Your first job in the IT industry – an exciting adventure or a clash with reality?
In the new episode of On the Edge by E1S Podcast, we discuss the behind-the-scenes of starting in the industry:
- El Dorado or myth?
- What no one tells future programmers?
- and what surprises do young programmers face at the start of their careers?
Jakub Skorupski’s guests are Aleksandra Wiśniewska, Head of Talent Acquisition at Edge1S, and Mateusz Kozłowski, founder of Niepubliczne Technikum Programistyczne Techni Schools.
Listen now:
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Youtube
How to Start a Career in IT – A Practical Guide for Programmers of the Future
The tech industry has long been a magnet for people looking for growth, stability, and the chance to work with cutting-edge technologies. While competition has become tougher, there’s still plenty of room for those who know how to prepare smartly for their first step into IT. So how do you start your journey and not get lost along the way?
1. Discover what truly interests you
Saying “I want to work in IT” isn’t enough. The industry is so broad that it welcomes both analytical minds and creative thinkers.
It’s worth exploring the main career paths first:
- Software development – e.g. Java, Python, JavaScript, C#.
- Software testing – manual or automated.
- Data & AI – data analysis, machine learning, visualization.
- UX/UI design – creating intuitive, user-friendly interfaces.
- DevOps & Cloud – infrastructure, automation, security.
If you’re unsure which direction to choose, try out a few free online courses. Even a few hours of learning will give you a sense of what truly excites you.
2. Learn in a structured way
There are endless tutorials, bootcamps, and courses out there. But it’s not about consuming as many materials as possible — it’s about learning to think like a professional.
It helps to divide your learning into four stages:
Master the basics. Understand logic, loops, functions, and data structures.
Build your first projects. Start small: an app, a website, or a data report.
Work with version control. Create a GitHub account and publish your code.
Simulate real teamwork. Join an open-source project or collaborate with others who are learning.
This approach helps you see not only what you’ve learned, but how real-world IT work feels.
3. Projects are your best résumé
Recruiters today look less at how many courses you’ve taken and more at what you can actually build.
That’s why having a portfolio is crucial — even if it only includes a few small projects.
Examples include:
- a simple website built in React,
- a mobile app in Kotlin or Flutter,
- an analytics dashboard in Power BI,
- automated tests using Selenium.
They don’t have to be perfect. What matters is that they show your thought process, problem-solving, and determination.
4. Build your online presence
In IT, your first impression often happens before you even meet the recruiter. Spend some time building your personal brand:
- LinkedIn profile – highlight your skills, projects, and interests.
- GitHub – even small contributions show you’re active.
- Personal portfolio – a simple website with your work, résumé, and contact info.
This digital footprint can easily set you apart from other beginners.
5. Look for real-world experience — even small ones count
Landing your first full-time IT job might take time, so stay flexible. Internships, volunteering, freelance gigs, or student projects can all give you valuable, hands-on experience.
Focus on working with real code, tools, and people – that’s the best preparation for your first junior role.
6. Develop your soft skills
Modern IT work is deeply collaborative. Beyond technical know-how, employers value:
- the ability to ask good questions,
- giving and receiving feedback,
- time management,
- adaptability and a growth mindset.
These are often the traits that determine who stays and grows in a team.
7. Be patient and consistent
Learning IT is a marathon, not a sprint. The early months can be tough – things break, code doesn’t compile, and frustration kicks in. But those moments are when you grow the most. Over time, you’ll realize that every project — no matter how small — brings you closer to your goal.
A career in IT doesn’t start with a title on your résumé; it starts with your first line of code, your first bug, and the moment you fix it on your own.
Summary
Breaking into IT doesn’t require a computer science degree or a genius-level IQ. It requires consistency, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. Don’t chase the “easiest” path – follow the one that keeps you engaged and motivated.
💬 In tech, success isn’t about how fast you start — it’s about how smart you learn.
