It’s no secret that the Information Technology sector is booming. IT jobs are some of the most in-demand positions available today, and the demand for skilled IT professionals will only increase in the years to come.
In fact, according to statistics, the technology industry will reach $5.3 trillion in 2022. Following 2020’s downturn, the sector has recovered to its previous annual growth rate of 5 to 6 percent. The United States is the world’s largest tech market, accounting for 33% of global revenue through 2022. According to a CompTIA survey, 82 percent of businesses complain about a lack of qualified IT professionals available to hire.
Approximately 6.7 million individuals work in IT in the United States today. The industry is projected to grow by another 13% by 2030, which is far more than anticipated for all other types of jobs or industries. Of course, there are a variety of compensation packages available in this adaptable sector. Computer support specialists with less training, for example, typically earn about $55,000 per year. If you have a Master’s degree in computer science and work as an information scientist, you can make up to $126,000 per year. The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $91,250 in May 2020, which was greater than the typical yearly wage of $41,950 for other occupations.
MyComputerCareer is an educational institution that aims to help as many students earn IT certifications from leading organizations such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco, EC-Council, and Linux. The school is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET), which has been endorsed by the United States Department of Education as a trustworthy arbiter of instructional quality since 1978.
Candidates who fulfill the requirements may apply for financial assistance, and MyComputerCareer has several computer training courses in a variety of fields, including Cybersecurity, Networking, Systems Administration, and more. Candidates that complete the course will also have lifelong access to the school’s Career Services department.
If you’re interested in starting a career in IT, you’re in luck! There are many different ways to learn the skills needed for a successful IT career. In this guide, we will discuss where candidates can start their IT careers and what skills are required in the industry. We’ll also talk about how candidates can learn these skills, as well as what are the best IT courses available today.
Where To Start Your IT Career?
The most crucial thing you can do before starting a career in IT is to do your homework. Learn about the sector and discover what IT employees do on a daily basis. You can also take MyComputerCareer’s free career evaluation, which takes less than 10 minutes to complete. You may consider which specialty you’d want to focus on after you have an excellent knowledge of the IT business.
There are a plethora of IT jobs to choose from, so make sure you pick one that is a good fit for your abilities and interests. The IT industry has numerous sectors. You may begin by interacting with clients or administering databases or networks as an IT employee. However, if you become more experienced, you might work in areas such as network security.
After you’ve completed the first stage of your research, make a shortlist of prospective career possibilities. Continue to research the skills needed to be considered for occupations you’ve chosen as you continue your education and training.
What Skills Are Needed In IT?
When it comes to the Information Technology sector, there are a few key skills that are needed to be successful:
- Candidates need to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- They need to be able to think critically to find solutions to complex issues.
- They need excellent communication skills to work effectively with other team members.
While often neglected, these so-called soft skills mentioned above help IT professionals stand out and be successful in their field. But aside from these soft skills, future and present IT specialists also need to possess strong technical skills in one or more of the following fields:
- Help-Desk: Help-Desk is the first point of contact for any employee that has IT-related issues. They need to understand the problem and provide a solution in a timely manner.
- Network Administration: Network administrators are responsible for ensuring the company’s network is up and running smoothly. They also need to be able to troubleshoot any network issues that may arise.
- Database Administration: Database administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining the company’s databases. They need to have a strong understanding of database concepts and be able to use various database management tools.
- Systems Administration: Systems administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining the company’s computer systems. They need to have a strong understanding of computer systems and be able to use various system administration tools.
- Web Development: Web developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the company’s website. They need to have a strong understanding of web development technologies and be able to use various web development tools.
- DevOps: DevOps is a relatively new field combinding the roles of software developers and systems administrators. DevOps professionals need to understand both development and operations in order to effectively manage the company’s software development life cycle.
- Cloud Computing: Cloud computing is a rapidly growing field that deals with the delivery of cloud services. Cloud computing professionals need to understand and use various cloud computing technologies.
- Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity specialists are responsible for protecting the company’s computer systems and networks from security threats. They need to have a strong understanding of cybersecurity concepts and be able to use various cybersecurity tools.
Help-Desk Is a Good Place To Start
If you’re just starting out in the IT field, then Help-Desk is a good place to start. Help-Desk is the first point of contact for any employee with IT-related issues. They need to understand the problem and provide a solution in a timely manner.
While Help-Desk may not be the most glamorous position in IT, it is a good way to get your foot in the door and start gaining some experience. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to learn about different areas of IT and figure out which one you’re interested in pursuing further.
How Can You Learn IT Skills?
Many people benefit from IT skills in a variety of ways. IT abilities may assist you to get a job, keep a job, and even advance in your present position. IT talents are also essential for personal use. Many individuals use computers and other gadgets on a daily basis but don’t know how to repair them when they malfunction. You either learn how to fix these problems yourself or, at the very least, figure out what is wrong. There are several methods to learn IT skills. The following are just some of the most frequent:
- Self-Learning
This may be accomplished by using the internet, books, or other resources. People who are already familiar with computers and how they function might find this approach most effective. If you have any IT expertise, teaching yourself IT skills may be a viable alternative. Young people, particularly in high school or even earlier, are more likely to learn new abilities this way. They generally have a lot of free time on their hands, allowing them to learn at their own pace. Self-learning, however, isn’t for everyone. Those who don’t have enough time on their hands or don’t have the ability to learn IT skills on their own may not see a strong ROI.
- Earning a Degree
Information Technology degrees are another option for learning IT skills. This may be done through traditional schooling or online classes. IT degrees generally take two to four years to finish, depending on the program you choose. IT degrees are an alternative for individuals looking to work in information technology. However, IT degrees may be costly, time-consuming, and unavailable to all individuals.
A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science is not always required to work in IT, but it may help you stand out among other job candidates who do not have one. Despite the fact that degrees may cover a variety of IT topics, the understanding gained as a result of this study is more broad-based than that obtained through a certification. A college education provides an excellent basis for understanding IT, but it is less specialized in one area.
- IT Certifications
Another method to acquire IT abilities is through IT certifications. Employers evaluate your qualifications and knowledge when you obtain IT certifications. There are numerous types of IT certificates, so it’s vital to do your homework and pick the one that best suits you. In addition, each certification has different requirements, such as coursework, experience, and exams. IT certifications may be a great way to demonstrate your IT skills to potential employers without having to earn a degree or take extra classes.
Continuing Education Is Essential
A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science is sometimes required for IT occupations. Some entry-level positions, on the other hand, may be satisfied with a few years of expertise, but most IT jobs will want to see that you have the theoretical knowledge as well as the hands-on skills needed for the position.
While a Computer Science degree may help you get a higher starting salary in the IT sector, it will not be enough on its own. In reality, having this diploma is not necessary for your debut in Information Technology. In fact, such education isn’t always required for prospective employers or recruiters to identify you as competent in Information Technology.
The Importance of IT Certifications
IT certifications are a fantastic method to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and knowledge for a particular job. Earning an IT certificate also shows your commitment to self-improvement. Many employers will want to see that you have relevant IT credentials, even if you don’t have a college education. There are numerous IT certificates to choose from, so it’s critical to find ones that will be most useful for your chosen career path.
At the entry-level, certain IT certifications that demonstrate a deep understanding of simple ideas and implementation include:
- CompTIA A+: This certification covers basic hardware and software maintenance and troubleshooting.
- CompTIA Network+: This certification covers network infrastructure and troubleshooting.
- CompTIA Security+: This certification covers cybersecurity threats and countermeasures.
- CompTIA Server+: This certification covers server administration and troubleshooting.
- Linux Essentials: This certification covers the basics of using the Linux operating systems.
- Microsoft Fundamentals: These certifications cover the basics of using Microsoft products and services.
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): This certification covers network installation and configuration.
Any of these entry-level certifications would make a great addition to your resume and set you apart from other job candidates.
