Breaking into IT: Career Wisdom from Thomas Forkan

Last week, I had the privilege of speaking with Thomas Forkan, a seasoned IT professional with over 30 years of experience in the field where I'm beginning my own journey. I first connected with him during a WGU webinar, where I was eager to learn more about his career path and insights. One of my long-term goals is to become a Network Administrator- a role Mr. Forkan himself had at several points in his career, making our conversation especially meaningful and inspiring.

What struck me right away was Thomas’s depth of knowledge and perspective. Having worked across different industries and led many modernization efforts, he’s seen technology trends come and go over the years. We both agreed that the current job market is very competitive. Still, he emphasized that what doesn’t change is the importance of applying your skills, continuous learning, and empathy in IT and IT leadership.

Thomas shared that the best IT opportunities often come to those who begin applying their classroom knowledge right away. Employers are looking at IT graduates who demonstrate technical proficiency in tools like Azure, Active Directory, and networking, and gain real-world experience through help desk or service desk roles early in their careers.

As someone actively building my career in IT support, I found this especially encouraging. Before our conversation, I had already been applying to entry-level IT positions. Plus, one of my reasons for creating this website is to showcase my portfolio and track my progress. After hearing Thomas's perspective, I feel like I'm on the right track. It’s not just about certifications or coursework- it's about applying those skills in real-world scenarios and growing into a trusted problem solver.

When I asked Thomas what advice he’d give someone like me, he stressed three key points:

1.  Start now. Technology changes quickly, so gaining hands-on experience early is essential. Certifications, labs, projects, and even small real-world opportunities all show initiative and passion for IT. 

2.  Volunteer. Many people overlook the value of volunteering, but helping individuals or organizations with their tech needs not only builds experience, it also demonstrates problem-solving in real scenarios.

3.  Know your worth. Especially as a woman in IT, it’s important to advocate for yourself and not let employers undervalue your contributions. Confidence and self-respect are key to long-term growth.

For me, this conversation was both grounding and motivating. I needed to hear these words from a professional who gave me the perspective I’ve been seeking as I begin my own career in IT. It reminded me that while I’m still early in my journey — studying at Western Governors University and growing my skills — the IT field values curiosity, resilience, and a willingness to learn just as much as technical expertise.

I’m deeply grateful for Thomas Forkan’s advice, and I’ll carry it forward as I continue developing my path in IT. For those also entering the field, I’d encourage you to reflect on his advice: put in the work now, stay adaptable, and hold fast to your core values. If you'd like to connect with him, you can click here!