How I Built a Career in ICT from Scratch
Building a career in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) from scratch can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t have a technical background or formal education in the field. However, with determination, continuous learning, and the right strategies, anyone can break into the ICT industry and build a successful career.
Here’s my personal journey, along with valuable lessons that can help you get started.
1. Identifying My Passion and Interest in ICT
I didn’t start with a clear goal of working in ICT. Initially, I was just curious about how websites and apps worked. I spent hours browsing the internet, fascinated by technology. Over time, I realized that ICT was a field with limitless opportunities, and I wanted to be a part of it.
💡 Lesson: Explore different areas of ICT (e.g., web development, networking, cybersecurity, digital marketing) and find what excites you the most.
2. Learning the Basics Online (For Free!)
Since I had no formal background in ICT, I turned to free online resources. I started with:
✅ YouTube tutorials on basic coding (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
✅ FreeCodeCamp and W3Schools for structured web development courses.
✅ Coursera and Udemy for introductory ICT courses.
I dedicated at least one hour daily to learning, practicing, and building small projects.
💡 Lesson: You don’t need a degree to start in ICT. Free online resources and self-discipline can take you far.
3. Getting Hands-On Experience with Small Projects
After grasping the basics, I started working on small projects:
🔹 Designed a simple personal website.
🔹 Created a basic e-commerce website using WordPress.
🔹 Helped a local business set up social media pages and digital marketing campaigns.
By doing these small projects, I gained practical skills and built a portfolio to showcase my work.
💡 Lesson: The best way to learn is by doing. Build projects, no matter how small.
4. Earning My First Certification
To prove my skills, I pursued entry-level certifications:
✔ Google IT Support Professional Certificate (for basic IT skills).
✔ Cisco CCNA (for networking).
✔ Google Digital Marketing Certification (for online marketing skills).
These certifications boosted my confidence and helped me stand out when applying for jobs.
💡 Lesson: Certifications help validate your skills and make you more attractive to employers.
5. Landing My First ICT Job
With a basic portfolio and certifications, I started applying for jobs. I focused on:
📌 Freelancing platforms like Upwork and Fiverr.
📌 LinkedIn networking to connect with ICT professionals.
📌 Entry-level roles in tech companies (e.g., IT support, junior developer, digital marketer).
After several applications, I landed my first job as an IT support assistant in a local company.
💡 Lesson: Start small, gain experience, and grow from there.
6. Specializing in a Niche Area
While working, I explored different ICT fields and found my interest in web development and cybersecurity. I deepened my knowledge by:
📖 Learning advanced coding languages like Python and PHP.
🛠️ Working on cybersecurity challenges on platforms like TryHackMe and Hack The Box.
📜 Earning a CompTIA Security+ certification to strengthen my credentials.
💡 Lesson: Specializing in a high-demand ICT field increases your job opportunities and salary potential.
7. Scaling My Career and Income
After gaining experience, I:
💰 Started freelancing on Upwork, making extra income from web development and cybersecurity projects.
🚀 Launched my own ICT blog to share knowledge and attract clients.
🎤 Began networking with industry professionals and attending ICT events.
These steps helped me land higher-paying contracts and job offers.
💡 Lesson: Combine your skills with networking and personal branding to grow your career.
8. Giving Back and Helping Others
Now that I have built a solid ICT career, I mentor beginners by:
✔ Offering free ICT training sessions.
✔ Writing blog posts and creating YouTube tutorials.
✔ Encouraging others to start their own journey in tech.
💡 Lesson: Success is sweeter when you help others grow.
Final Thoughts
Building a career in ICT from scratch is 100% possible—I am proof of that. The key is learning, practicing, networking, and staying consistent.
🚀 If you’re thinking of starting an ICT career, here’s my advice:
✅ Start learning today (use free online resources).
✅ Work on real-world projects to gain hands-on experience.
✅ Earn certifications to boost your credibility.
✅ Network and apply for entry-level roles or freelance gigs.
✅ Stay updated with new technologies and trends.
If I could do it, so can you! 🎯
