1. IT is a male industry
It is true that most professionals working in the industry are men. According to Eurostat, in 2017 they accounted for 85% of all ICT (information and communications technology) specialists in Poland. However, the number of women finding employment in the industry is growing year by year. Ladies are increasingly interested in modern technologies, enjoy programming, and choose to study exact sciences, such as computer science, electrical engineering, or telecommunications.
To make the industry more appealing to women, more and more initiatives are being undertaken to break the stereotype and facilitate their professional development in IT. This means additional benefits for employers – soft HR specialists point out that mixed teams are more effective.
2. Computer – IT specialist’s best friend
This is another myth related to the IT industry. Yes, a computer is an integral part of every IT specialist or programmer’s job. There are projects that require the creation of complex algorithms and codes, which takes many hours of work in front of a computer. But the IT industry also employs specialists who have completely different responsibilities. Domestic and foreign business trips, meetings with clients, conducting trainings and workshops to name just a few. It all depends on your position and preferences. Hicron employees spend a lot of time traveling and sharing their knowledge with clients or SAP enthusiasts.
3. IT is for introverts only
The biggest nonsense of modern gossip websites! The IT industry employs the same people as any other business sector. Outspoken, secretive, energetic, and analytical. Hotheads, introverts, and extroverts. There is something interesting for everyone. There is no doubt, however, that IT specialists should have communication and interpersonal skills. Writing code is only a part of larger projects involving experts from various departments of the company and external partners. Without communication skills, the success of the entire undertaking is out of the question.
4. To become a programmer, you need to have a computer science degree
Another myth that has nothing to do with reality. Not every programmer has a master’s degree or studied computer science. Well-chosen studies can, of course, be a good source of the necessary knowledge and prepare you for future work. However, as it happens with studies – the level of acquired knowledge depends on us and our commitment. With a little persistence, you can learn everything yourself. Steve Jobs is a great example – he did not graduate from any university, yet everyone knows who he is.
5. Once acquired, your knowledge will always be sufficient
A myth that affects every industry, but one that is hugely applicable to the IT sector. The IT industry is an employee’s paradise – it is constantly developing and new jobs keep appearing. There is a lot of competition on the employer market, so there is the belief that every employee can have a high salary and a pleasant job. In the age of ubiquitous automation, this statement is only true to a certain extent, and the saying “if you are not moving forward, you are moving backward” takes on a much greater meaning. The multitude of modern solutions and tools constantly appearing on the market requires consultants to improve their competences. But this has many advantages for potential employees – by having niche skills, we put ourselves in a better negotiating position with our future employer.
6. Good candidates can be attracted with high salaries
Money, while very important, is not the most important factor, especially for experienced professionals. Why? Research shows that earning more than a certain amount does not affect life satisfaction. Employees more and more often look at the image of the employer, the scope of duties in a given position, the attractiveness of implemented projects, or opportunities for further professional development.
There are probably many more myths about the IT industry. Many of them can scare off potential candidates. So it is important to learn about them and find out that the IT industry is the place for you.
