7 Tips for Getting Into IT With Zero Experience

Whether you're working a dead-end job or transitioning out of the military, everybody has different reasons to make the jump into the IT industry. It may feel like tech is oversaturated right now, with news of layoffs making headlines. But here’s the bigger picture: IT is still one of the fastest-growing career fields, and demand for skilled professionals is expected to increase for decades to come.

If you don't have much experience but are looking to join this thriving industry, don't worry — you're not the first. Here are seven tips for getting your foot in the door of the IT industry.

Tip 1: Translate Your Past Experience Into IT Skills

Just because you haven't worked in IT doesn't mean you're starting from zero. Many of the soft skills you've gained in past jobs are highly valuable in tech.

• Customer service -> Help desk support

• Communication skills -> Working with users and teams

• Microsoft Office know-how -> Everyday IT productivity

Veteran Advantage: Many military veterans thrive in IT because their training maps directly to tech careers. Programs like WIOA or Chapter 33 can fund training and certifications.

Action Step Checklist:

• Update your resume with transferable skills

• Refresh your LinkedIn profile to match

• Write a cover letter that explains your career pivot

Tip 2: Earn Certifications to Jumpstart Your Career

Getting certified may be the fastest way to break into information technology. While a tech degree can take 1-4 years, certifications can be studied for and earned in just a few weeks. There are many comparisons between getting a degree or earning certifications, but a degree isn’t necessary for entering the IT workforce.

By getting certified, you'll show potential employers that you have the skills they need. This can go a long way towards making up for a lack of experience. For some roles, the right certifications will put you higher in the stack than applicants with limited experience and no certifications. Best of all, certifications can help open more entry-level opportunities instead of just taking the first IT job that comes your way.

Top Entry-Level IT Certifications

Certification	Focus Area	Best For	Why It Matters
CompTIA A+	General IT (hardware, networking, troubleshooting)	First IT job seekers	Establishes broad IT fundamentals
CompTIA Security+	Cybersecurity basics	Future security professionals	Demonstrates knowledge of security best practices
CompTIA Network+	Networking and infrastructure	Networking-focused roles	Builds a foundation in networking and troubleshooting

All of these certifications — found in ACI Learning’s entry-level Computer User Support program — can lay the foundation for roles in networking and cybersecurity later in your career.

How to Get Certified in 3 Steps

You will first need to study the objectives for the certification exam you want to take. You can choose between self-studying or choose from multiple training options such as certification prep programs, in-person training, virtual instructor-led training, or online on-demand training. For most individuals with little to no experience, the best option is to take a course taught by an expert with real-world experience so you can ask questions and really understand the topic in depth.

Once you’ve studied the exam objectives, you’ll want to purchase an exam voucher from the certification vendor store and schedule a date to take your exam. This process can vary depending on the certification vendor.

Tip 3: Use Your Degree (Even if It Is in Another Field)

Don't dismiss your college degree just because it isn't in IT. Employers value the skills and discipline required to earn one.

• A literature degree: strong writing and communication

• A philosophy degree: logic and problem-solving

• A business degree: strategic thinking and planning

Key Point: IT thrives on diverse perspectives. Your background is an asset, not a setback.

Tip 4: Be Ready to Start at the Bottom and Climb Fast

You may need to start in an entry-level role, but the growth potential is significant.

IT Salary Progression Example

Role	Experience Level	Typical Salary
Help Desk Technician	Entry-level	~$50K
Network/System Admin	2–3 years plus certifications	~$95K
Cybersecurity Analyst	5 years plus certifications	~$120K

Within a few years, you can more than double your earning potential by stacking experience and certifications.

Not sure which IT career path fits you best? Take our IT Career Path Quiz

Tip 5: Leverage the Power of Networking

Who you know often matters as much as what you know. Networking can get you in the door faster than applying online.

Ways to start:

• Find an IT mentor who can guide you

• Post on LinkedIn that you're exploring IT opportunities

• Ask friends if they know of open tech roles

Pro Insight: Many IT jobs are filled through recommendations, not job boards.

Tip 6: Build Skills With Labs and Side Projects

Don't wait for a job to start learning. Build your skills now:

• Watch tutorials on YouTube

• Practice with software like Salesforce, WordPress, or Linux at home

• Use virtual labs to get hands-on experience without breaking real systems

A great way to get some hands-on experience is through virtual labs. Our sandbox labs help learners to practice their digital and IT skills within a safe environment. This allows you to get experience with real servers without the fear of breaking anything. This lets you gain the experience to feel confident in real-world environments.

Tip 7: Look for Crossover Roles

Even if you do not have direct IT experience, you may already have industry knowledge that can help you break in. Every sector relies on IT — healthcare, education, retail, finance, automotive, and more. If you already know the ins and outs of one of these industries, you bring unique value to the table.

Example: If you have years of experience in car sales, consider applying for an IT role at a dealership. You already understand half of the business. That insight can make you a stronger candidate compared to someone with tech skills alone. The same goes for healthcare workers moving into health IT, or teachers moving into educational technology.

You will likely still need to start in an entry-level position. However, combining your industry knowledge with new technical skills can help you gain experience faster, build confidence, and move up the ladder more quickly than you might expect.

Ready to Start Your IT Journey?

Deciding whether to start a new career is difficult and you should have someone to help guide you through this process. That's why ACI Learning Tech Academy employs experts in the field to aid you in this transition. Their purpose is to understand your whole situation to help you make the right decision. They do this by analyzing your previous experiences, learning about your unique situation, and understanding your personal goals. If the IT industry is right for you, they will search for any grants that you may qualify for and set up a personalized IT certification program around your schedule.

Interested in learning more about what a meeting with a Career Training Consultant is like and what you will learn from a one-on-one information session? Contact us to learn more!

ITIL is a registered trademark of AXELOS Limited, used under permission of AXELOS Limited.