Working in Information Technology (IT) is all about innovation, opportunity, and challenge. Many people wonder what it is truly like to work in the field, and common myths and misconceptions can make it seem intimidating. 

People often picture IT professionals as workers buried under lines of code or constantly tinkering with hardware. In reality, there are many types of IT jobs, and not all of them involve chips, motherboards, or constant coding.

In this article, we aim to demystify the world of IT and provide a comprehensive glimpse into what it’s truly like to work in this dynamic field. To do this, we’ll draw upon the experiences of Per Scholas graduates who have successfully ventured into the tech industry.

Daily IT Tasks and Responsibilities  

Working in IT is far from being monotonous, and that’s one of its many charms. IT professionals often find themselves doing a wide range of tasks — from coding, troubleshooting, and attending team meetings to managing complex projects. 

While coding is a fundamental aspect of IT, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Troubleshooting and problem-solving are equally critical skills, as IT teams frequently collaborate to resolve complex issues.

IT Workplace Environments

One of the remarkable features of the IT industry is its adaptability to different workplace environments. While in-person workplace settings are still popular, the rise of remote work has been especially prominent in the tech sector, allowing professionals to work from anywhere in the world. 

This transition to remote work has been supported by cutting-edge communication tools and platforms that facilitate collaboration. The collaborative nature of tech teams is a fundamental aspect of working in IT, regardless of whether professionals work on-site or remotely, and the option to seek out remote or in-person roles as desired is an attractive feature to many.

Continuous Learning and Upskilling

The ever-evolving landscape of technology demands continuous learning and skill enhancement and is an excellent option for those who love learning new things. 

To remain competitive in this rapidly changing environment, IT professionals regularly attend conferences and workshops, enroll in online courses, and engage in self-study. 

These educational opportunities keep them up-to-date with the latest developments and trends in the field. To see how IT pros stay updated through courses, explore Per Scholas’ diverse course offerings and witness firsthand accounts of their commitment to continuous learning.

Challenges and Rewards

Working in IT is not easy, but the challenges it presents are part of what makes it so rewarding. IT professionals often find a thrill in problem-solving, from debugging a piece of software to designing a never-before-used solution. 

They regularly face and overcome challenges, such as intense troubleshooting, creating novel solutions to problems, and updating their skill sets to keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancements. Overcoming these hurdles provides a sense of fulfillment that makes the journey worthwhile.

Work-Life Balance in IT

In recent years, careers in IT have become increasingly flexible in terms of work arrangements. IT professionals have options for flexible working hours and often work remotely. Many tech companies have recognized the importance of supporting a healthy work-life balance for their employees, and this is reflected in the requirements of their roles. 

As such, working in tech can be a great option for those with families or otherwise busy schedules or for those simply seeking a greater work-life balance.

Community and Networking

Building a strong sense of community lies at the core of Per Scholas’ mission. We understand the importance of forming connections and nurturing relationships within the IT community, as well as the ways in which these connections benefit both personal and professional growth. 

Per Scholas actively promotes community in tech by providing mentorship opportunities and platforms for collaboration among trainees and alumni. This supportive atmosphere stretches beyond our training programs, fostering a spirit of togetherness that helps pave the way for our alumni’s success. 

Here, you can see the influence of community-building initiatives, such as our collaboration with TD Bank leader volunteers to offer mock interviews for Per Scholas learners.

Voices from the Field: Experiences of Per Scholas Graduates

How did your training at Per Scholas shape your initial experiences in the IT world?

“Throughout the program, you are working on being ready for the moment the program finishes. From week one, we were creating our LinkedIn profiles and working on resumes…we would have guest speakers that ranged in different fields in IT. We were able to make connections with them, pick their brains a little, and learn about the different paths and options in IT. As soon as the program was done, I had my LinkedIn with several connections, an idea of what type of IT I wanted to do, and my resume ready. What I think makes up a well-rounded employee is both soft skills and technical skills, and I think Per Scholas has really developed a great way to round those out.”

-Veronica Vergara, End User Desktop Support, Chicago, IL

“I am applying everything Per Scholas taught me. Coming in, I didn’t have a blueprint or frame of reference for the industry – but I have that now.” 

– LeClair Boone, Java Developer, Charlotte NC

What’s the most rewarding aspect of your job in IT?

“I look forward to inviting others into this space, navigating the Google culture, and watching them grow within the company.”

