Getting started in ICT

Some people, like software developer Alex from Biteable, took a while to find their calling. “I started in software development only five months ago. I was doing something else at university and I decided that I really wanted to try and get into a career in ICT. I thought that maybe I had to be programming from a younger age and so I never tried to pursue that career, but eventually eventually I got up the courage to learn some skills in my own time.”

Nigel from DXC also developed his own skills by following his love of computing. “I started off in a business admin role and basically had a lot of issues with computers and software and so basically ended up fixing them all myself, I was learning a lot of that stuff myself.”

Other people – like software developer Cameron from Biteable – have always known where their passions lie. “So I got started in software development in grade 8 – there was a programming book at home and I started reading that and playing around.”

Andrew from ISW got started as a full stack developer because he was always interested in technology and computing and solving problems. “I really enjoy when you get to solve a problem and work it through into a solution, especially when you can make that reproducible and code something so that it can save you time and save you hassle and just be able to enjoy getting on with the other tasks that you need to do.”

Katherine from DXC started out with another interest: in libraries. She did a diploma in Library and Information Technology. “Because libraries are changing to be more IT focused I figured I needed to build up my IT skills – I actually really love this environment, it was a good change.”

One thing that professionals do agree on is that if you have an interest and a passion and you can see yourself doing an ICT job: Go for it! And try different things, you may be surprised just where you end up.

Learn about the different careers in ICT and get started on a new pathway.