The best professions to start a career in IT

In today's world, where technology reaches into every sphere of life, the IT industry stands at the front line of progress. From medicine and education to entertainment and social media — it is hard to find a field untouched by information technology. That creates not only endless opportunities for innovation, but also a wide range of career paths for anyone ready to become part of this fast-developing world.

Starting a career in IT — is not merely a fashionable trend but a sound choice. Statistically, IT has some of the highest average salaries, rapid professional development and plenty of scope for creativity and self-realisation. Before entering this world, however, many people face the question: «Where do I start?»

The aim of this article — is to give a detailed overview of the professions that are ideal for starting a career in IT. We look not only at technical roles, but also at professions in fields adjacent to IT, and at marketing specialisations that are increasingly in demand at technology companies. This information will help you make an informed choice and take the first step towards a successful career in one of the most promising industries of our time.

Table of contents:

• Professions that do not require deep technical skills
• Software tester
• Junior data analyst
• Technical support specialist
• Professions for those who already have basic programming skills
• Junior developer (Front-end, Back-end, Full-stack)
• DevOps engineer
• System administrator
• Professions in fields adjacent to IT
• IT project manager
• UX/UI designer
• Product Manager
• Marketing professions in IT
• SMM specialist
• SEO specialist
• Content manager

Professions that do not require deep technical skills

A career in IT does not have to start with a deep dive into code and complex algorithms. There are many positions that offer excellent starting opportunities without requiring you to be an expert programmer. Let us look at some of them.

Software tester

Tasks and responsibilities

Software testers play a key role in ensuring the quality of a product. They run various kinds of checks, from functional to security, to make sure applications work reliably and stably.

Skills needed:

• Attention to detail
• The basics of working with bug tracking systems
• Skills in working with documentation

Paths for growth

With experience you can move into automated testing, become a team lead or even retrain as a developer.

Junior data analyst

Tasks and responsibilities

These specialists analyse data to support business decisions. They help companies understand their users, optimise processes and increase profit.

Skills needed:

• Knowledge of the basics of Excel or Google Sheets
• An entry-level understanding of databases and SQL
• Analytical thinking

Paths for growth

In time you can specialise in Big Data, become a Data Scientist or even head an analytics department.

Technical support specialist

Tasks and responsibilities

Specialists in this category help users solve problems with software or hardware. They are the first line of support when technical questions or problems arise.

Skills needed:

• Communication skills and empathy
• The basics of operating systems and networks
• The ability to find solutions quickly

Paths for growth

As you gain experience you can move on to more complex tasks — becoming a system administrator, for example, or specialising in information security.

Professions for those who already have basic programming skills

If you already have some experience in programming, your path to a career in IT becomes much wider. In this part we look at the professions best suited to those who already know the basics of coding.

Junior developer (Front-end, Back-end, Full-stack)

Tasks and responsibilities

Junior developers take part in building and maintaining software products. Depending on the specialisation, that can involve developing user interfaces, server-side logic or both.

Skills needed:

• Knowledge of at least one programming language (JavaScript, Python, Java and so on)
• The basics of version control systems such as Git
• An understanding of the main principles of web development

Paths for growth

In future you can become a mid-level or senior developer, a software architect or even a technical director.

DevOps engineer

Tasks and responsibilities

DevOps engineers ensure effective interaction between software development and operations. They automate processes and take part in configuring and monitoring servers.

Skills needed:

• Experience with cloud services (AWS, Azure and so on)
• Knowledge of scripting languages (Bash, Python)
• An understanding of CI/CD principles (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment)

Paths for growth

Positions for further growth include Senior DevOps Engineer, as well as specialisation in security or cloud solution architecture.

System administrator

Tasks and responsibilities

System administrators are responsible for keeping servers and networks running reliably. They configure, update and monitor the infrastructure.

Skills needed:

• Experience with operating systems (Linux/Windows)
• Knowledge of the basics of network technology (TCP/IP, DNS, VPN and so on)
• Skills in information security

Paths for growth

Over time you can specialise in areas such as network architecture or information security, or move into the role of DevOps engineer or solutions architect.

Professions in fields adjacent to IT

IT is not limited to programming and data analysis. There are professions that, while part of the industry, do not require deep technical knowledge. They offer unique opportunities for career growth and self-realisation.

IT project manager

Tasks and responsibilities

Project managers coordinate the team's work and keep an eye on deadlines and budget. Their goal — is to deliver the project effectively by connecting the needs of the business with what technology can do.

Skills needed:

• Organisational ability
• Knowledge of project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum)
• Communication and decision-making skills

Paths for growth

Possible moves include programme manager, project management consultant or even COO (Chief Operating Officer).

UX/UI designer

Tasks and responsibilities

These specialists focus on the user experience and interface. Their goal — is to make a product not only beautiful but also convenient for the end user.

Skills needed:

• The basics of graphic design
• An understanding of usability principles
• Knowledge of prototyping tools (Sketch, Adobe XD)

Paths for growth

Career options include Art Director, Lead UX Designer or specialisation in particular product types (mobile apps, websites).

Product Manager

Tasks and responsibilities

Product Managers define the strategy and direction of a product's development. They work at the intersection of business, technology and user needs.

Skills needed:

• Analytical thinking
• Experience with development methodologies (Agile, Lean)
• Presentation skills and the ability to communicate with a team

Paths for growth:

Over time you can become a Senior Product Manager, Director of Product or even CPO (Chief Product Officer).

Marketing professions in IT

IT is not only code and data. Effective marketing is often the key factor in the success of a technology product. If you — are a creative person with an analytical mind, — these professions can be an ideal start to your career.

SMM specialist

Tasks and responsibilities

SMM specialists manage a company's social media. They create content, engage with the audience and analyse how campaigns perform.

Skills needed:

• The ability to work with social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
• Copywriting and content creation skills
• The basics of analytics and monitoring

Paths for growth

In time you can move into the roles of Community Manager, Social Media Strategist or even into PR and branding departments.

SEO specialist

Tasks and responsibilities

These professionals focus on optimising sites for search engines. The task is to increase a site's visibility and attract organic traffic.

Skills needed:

• The basics of SEO tools (Google Analytics, SEMrush)
• An understanding of search engine algorithms
• Skills in working with keywords and metadata

Paths for growth

Further steps can include specialising in Local SEO or Mobile SEO, or moving into the position of SEO director.

Content manager

Tasks and responsibilities

Content managers create and optimise material for websites, blogs and other platforms. They work at the intersection of marketing, journalism and SEO.

Skills needed:

• Excellent writing and editing skills
• The basics of working with a CMS (Content Management System)
• Skills in SEO and analytics

Paths for growth

In future you can move into the role of editor, become a content strategy specialist or even start a career in corporate media.

Today's IT industry has many professions, each offering unique opportunities for career and personal development. Whether you are a technical genius with an analytical mind or a creative personality, there is a place for everyone in this field.

We have looked at a variety of roles, from those that require no deep technical knowledge to those ideally suited to experienced programmers. We have also covered professions at the intersection of IT and other fields, along with marketing specialisations that are increasingly in demand at technology companies.

The choice of your first position can significantly influence your later career, so it is important to approach the question deliberately. We hope this article helps you make the right choice and become part of one of the most promising and influential industries in the modern world.