-Tammy Johnson, Network Support @Google, Columbus, OH

“For me, it was important to have a good job and provide for myself and my family. I wanted better opportunities and a good work-life balance and to be paid fairly so I could afford things to take care of my family and myself. A career in IT seems to be more secure with better opportunities and salaries.”

-Elena Bilko, Cybersecurity, New York 

Do you have any advice for someone considering a transition into the IT sector?

“It’s huge knowing that I don’t just have a beginner skill set. I have a very focused skill set that is highly in demand. Per Scholas gave me the base of my knowledge to go out and be successful.” 

-Mira Winkel, Java Developer, Seattle, WA

Read more about our Per Scholas graduates here!

Conclusion: The Dynamic World of IT Careers

It’s clear that IT jobs come with their fair share of both challenges and rewards. With the right training from Per Scholas, anyone can excel in this ever-changing field. Whether you’re thinking about a career change or just curious about what working in IT is like, feel free to explore the options and see the opportunities that are out there. Welcome to the world of IT!

A Year of Roundtables: Helping Diverse Cultures Succeed in the Future Tech Force

Written by Omoanatse McCarther

In the dynamic landscape of technology, integrating DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives have emerged as a pivotal factor for fostering innovation and advancement. Throughout 2023, Diverse by Design hosted a series of thought-provoking roundtable discussions as part of our “Futures Month” initiatives. These sessions were meticulously designed to dissect success narratives and furnish pragmatic insights tailored for technology leaders. The overarching objective was to empower leaders to seamlessly embed diverse cohorts into their DEI frameworks, thereby fostering a more inclusive trajectory for the future.

These virtual roundtables transcended mere anecdotal accounts, offering actionable guidance. Each session distilled pivotal takeaways, practical strategies, and implementable tips. The intention was to create a roadmap, deciphering invaluable insights that can equip technology leaders to cultivate teams that are more diverse, inclusive, and primed to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.

Black Futures Month Roundtable

Our inaugural roundtable featured esteemed panelists, including Athenia Figgs from EY, Damien Howard from Per Scholas, and Oche Idoko from Barclays. The focus of this dialogue centered on the imperative of cultivating mentorship programs for Black technologists. Emphasizing the reciprocal benefits inherent in participating as both mentors and mentees, the discussion underscored how such engagements foster meaningful connections and facilitate pivotal opportunities crucial for career advancement. Access to these programs was underscored as a transformative gateway for Black individuals navigating the tech landscape. All while acknowledging and celebrating Black Futures Month, highlighting the extraordinary achievements of black technologists.

Women’s Futures Month Roundtable

We celebrated the contributions of women in tech during our Women’s Futures Month roundtable, highlighting Dr. Marian Croak’s groundbreaking work while echoing the revelation that only 15% of engineering jobs are held by women, underscoring the imperative for change. In our Women’s Futures Month Roundtable, we celebrated the achievements of women in the tech industry while casting a forward-looking gaze. Despite women comprising a mere 19% of the tech workforce, the conversation pivoted towards fostering greater opportunities not only for women but also for other underrepresented demographics in the tech domain. Central to the discourse was the imperative of dismantling barriers obstructing women’s progression into tech roles and leadership positions. The emphasis was not solely on recognizing challenges but on catalyzing actionable measures to engender a more open and inclusive tech ecosystem conducive to the flourishing of women professionals. A notable highlight was the commendable increase in women technologists from 33% to 41% in 2022, signaling promising strides forward.

Pride Futures Month Roundtable

During our Pride Month roundtable, the spotlight illuminated avenues for enhancing opportunities for diverse technologists through collaborative efforts with employers and the establishment of supportive environments tailored for underrepresented groups. The dialogue shed light on strategies employed by Per Scholas and other entities to address the underrepresentation of LGBTQ+ individuals in recent diversity initiatives within the tech sector. Key considerations encompassed the use of inclusive language, avoidance of assumptions pertaining to gender identity or sexual orientation, and the provision of dedicated resources for employee groups. These initiatives are geared towards fostering connectivity and advocating for diversity while urging companies to champion LGBTQ+ inclusion in the tech workforce actively.

