I’ve been invited to be one of the resource Speaker for FEU Institute of Technology (FEU Tech) last October 27, 2022, on their event iTAM STEP UP 2022 (Innovation and Business)
The IT field has long been known for its potential to provide high-paying jobs and lucrative career opportunities. With the constant demand for technology professionals and the ever-evolving nature of the industry, it’s no surprise that many people are drawn to the field as a way to quickly earn a good income. But is the IT field truly the fastest path to getting rich? Here are some healthy questions/discussions we had with IT freshmen students of Far Eastern University.
Should I shift now if I’m in a non-IT course?
One student asked a question, apparently, he is a Civil Engineering student sitting in an IT organization seminar. He said that most Engineering graduates are now underpaid due to the saturation of engineering resources in the industry. Even licensed engineers are having difficulties in landing a well-paying job.
In this regard, he’s thinking if continuing in his chosen course is still worth it given the circumstances he can now foresee after he graduates.
My take is it depends on your long-term goal. If you can see that your current course is not aligned with your vision, then you should shift now until you’re in the early part of the course.
But again, courses and fields of study guarantee nothing in terms of a person’s success. It’s all about you and how you use your knowledge as leverage in the real world.
How can I get clients when I’m still a student?
I’m surprised that most of the freshmen students already have freelance work, many of which are on graphic design. Some of them are now earning a decent amount of money.
The only challenge is how they can get more clients for them to earn more. I only advised one thing. Build a Portfolio.
Clients won’t trust us through the words we’re saying. It’s all about the previous work you have.
- Build Portfolio
- Get clients
- Learn client management (Communication and Negotiation)
What factors do you consider in choosing a forte (expertise to pursue)?
It’s really hard to choose between your passion and the field that will make you financially comfortable. My take is debatable, For me in the early part of your career, you need to get out of your comfort zone including shifting away from your passion. High-paying jobs nowadays are mostly not our typical ‘ideal career’
If you’re passionate on the field that brings you a decent amount of money, then you are blessed.
My personal preference is when you’re a fresh graduate or soon to graduate, pick a good forte that either makes your wallet full or will bring you so much potential to grow.
- Research compensation – Check if the field/expertise market value is above the industry average.
- Research career growth – Choose an expertise with a huge potential to grow
- Research field history and potential career path – Make sure your chosen career path is thriving now and have a big chance to still thrive in the future.
Being a resource speaker at any event was a fulfilling and rewarding experience for me, especially for a well-known institution like Far Eastern University (FEU). I am grateful for the opportunity and for the positive impact that I was able to make on these students.
Article written by:
Jae-Mar Arenque
Owner – Pinfront Digital