This article will address issues a potential entrant into IT field from other discipline (non-computer science discipline) is likely to face. Changing from a current career as engineer, management graduate in various industries to IT is a major decision that cannot be undone. Once the switch is made it is not possible to go back.

What is IT all about?

IT is all about developing Computer Software that enables automation of activities of business organizations that aim at improving efficiency of their operations. Another dimension of IT is providing easier access to information to everyone. Internet Evolution has stemmed this particular trend.

Goal of IT organizations

Develop and deliver software products and deliver in the shortest time possible. Make good profits by delivering products ahead of time or by avoiding costs of software projects.

Because of the above goals IT organizations always look for:

• Correct skill set
• Experience and Knowledge
• Learning Aptitude
• Ability to adapt

As explained in previous article Career: Software Professionals IT industry is not just 'developing software programs' but involves various other roles that make it a success.

What you need to understand

• IT is knowledge field and not manual labor. Your knowledge is what will differentiate your contribution.
• You need to contribute ideas constantly
• Your contribution will be judged by the solutions that translate into action.
• You may not have daily deliverables to show.
• Some of the deliverables may take a long time
• You need a buy-in for all solutions you propose
• You need to think from technical perspective for all proposed solutions
• Your previous experience and knowledge will differentiate you from others and need to take proper advantage of the same
• You need to leverage of soft skills like communication, presentation very well to survive in this field.

Expectations from organizations

• As a software developer you need to develop high quality software in short time.
• As an application specialist you need to validate business requirements against current business practices.
• As a QA specialist you need to ensure quality of product is high and reduces costs for an organization
• As Project Manager you need to understand managing software projects, understand dynamic of software engineering and manage highly technical teams.

Understanding the goals and expectations of organization employee should perform the role that satisfies the same.

Things to do after entering an IT job

• Get clarity of job description
• Understand expectations
• Understand your core competency which you should exploit
• Understand people in the field
• Understand technical aspects of the industry
• Spend time to learn basics of new technology
• Understand Current State of field
• Watch for changing trends

The above are a few factors I noted from my experience that helped me in getting into IT field. Though money may be a major motivating factor of entering into IT career, unless you understand the dynamics and adapt it will be difficult to survive in this Industry. One can become complete insecure after sometime if the adaptation does not succeed.