What Are The Best IT Courses?
IT courses are available in a wide range of disciplines and topics, including network administration, software development, hardware maintenance, and more. The strongest IT courses will help you prepare for the most coveted certifications while also providing the skills you’ll need to get a job in this rapidly developing area.
Below is a list of some of the most effective IT courses and programs on the market today:
Information Technology Security and Administration (ITSA) Program
The Information Technology Security and Administration (ITSA) program is for anybody looking to start a new career in IT or acquire the essential abilities and certifications they need to advance in their current job. The curriculum consists of six IT Certifications in critical demand for systems support and networking, including some from three of today’s most well-known names in Information Technology:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Microsoft AZ-900: Azure Server Fundamentals
- Microsoft SC-900: Security, Compliance & Identity Fundamentals
- Linux Essentials
The only prerequisite for this course is a high school diploma or GED. The program covers fundamental hardware installation, diagnosis and repair, networking and topology support, security configuration and analysis, as well as computer network configuration, securing, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Cyber Security Specialist (CSS) Course
The Cyber Security Specialist (CSS) program is for ITSA graduates and other IT professionals who wish to develop their skills or obtain higher credentials in Advanced Networking and Cyber Security or Information Assurance. This course will provide the tools to earn six distinct certifications in Network Administration and Security, including wireless networking on a variety of platforms and devices. The following certifications are available through this program:
- CompTIA Server+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
- EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Networking / Network+
Chief Network Administrators with these certifications that have industry experience may be able to apply for high-level server and system administration jobs in major businesses. Systems engineers and Chief Network Administrators with these skills are highly sought after in the IT sector. CSS students will be able to set up, maintain, and repair basic WAN and switched LAN networks. They will also know how attackers escalate privileges and what measures can be taken to secure a system after completing the course.
Cyber Security Engineer (CSE) Program
Individuals who wish to focus more in depth on network design and administration may pursue the Cyber Security Engineer (CSE) program. This program’s study covers a wide range of topics relating to network design, implementation, and management. As a result of this degree program, you will be able to acquire six high-demand certifications in network design and administration, as follows:
- EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Cisco Certified CyberOps Associate
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
- CertNexus CyberSec First Responder (CFR)
- CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+)
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+)
After completing this course, students will be able to plan, configure, and manage basic WAN and switched LAN networks. VLSM, IPv6, OSPF, and EIGRP will all be discussed as well as access lists for NAT and DHCP.
Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration and Cyber Security
An Associate’s Degree is a realistic objective if you’ve already earned your ITSA, as well as your CSS and CSE advanced training certifications. MyComputerCareer’s Associate’s Degree helps you develop skills that will help you land a job in almost any career, such as public speaking and business math. Consider how it may strengthen your CV and perhaps get you ready for a Bachelor’s Degree from another institution (if you want to go that route).
The Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration and Cybersecurity is comprised of 12 IT courses (which you may have done in our other programs), as well as five non-IT general education classes.
- Introduction to Communications
- American Government
- Business Math
- Introduction to Psychology
- English Composition I
- Philosophy (optional program course substitution)
You will be able to do the following after you have completed the Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration and Cybersecurity program:
- Install, Repair, and Maintain Computer Hardware
- Create and Implement Network Security Strategy
- Plan and Configure Advanced Networks
- Stop and Prevent External Security Attacks and Threats
- Understand Network Protocols
Conclusion
IT classes are a great way to start your Information Technology career. However, it is important to note that there are different skills that are needed in the Information Technology sector. Likewise, candidates need to learn these IT skills in order to be successful in their careers. The best way to learn these IT skills is by taking courses from an accredited institution and earning the appropriate certifications. By doing so, candidates will be able to get the necessary training and education that they need to be successful in their careers.
IT certification preparedness is a must for every IT professional. We provide access to some of the best IT certification training and preparedness on the market, as well as continuous Career Placement Services and Financial Aid possibilities for those who qualify. For more information on IT certification preparedness, contact us right now!