Contrary to popular belief, many jobs in IT don’t require a college degree. Hiring managers are on the hunt for job candidates who have the skillset to get the job done, regardless of their educational background.
It’s possible, and fairly easy to educate yourself by joining training programs and earning certifications that will get you in the door. Self-education is the first step to landing a career in tech.
Let’s bust some common myths first:
- You must have a technical degree to land entry-level jobs in tech.
- IT hiring managers prefer candidates with four-year degrees.
- The knowledge you need is only taught in college.
IT hiring managers aren’t too worried about your educational credentials. Rather, they want someone who will excel in their technology job. Majority of jobs in IT don’t require a four-year degree, or even a two-year degree.
If you research IT job listings, you’ll find that most say “high school diploma or GED required”. Most jobs in IT require proof that you can do the job successfully through experience and certifications.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about a quarter of IT workers in the U.S. do not have a bachelor’s degree of higher. A survey of HR leaders conducted by CompTIA proves that 85% are in favor of relaxing degree requirements in the hiring process.
The Power of Transferable Skills in IT
Jobs in IT aren’t limited to mathematicians who work in isolated environments. Get this stereotype out of your head. The skills you possess could help you get into the information technology field.
Advanced math isn’t a necessity for most jobs in IT. Instead, all you need handy is a growth mindset and a willingness to learn. If you like working in groups, many jobs in IT require you to work collaboratively.
To start, these are the skills you need to have:
- Creativity
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Attention-to-detail
Probably not what you were expecting, was it? These skills will give you a leg-up in the world of IT. Since most jobs in IT require you to work in group settings, transferable communication is a valuable skill to have.
Creativity is a necessity when working in web developer and software positions. You’ll be required to think of new and innovative ideas to create products. In other jobs in IT, your creativity will help you find ways to tackle technology concerns.
Problem-solving is another important skill to have in tech. If you’re a solution-finder, you’ll thrive in this area. Attention-to-detail is an essential skill if you’re trying to identify a cybersecurity threat or fix a line of code.
While these are just some of the transferable skills that will make you more attractive to IT hiring managers, they will serve you well in career in tech.
What Do You Need to Qualify for Jobs in IT Without a Degree
There are several areas of IT where a degree isn’t necessary, including:
Keep in mind that most IT hiring managers will be paying close attention to your transferable skills, as mentioned before. Additionally, your experience and accomplishments make a difference.
Highlight the most relevant skills and certifications on your resume to gain a competitive advantage.
Do You Need a Technical Degree?
If you’re interested in an IT career that often requires at least a two-year technical degree, you could go back to school part-time as you prepare to step into the tech workforce. There are also many reputable online programs that grant you flexibility if you decide to go back to school.
With these programs, you’ll typically complete your coursework asynchronously, giving you more time to work on your skillset. Your coursework and lectures are available to you around the clock, so you can work around your job schedule.
High-Paying IT Jobs
A slew of IT professionals were self-taught and gained their education along their journey. Even continue to learn through certificate programs to gain more knowledge and grow their skillset.
Here’s a list of 10 jobs in IT you can nab without a degree:
- Junior data analyst
- IT manager
- Help desk analyst
- Computer support specialist
- Web developer
- Software Architect
- Computer software engineer
- DevOps engineer
- Computer programmer
- Cybersecurity specialist
Salaries range anywhere between $36,000 per year and $138,000 per year, depending on what the job entails, your qualifications, and your experience.
Jumpstart Your Career in Tech
Landing your first job in IT isn’t easy, especially when you’re unsure of where to start. Bookmark our blog, where we discuss all-things tech and show you the ropes.
