How to choose your first IT course

Choosing your first IT course can feel a bit like standing at the entrance to a vast, exhilarating library: there are endless possibilities, and the promise of transformation is very real. Yet, for beginners, that excitement is often tinged with anxiety, especially if you’re coming from a non-technical background, if you identify as neurodivergent, or if you’re simply unsure where to start. Let’s break down the process into clear, manageable steps, focusing on how your own goals, background, and available time can guide you to the right choice.

Understanding Your Motivation

Before you sign up for any course, pause and ask yourself why you want to learn IT. Are you considering a complete career change, or adding technical skills to your current role? Perhaps you want to develop a specific project, transition into tech as a woman or gender minority, or you’re fascinated by how digital systems shape our world. Your “why” will shape everything else.

“The best course is the one that supports your unique aspirations, not someone else’s idea of success.”

If your goal is to become a developer, your path will look different from someone aiming to manage IT projects or understand cybersecurity basics. If you’re neurodivergent, you might be looking for courses that offer flexibility and support beyond the usual curriculum. Identifying your motivation helps you filter out the noise and focus on relevant options.

Mapping Your Starting Point

Every learner brings a unique set of experiences and strengths. Think about your background honestly: what are your current skills? Do you have any prior exposure to logic, math, or problem-solving? Are you more comfortable learning visually, by reading, or through hands-on practice? For women and other underrepresented groups in tech, community and mentorship may be especially vital.

Here’s how your background can inform your choice:

• If you have zero technical experience, start with a foundational course that doesn’t assume prior knowledge.
• If you learn better by doing, look for courses with interactive labs, projects, or coding sandboxes.
• If you appreciate structure, a bootcamp or cohort-based course might be right for you.
• If you’re neurodivergent, prioritize programs that offer self-paced learning, clear instructions, and responsive support.

Don’t underestimate the value of your non-technical skills. Project management, communication, creativity, and empathy are all prized in modern IT teams—especially in diverse or inclusive environments.

Defining the Time You Can Commit

Time is a precious resource. Consider your schedule realistically: do you have a few hours a week, or can you dedicate full days to learning? Be honest about your capacity, and remember, consistency is usually more important than intensity. Sustainable progress comes from regular study, not overnight marathons.

Options vary widely:

• Short courses (a few hours to a few weeks) are great for getting a taste of IT concepts or testing your interest in a field.
• Certificate programs (1–6 months) build a more solid foundation, often with practical projects and feedback.
• Bootcamps (2–6 months, intensive) can prepare you for entry-level jobs, but they require significant commitment and resilience.

For many, especially working adults or caregivers, flexibility is essential. Self-paced online courses allow you to learn when it fits your life, and many offer pause-and-resume options for busy schedules.

Surveying the IT Landscape

“IT” is a big world. It includes programming, web development, cybersecurity, data analysis, cloud computing, networking, UX/UI design, and more. Each area has its own culture, jargon, and entry points. Start with a broad overview if you’re unsure where to focus. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn offer introductory “survey” courses such as What is IT?, Introduction to Computer Science, or Careers in Tech.

A few popular entry-level paths:

• Programming Basics: Python, JavaScript, or Scratch are common entry points, with lots of beginner-friendly material.
• Web Development: Start with HTML, CSS, and basic JavaScript to create your first web pages.
• Data Analysis: Courses in Excel, SQL, or Python for data can open doors to many industries.
• IT Support: Google’s IT Support Professional Certificate (Coursera) is designed for absolute beginners and includes practical labs.
• Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Many free and paid courses introduce the basics of online safety and digital defense.

“There’s no single ‘best’ starting point—only the one that fits your present curiosity and future ambitions.”

