How to Become an IT Developer

In today’s business climate, the IT developer plays an essential role in the evolution of a company and its reach. Even more importantly, the IT developer has become a critical component in protecting the infrastructure of a company from acts of cyberterrorism. Find out more about this challenging career path by learning how to become an IT developer.

Instructions
Step1. Get educated. In order to become an IT developer, you must possess at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably with a strong emphasis in technology and management information systems. However, more and more companies are seeking candidates with advanced degrees, such as an MBA that combines a business and accounting curriculum with communications and management information systems.

Step2. Obtain a certification to underscore your understanding of information systems technology, development and applications. For instance, you might earn a Certified Software Development Professional (CSDP) from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or one of several developer certifications from Microsoft.

Step3. Resign yourself to the fact that your education, training and resume (even the most perfect) may not distinguish you from the competition in this field. If you want to become an IT developer, you’ll have to be willing to set yourself apart by being engaged in a variety of networking strategies.

Step4. Get involved in Internet newsgroups, forums and special interest groups (SIGs). Actively participating in these venues allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and experience in a very public way. In fact, your signature may very well surface when others conduct Internet searches for IT developer solutions, including potential employers.

Step5. Rise above the competition by asking a vendor to recognize you as a valuable contributor to the IT community at large. For instance, Microsoft has a Most Valuable Professional (MVP) program that recognizes professionals who collaborate and present in electronic forums and print publications.

Step6. Consider contributing an article to a technical magazine or journal, whether online or in traditional print. Being published can go a long way to setting you apart from your peers and helping you to land a position as an IT developer with a reputable firm.

Step7. Attend IT conferences and even offer to speak at one if possible. Networking through this venue on your path to becoming an IT developer can be invaluable.

Step8. Post your resume on a highly visible website that offers a job database for available positions in the IT industry, such as JustTechJobs.com (see Resources below).