Getting Into IT: 2021 vs 2026 - What Changed

If you got your IT career advice in 2021, half of it is now obsolete. AI moved from specialty to baseline. Four new branches got added to the career tree. The bootcamp market collapsed and rebuilt. Entry-level got harder while mid-level demand exploded. This video breaks down exactly what changed, what still holds, and what to do about it in 2026. I've spent 27+ years in IT, from helpdesk to IT Director. This is the comparison nobody else is making, honestly. 🎯 JOIN MY FREE COMMUNITY: IT Career Guide Inner Circle https://www.skool.com/it-career-guide... Two complete courses inside, with a new course added every month. Free access while open. Pricing may change. Current members keep free access forever. ⏱ CHAPTERS: 0:00 - Introduction 1:28 - The 2021 Standard Roadmap 2:44 - Change #1: AI Moved to Baseline 3:29 - Change #2: Four New Career Branches 4:11 - Changes #3-4: Automation Squeeze + Cyber Demand 5:18 - Changes #5-6: Bootcamps + New Learning Paths 6:29 - What Still Holds from 2021 8:14 - 2026 Framework: Pick Your Lane + Education Path 9:06 - 2026 Framework: Portfolio, Network, AI Leverage 10:05 - Realistic Timelines and Salary Anchors 12:00 - 2021 vs 2026 Side by Side 12:28 - Outro 🔗 RELATED VIDEOS: ▶ How to Become a DevSecOps Engineer in 2026 -    • How to Become a DevSecOps Engineer in 2026   ▶ A Day in the Life of a DevSecOps Engineer (2026) -    • A Day in the Life of a DevSecOps Engineer ...   📊 SOURCES (accessed May 2026): Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study 2025 LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise 2025/2026 Challenger, Gray and Christmas Q1 2026 Tech Layoff Report New videos every Monday and Thursday - subscribe so you don't miss them. #ITCareer #GettingIntoIT #ITCareerPath #Cybersecurity #CloudEngineering #CompTIA #ITCertifications #CareerChange #TechJobs2026 Please connect and follow me on LinkedIn. ++   / nsusa   ++ I.T. Career Coaching ++ https://www.netservicesusa.com ++