How to Evaluate Course Quality

Once you’ve narrowed your interests, focus on course quality. Look for:

• Clear learning outcomes: Does the course tell you exactly what you’ll be able to do by the end?
• Hands-on practice: Are there exercises, labs, or projects? Passive watching isn’t enough to build skills.
• Inclusive design: Does the platform offer subtitles, transcripts, alternate formats, or other accessibility features?
• Active community: Forums, study groups, or mentorship programs can be lifelines—especially for women, neurodivergent, or nontraditional learners.
• Instructor credentials: Who’s teaching? Is their experience relevant?
• Recent reviews: What do other beginners say about the course? Look for honest feedback on teaching style, clarity, and support.

Avoid courses that promise instant mastery or rely on outdated materials. Technology changes rapidly, so choose providers who update their content regularly.

Free vs. Paid: What’s Worth Paying For?

There’s a wealth of free material online—YouTube, freeCodeCamp, open courseware from top universities. For self-motivated learners, these can be a goldmine. However, paying for a course can add structure, accountability, and support that free resources lack. Certificates of completion may also help with job applications or career transitions.

Ask yourself:

• Do you need external deadlines or graded assignments to stay on track?
• Is one-on-one feedback or community support important to you?
• Are you learning for fun, or do you need proof of achievement for your CV?

For many, a “blended” approach works best: use free resources to explore, and invest in a paid course when you’re ready to go deeper or want official recognition.

Special Considerations for Women and Neurodivergent Learners

Women in technology often face unique challenges: from imposter syndrome and lack of representation to subtle (or not-so-subtle) bias in tech spaces. Seek out courses, bootcamps, or organizations that are explicitly inclusive—look for women-led instruction, mentorship networks, and community forums. Ada Developers Academy, SheCodes, and Girls Who Code offer supportive environments tailored to women and gender minorities.

Neurodivergent learners (including those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and other cognitive differences) thrive when courses offer:

• Flexible pacing
• Clear, unambiguous instructions
• Chunked content (short lessons, frequent breaks)
• Visual aids and hands-on activities
• Nonjudgmental, responsive support

Look for platforms that understand these needs and don’t be afraid to ask about accommodations or support options before you enroll.

“The most important thing is to find a learning environment where you feel safe to experiment, make mistakes, and grow.”

Building Your Support Network

You don’t have to do this alone. The IT community is vast, and there’s a place for everyone. Seek out:

• Online forums like Stack Overflow, Reddit, or specialized Discord servers
• Meetups or women-in-tech groups in your city
• Mentorship programs (many are free or low-cost for beginners)
• Accountability partners or study buddies

Community makes a difference: it’s easier to stay motivated, get answers to your questions, and celebrate your progress when you’re part of a group—even if it’s virtual.

Getting Started: A Practical Roadmap

Let’s break the process into actionable steps:

1. Clarify your goal. Are you learning to get a job, build a project, or satisfy your curiosity?
2. Assess your background and learning style. What do you already know? How do you learn best?
3. Audit your time. What can you realistically commit each week?
4. Explore entry-level fields. Take a short “overview” course if you’re unsure where to begin.
5. Research course options. Pay attention to quality, inclusivity, and community support.
6. Start small. Don’t be afraid to switch if your first course isn’t a good fit—pivoting is part of learning.
7. Engage with a community. Ask questions, join forums, and don’t isolate yourself.
8. Celebrate milestones. Every lesson completed is progress. Acknowledge your growth, no matter how incremental.

Your journey into IT is uniquely yours. The right course is the one that meets you where you are and helps you become who you want to be.

“Technology is not just a set of tools—it’s a language, a community, and a pathway to personal and professional transformation.”

Embracing Lifelong Learning

The field of IT is dynamic. New languages, frameworks, and tools emerge every year. The best thing you can do is cultivate curiosity and resilience. Your first course won’t be your last—you’ll keep learning, and each step will open new doors.

Remember: it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at the start. The world needs diverse voices and perspectives in technology, especially those who bring empathy, creativity, and fresh ideas. Your perspective matters.

Whether you’re stepping into IT to change your career, build a better future, or simply explore what’s possible, you’re joining a community that thrives on discovery and collective growth. Welcome.