How to Start a Career in IT: Advice from Experienced Developers

We surveyed developers who have progressed from beginners to experts and discovered what is important to know before entering IT. It turned out that success depends not only on technical skills but also on the ability to learn, proper motivation, and flexibility.

Published 2 min read

Daniyar Amangeldy, city — Almaty, Android Tech Lead Engineer, Instagram

1. I think you should take the Gallup test to find out if IT is really for you. In my practice, I have encountered cases where I trained people from scratch, and some of them were completely unable to absorb the information.

For one person, solving a problem might take an hour, while for another, it could take days. Therefore, you need to understand whether you are more inclined towards management or programming. Plus, the thing about IT is that you don't necessarily have to write code to be an IT professional.

2. An important skill in the IT field is the ability to learn and perseverance. Technologies are developing rapidly. In addition to basic skills, you need to keep in mind that you will always have to adapt to something new. It's like an endless cycle of learning. You also need to stay on top of things and be able to react to new technologies.

3. In my practice, those who succeed are those who work to make the world a better place. The pursuit of financial success usually does not lead to victory. It is truly important when you care deeply about a certain problem and you work towards solving it.

Ulugbek Begaliev, city — Bishkek, Java Developer, Instagram

1. This is not a magical land of easy money. IT is a job, not instant enrichment. Behind beautiful job postings with high salaries lies painstaking work, sleepless nights, and constant self-education.

2. Age is not a barrier, but the motivation must be real. I came to IT after working in government structures and in commercial activities. It was difficult, but possible. The main thing is not "I want to be an IT specialist for the sake of an iPhone," but "I want to create, solve problems, and develop."

3. Be ready to learn always. Technologies change quickly. If you are not ready to constantly learn new things, you will quickly fall behind. This is a marathon, not a sprint. But whoever keeps moving will always overtake those who stand still.

Zhansaya Gizzat, city — Almaty, fullstack developer, Instagram

1. You will have to learn constantly. IT is a field where everything changes quickly. Even after getting a job, you will have to master new tools, technologies, and approaches. This is normal. The important thing is not to know everything, but to be able to learn quickly.

2. Soft skills are no less important than hard skills. The ability to work in a team, articulate your thoughts clearly, and ask for help is highly valued. Especially if you want to get into a good company and grow.

3. Develop your memory and attention. The better your memory works, the faster you learn. It becomes easier for you to remember new information, understand how everything is connected, and not get lost in the flow of knowledge. And attention helps you not to get distracted, delve deeper, and figure out complex topics faster. These skills are trainable — and they accelerate any learning, not just in IT.