Hispanic Futures Month Roundtable

We concluded our series for 2023 with a celebration of Hispanic and Latinx voices in the tech community. The remarkable contributions of leaders like Elizabeth Agosto, Laura Gomez, and Karla Monterroso underscored the pivotal role Hispanics play in building the global tech landscape. With Hispanics constituting only approximately 8% of the tech workforce (as per a Pew Research Center report), our speakers imparted invaluable insights on empowering and uplifting Hispanics in the tech realm. The discussion underscored the significance of bilingual resources wherever feasible and underscored the imperative of acknowledging alternative educational pathways, recognizing that not all individuals have equitable access to traditional four-year college education. These insights underscored a commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for Hispanics, ensuring equitable opportunities for success irrespective of background. 

Looking Ahead in 2024

The preceding year’s roundtables served as a poignant reminder of the transformative potential of diversity within the tech industry. They underscored the necessity of embracing diverse perspectives and backgrounds as catalysts for innovation and progress. Let us not overlook the fact that diversity is not merely a moral imperative but also a potent driver of business success.

As we express gratitude for your unwavering support throughout 2023, we extend an invitation to join us in shaping a more diverse and inclusive future in technology. Let’s carry the momentum of this year into the next, united in our commitment to fostering change. Join us on February 29 for “Diverse by Design Presents Securing the Future: Embracing Diversity in Cybersecurity,” where we will delve into how diversity in action yields tangible outcomes, particularly within the cybersecurity domain. Register now to be part of this transformative dialogue.

A recent Forbes article written by Per Scholas’ funding partner Stand Together discusses the challenge of finding qualified job applicants. Stand Together suggests  innovative financing models can bridge the gap between workforce needs and individual aspirations. These models tie tuition to employment outcomes, incentivizing education providers to deliver relevant skills and students to invest time in programs that lead to high earning potential. Per Scholas is specifically highlighted as a successful example of an innovative financing model offering free IT training and career support, helping individuals achieve career goals debt-free.

Read about the innovative education finance models here!

The Allstate Foundation, a Founder’s Circle partner of Per Scholas, has funded our tuition-free tech training programs since 2021. The Foundation proudly supports Per Scholas through its racial equity pillar and enables Per Scholas to provide rigorous IT job training and connections to employment opportunities for diverse adult learners from low-to-moderate income households across our growing 20+ training campuses.

The Allstate Foundation has taken a hands-on approach as a partner, connecting with Per Scholas learners and alumni as they become technologists. Most recently, Allstate executives in Chicago visited our Per Scholas Chicago campus to share their time, insights, and expertise with our alumni. The discussions were enlightening, and our alumni walked away with advice and inspiration for their career journeys. This interaction fostered meaningful connections between our alumni and industry leaders with invaluable industry knowledge.

Per Scholas Director of Development, Tia Abner, is currently participating in The Allstate Foundation Executive Leadership Program. “Embarking on The Allstate Foundation Executive Leadership Program has been a profound honor,” Tia reflected. “As a member of the Class of 2024, the joy of learning is boundless, and the collective wisdom shared is inspiring. I am delighted to join this dynamic community of nonprofit leaders, united in our commitment to growth, innovation, and making a lasting impact.”

The Allstate Foundation’s commitment to closing the racial opportunity gap has helped promote economic progress for thousands of technologists of color and supports historically underrepresented communities to secure thriving careers in partnership with Per Scholas.

Per Scholas President and CEO Plinio Ayala recently contributed a chapter to Next Generation Evidence: Strategies for More Equitable Social Impact. In it, he recalls Per Scholas’ overnight transition to remote courses as a result of COVID-19. For the two decades prior, Per Scholas conducted our teaching in person to mimic the workplace, which we believed contributed to our success. To keep our training going, we took this as an opportunity to see how our program and learners fared remotely. We began collecting remote participants’ feedback from both the learners and staff. This feedback allowed us to make changes in real-time; we saw what we did right and learned what to improve on. When Barrow Street Consulting conducted an analysis over the summer of 2020, the learner Net Promoter Score was a success – scoring a 67 out of a 100 (the range is -100 to 100, with a typical score in the for-profit sector ranges between a 30 and 40). The feedback from this made us realize that in-person is not the only way for us to successfully provide teaching, and we now continue to offer remote options. 

Read the rest of Plinio’s reflection on this experience here. 

