Here’s a complete beginner-to-intermediate guide on:
How to Get a Job in the ICT Industry
The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry is fast-growing, diverse, and full of opportunities—whether you’re into software development, cybersecurity, networking, cloud computing, or digital marketing.
🎯 1. Understand What ICT Includes
The ICT industry covers:
- Web development
- Software engineering
- Cybersecurity
- Data analysis/science
- Cloud computing
- Networking and system administration
- UI/UX design
- Digital marketing
- Technical support
🧠 Tip: Pick one or two areas of interest to focus on.
🎓 2. Gain Relevant Skills and Certifications
You don’t always need a university degree, but skills matter. Start with:
💡 Core Skills:
Area | Must-Learn Skills |
---|---|
Web Dev | HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Git, PHP, React |
Cybersecurity | Networking basics, Linux, Python, Threat analysis |
Data | SQL, Excel, Power BI, Python, R |
IT Support | Troubleshooting, Windows/Linux, Networking |
🎓 Recommended Certifications:
Area | Certifications |
---|---|
General IT | CompTIA A+, Google IT Support |
Networking | Cisco CCNA |
Cybersecurity | CompTIA Security+, CEH |
Cloud | AWS Cloud Practitioner, Azure Fundamentals |
Web Dev | FreeCodeCamp, Meta Front-End Certificate |
🛠️ 3. Build a Portfolio
Start building real or mock projects:
- Create websites or web apps
- Solve challenges on HackerRank or LeetCode
- Upload code to GitHub
- Write blogs or tutorials (on Medium, Hashnode)
📁 What to include in a portfolio:
- Links to projects
- Screenshots and descriptions
- GitHub link
- Resume download option
🌐 4. Create a Professional Online Presence
- Update your LinkedIn profile
- Join tech communities (e.g., Dev.to, Reddit r/learnprogramming)
- Be active in GitHub, Twitter/X, Discord, or Stack Overflow
🔍 Employers often Google you—make sure what they find reflects your skills.
✍️ 5. Craft a Great Tech Resume
Tips for ICT resumes:
- Keep it 1 page (max 2)
- Focus on skills, tools used, and projects
- Use bullet points (quantify your impact if possible)
Example:
Developed a responsive e-commerce website using HTML, CSS, PHP, and MySQL that processes over 500 transactions monthly.
🔍 6. Search and Apply for Jobs (Local & Remote)
Where to Look:
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Indeed
- Glassdoor
- Remote OK
- We Work Remotely
- Jobberman (for Nigeria)
Tips:
- Apply even if you don’t meet 100% of the requirements
- Customize your resume and cover letter for each job
- Follow up politely after interviews
🤝 7. Network with People in Tech
- Attend tech meetups or webinars
- Join Facebook/WhatsApp/Telegram groups for ICT professionals
- Ask for informational interviews or mentorship
- Collaborate on open-source projects
“Who you know” can open as many doors as “what you know.”
🧪 8. Prepare for Interviews
Expect:
- Technical questions (code challenges, troubleshooting, etc.)
- Behavioral questions (“Tell me about a time you solved a problem…”)
- System design or live coding for dev roles
💡 Practice:
- Pramp
- Interviewing.io
- Mock interviews with friends
📈 9. Stay Current and Keep Learning
Tech changes fast—keep up with:
- YouTube Channels (Traversy Media, NetworkChuck, Academind)
- Blogs (Smashing Magazine, Dev.to, Medium)
- Courses (freeCodeCamp, Coursera, Udemy, Google, Microsoft)
✅ Final Checklist to Land Your ICT Job
- Learn ICT fundamentals
- Get certified (optional, but helpful)
- Build a portfolio
- Polish your resume and LinkedIn
- Apply for jobs (daily!)
- Network with professionals
- Practice interviews
- Stay consistent—don’t give up!