the right track.

• Find the right fit- You should start by researching the different IT careers that are out there and find the one that best fits your skills, interests, and experience.
• Keep up with industry trends- The IT industry is perpetually in flux – what was the hottest job a year ago, may not be the case anymore. As such, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and job openings.
• Upskill- Learning a new skill is always a great way to add to your resume and showcase your adaptability. Consider enrolling in courses and programs that are related to your desired career path.
• Gain industry experience- Working in the IT sector is very different than working in other industries. You will need to have a good understanding of the industry and the different roles within it. Consider interning or shadowing someone who has experience in your desired field.
• Be patient- Swapping careers takes time, and you need to be patient while the process is underway. You need to be prepared to face some roadblocks and setbacks, but also have a positive outlook.

Conclusion

Making the switch to an IT career takes dedication, hard work, research, and most importantly, time. However, the rewards of a successful career in the booming tech industry far outweigh the difficulties of making the change. India is home to an ever-growing number of exciting opportunities in the IT sector, and with the right approach, you can be part of this success and create a successful career for yourself.