With support from the PwC Charitable Foundation, Per Scholas is excited to be launching a new initiative, Per Scholas Vets in Tech: Unlocking Potential for the Military Community. The initiative will target and engage the Military Community to generate a robust pipeline of learners affiliated with the U.S. Armed Forces. Through the Per Scholas Vets in Tech initiative, Per Scholas will enroll 900 transitioning Military Veterans and Military Spouses over the next three years, with an emphasis on recruiting female and minority learners. As with all our learners, these Military Community learners will receive the technical training, support, and career guidance needed to help enable them to launch successful careers in tech. 

A Closer Look at the Per Scholas Vets in Tech Initiative

Learners enter our courses from an array of backgrounds, seeking the skills and certifications necessary to launch careers in tech, and a consistent portion of our learners are Military Veterans and Spouses looking to start careers in IT as they transition to civilian life. Individuals enrolled in our courses will obtain immersive, cohort-based, and tuition-free training courses conducted full-time over 12-15 weeks in various disciplines, including AWS, Cybersecurity, IT Support, Software Engineering.

These training courses lead directly to industry-recognized credentials and equip learners with in-demand technical and professional skills that prepare them for success in technology careers, with in-house support to connect directly to employment opportunities post-graduation. Veteran alumni will also have access to no-cost alumni upskilling opportunities to foster wage/career advancement for 2+ years post-graduation.

In addition to technical training, Per Scholas Vets in Tech initiative contains several components:

1. Technical and Professional Development Training: Per Scholas training is 80% technical training focused on in-demand tech skills. The training is also hands-on so alumni are ready to dive into their careers with experience. Additionally, 20% of the training focuses on professional development. Our Learner Support Team and Financial Coaches provide individualized resources and services that support the unique barriers that veterans and their families face as well as ongoing peer support with other veterans to encourage retention. This aspect ensures alumni have the soft skills needed to succeed in the workforce. 
2. Access to our Employer Network: Per Scholas partners with 850+ employers to connect our learners and alumni with leading businesses. Our business solutions teams partner closely with each Veteran alumni to prepare them for interviews with our employer networking and beyond to land jobs to jumpstart their high-demand careers.
3. Strategic Partnerships: Per Scholas is cultivating partnerships with US Armed Forces Support Organizations, military bases, and veteran-friendly employers to recruit eligible veterans, provide supportive resources, and provide direct connections for employment.

Our outreach is national for this initiative so we can include all of our Military Community, however there is a focus at nine of our campuses, selected based on factors such as local numbers of veterans in the workforce, staff capacity, and more. These nine markets include: Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Cincinnati, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, Phoenix, Philadelphia, and St. Louis, and those in the Military Community are encouraged to apply to any of our campuses local to them. 

Why the Per Scholas Vets in Tech Initiative is Important

1. Approximately 200,000 men and women leave U.S. military service each year and return to civilian life. These individuals can face significant challenges during this transitional period, particularly in terms of finding employment. 
2. More than 174,000 additional jobs will be available in technology in 2023. While there may be tech layoffs throughout the world, there are still hundreds of thousands of tech positions in all industries – not just with technology companies. 
3. Per Scholas is passionate about the Veteran and Military Spouse community and connecting them with leading businesses with high-growth tech careers. We are excited to work with Veterans and their families to help them unlock their potential.

Additionally, Veterans may struggle to translate skills earned through service into employment opportunities at civilian companies and face physical and mental health barriers to mobility:

• 20% of post-9/11 veterans have no college degree
• 6.6% of working veterans with a high school-or-lower education level are living in poverty
• 43% of post-9/11 veterans are people of color, and 18% are women, both of whom face poorer economic outcomes than white, male veterans

We look at these statistics and know that Per Scholas can support the Veteran and Military Spouse community that face barriers to career mobility with our training.

Meet Some of Our Veteran Alumni

Through Per Scholas Vet in Tech training, a number of Military Community members have been able to launch new, thriving careers in tech after completing their military service. Let’s meet some of our veteran alumni!

Aaron Webb was an HR Specialist in the Military before applying to Per Scholas. He tried to go to college through his G.I. Bill, but realized that that route was not beneficial to him or his learning style. Aaron joined Per Scholas Pittsburgh’s Desktop Support course and appreciated how Per Scholas’ boot camp-style training was similar to his military boot camp, in which he learned a lot in a short period of time. Aaron felt very supported by his instructors and classmates throughout the course. He graduated with his CompTIA A+ certification and is now pursuing his CCNA certification. Aaron is excited for his future career trajectory and aims to become a full network engineer and explore cloud computing, both of which he is learning more about through his IT Implementation Senior Analyst position at Tenaris. Read more about Aaron here!

Antwan Grant served in the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating from high school, then took a coding class, which fueled her interest in IT. Pursuing this, Antwan came across Per Scholas Atlanta, and was accepted into the Software Engineering program. Antwan found the coursework difficult and daunting, but she was motivated to continue by her instructors and her family who rooted for her throughout the process. Antwan now works as a Java Automation Test Engineer at Interapt, and helps give back to her Veteran community by serving as a member of American Legion. Learn more about Antwan’s story here

Todd Theobald was unsure what career path he wanted to follow after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. While in the Marines, he had worked a great deal with computers, and recognized in himself a real interest in and affinity for IT, but, without any technical certifications, Todd struggled to land a job in the field. He joined Per Scholas Orlando’s Desktop Support course and enjoyed his time in the program, appreciating its structured approach to the material, including well-defined goals, schedules, and syllabuses. After graduating with his CompTIA A+ certification, Todd landed a Tier 1 Service Desk Analyst job at Advent Health. He enjoys his job and is excited to learn as much as possible and grow his career. Read more about Todd’s journey as a technologist here!

How to Apply

We are excited for the launch of Per Scholas Vets in Tech: Unlocking Potential for the Military Community, which will help equip a significant number of Military Veterans and Military Spouses with the skills and training necessary to land high-growth, well-paying jobs in tech over the next few years. 

Tech is an excellent field for those looking to transition to civilian life due to its flexibility, variability, and the high demand for technical workers. Furthermore, many of the skills learned and utilized in military service are highly applicable to work in many technical jobs. On average, 80% of our veteran graduates obtain jobs within one year of graduation, earning on average at least 3x of their pre-training wage.

For those in the Military Community interested in applying, please visit our Veterans initiative landing page here. 

On December 14th, Per Scholas partner Salesforce held the New York City stop of their World Tour event. This traveling event brings together Salesforce users, partners, customers, and surrounding communities for a day of learning and discussion, and this year’s event delved into the latests in AI solutions, and its ability to drive productivity and customer satisfaction. Experts from a variety of fields weighed in on the next “Big AIdeas for Good.”

Per Scholas President and CEO, Plinio Ayala was interviewed at the event, and described how Per Scholas has partnered with Salesforce to create Per Scholas Resume Boost, powered by @Salesforce AI. This tool generates a customized resume draft based on a learner’s information and course grade, which is refined with the help of Per Scholas career coaches, expediting the resume-creation process from around 6 hours to just 30 minutes. Beyond technical training a portion of all Per Scholas courses are dedicated to professional development, and this powerful AI tool will greatly support  Per Scholas staff, allowing them to devote time to other areas and provide training to a greater number learners. This advancement will help move our organization towards our goal of graduating 10,000 learners per year.

Click to learn more about the event and watch Plinio speak!

A recent CIO Dive article highlights Per Scholas and TEKsystems’ years-long partnership as the answer to businesses’ IT talent needs. By turning to nontraditional talent pipelines powered by public-private partnerships, businesses can find diverse talent on the cutting edge that will both shape long-term business growth and diversity in the tech industry. Already through this partnership, 1,000+ Per Scholas graduates have been placed in full-time positions with TEKsystems clients.

Read more about our partnership with TEKsystems and how we are building a diverse tech talent pipeline together here.

Per Scholas CEO Plinio Ayala was recently featured in the New York Times article profiling OneTen’s equity-for-all diversity initiatives. Plinio shared his agreement for eliminating degree-based job requirements and how skills-based hiring and promotion can benefit all workers.

More than 60 percent of all American workers do not have four-year college degrees, so converting to a skills-based hiring system can be valuable to all companies looking for talent.

Read the rest of the article here!

In a recent Triple Pundit article, Per Scholas’ Chief Enterprise Solutions Officer Damien Howard shared his thoughts on how organizations must invest in learning, embracing, and upskilling staff in AI in order to future-proof their operations. “AI can increase efficiency by 30 percent, at minimum, in certain areas,” Howard said. “Companies have an immediate opportunity to become more efficient with less of a financial investment.” AI is not perfect, however, and Damien raises concerns about potential biases in AI systems – highlighting the importance of having diverse teams involved in development and implementation to ensure equitable outcomes.

Read the rest of Damien’s assessment of AI in the workplace here.