Information Technology programs and courses are frequently thought of as niche areas reserved only for computer geniuses, but in reality, that is far from the truth. The IT industry is a dynamic field that continually reinvents itself, undergoes changes, and opens new perspectives in today’s tech-oriented world. Read along with our guide to IT courses and programs to learn how you can break into this dynamic industry.
As organizations and businesses expand further into technology, relying on cloud computing services and software more, having an IT degree under your belt will help you launch a new IT. career or excel in your current career. If you have taken the plunge into the IT world, you should equip yourself with the skills and knowledge needed to advance in this field (to which there’s no end in sight). Taking the right IT courses and degree programs will help your professional development and keep you abreast of the latest inventions, discoveries, and trends that are the need of the hour to make progress in the Information Technology industry.
MyComputerCareer presents the most valuable and beneficial IT courses and degree programs designed to prepare you for a rewarding career in IT and give you the opportunity to grow. Our team of highly trained and experienced IT professionals has also created a vast network of organizations actively seeking employees who have the Information Technology certifications and skills taught at our campuses and in our online classes.
Outlook on the 2020 IT Job Market
The explosive job growth in the IT industry began about twenty years ago (the late 1990s) and hasn’t slowed down since. Whether you are already working in this field or want to switch careers into IT, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts continued job growth at an above-average rate for the IT sector over the next few years.
What drives this growth are the advancing technologies and enterprises’ adaptation of them. For example, the increased adaptation of cyber security and cloud computing leads to an increase in employment and a rise in other technologies, such as data analytics and information technology management, mobile networking, and health care IT.
Employment of those working in IT occupations is expected to grow 12% from 2014 to 2024, creating almost 490,000 jobs during this period. Enterprises within this industry are those that offer custom computer facilities management, computer systems design, computer programming, and other related services. There are also IT jobs outside the IT industry – industries that hire IT workers include administrative, educational, support, information services, insurance, finance, government, health care, wired telecommunication, and more.
Benefits of Information Technology Programs and Courses
People often think of IT courses as niche areas that offer job opportunities only to tech-savvy computer geniuses. This is far from the truth because an increasing number of businesses is going through a digital transformation, expanding further into technology and relying more on cloud computing and software services. That is precisely why having courses and relevant Information Technology certifications is helpful for launching and building a career in the IT industry. Some of the benefits of IT courses and degree programs include:
1. Garnering knowledge and experience
If you are trying to get into IT or already have a job there, Information Technology courses and programs can help you learn more and gain hands-on experience. That makes Information Technology courses an outstanding way to get a better grasp of the technical aspects of your desired job position. A degree in IT is highly valued, especially in careers with a creative or financial focus. People who complete a relevant course in IT give themselves an instant boost in their job search or job performance.
2. Making connections
Another significant benefit of completing IT programs that focus on employability and practical skills is that students make new connections by meeting like-minded classmates and tech professionals who provide training. Networking is known to be an essential part of finding employment, so interacting with others in a learning space will provide friendships and insights that wouldn’t be possible otherwise.
3. Modernizing your skills
The world of IT is an ever-changing environment, which is why staying relevant is a necessary but also challenging task. Courses in Information Technology are among the most consistently expanding areas of demand for tech employees. Adding extra accomplishments or updating a current skill set is a surefire way to build experience and establish mastery in various aspects of your career.
4. Expanding your knowledge
If you have been out of school for a while, keeping the mind active will have noticeable benefits. Once you put yourself in unfamiliar situations and start completing new challenges, you will most probably find a renewed enthusiasm for learning and continuing education, as well as an improved ability to adapt and expand your mind to new skill sets.
5. Earn a promotion and a better salary
The right way to receive a raise or go about starting on a good salary is having a strong base in a practical area or upskilling (if you already have a good set of skills and expertise). As IT training programs are highly prized in today’s businesses, being a graduate will give you a leg up on the competition with these hard skills.
Cyber Security Specialist (CSS) Program
IT security plays a crucial role in most companies today because it is the point where information, communications, and information processing are protected against the unauthorised exploitation of systems, networks and technologies. The Cyber Security Specialist (CSS) program allows you to enhance your skills in three areas – computer forensics, network security, and information security.
Our CSS course covers the fundamentals of the required skill set. Upon completion, you will understand the vulnerability and threat landscape through risk assessments and threat modeling. With our training experts, you will explore the mindset of the modern cyber-criminal, as well as the Darknet, covering zero-day vulnerabilities, exploit kits, malware, and more. Also, you will learn about the global hacking and tracking infrastructures that nation-states run.
Roles and Responsibilities
As the number of cyber-attacks continues to increase, the roles and responsibilities of cyber security specialists are expanding. These IT professionals are there to suggest computer security measures for any type of sensitive data that a company must protect. They design defensive systems and strategies against cyber-intruders, as well as continuously monitor systems for unusual activities. They report incidents and conduct counteractive protocols. Cyber security specialists are responsible for providing computer security during the development stages of computer networks, software systems, and data centers.
Cyber security specialists are responsible for updating security systems, developing new layers of protection, examining defensive systems, performing penetration tests, and providing reports based on those test results. They are heavily involved with creating their enterprise’s disaster recovery plan, which allows for the continued operation of their IT department. Information security is important, which is why these professionals usually report directly to C-suite executives.
Qualifications and Certifications
There are various cyber security specialist certifications available, and most employers prefer their job candidates to have one. Having a certification validates the required knowledge and skills for cyber security specialists.
The prerequisite for taking MyComputerCareer’s CSS course is a degree in ITSA (Information Technology Security and Administration). The CSS course will help you gain additional knowledge and credentials in advanced Cyber Security and Networking, as well as Information Assurance. You will receive six certifications through this program, including:
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Server+
- CompTIA CySA+
- MTA Networking / CompTIA Network+
- CEH
- CCNA
Cyber security specialists and information security analysts can advance to become CSOs (Chief Security Officers) or other kinds of computer and information systems managers. Important soft skills for this job role include strong analytical and problem-solving skills, being detail-oriented, and the ability to anticipate cyber security risks.
Cyber Security Engineer (CSE)
According to some job outlook reports, the demand for cyber security engineers is expected to grow 12% between 2016 and 2026. That rate is much faster than the average growth rate of other occupations, and the demand for these IT professionals will continue to grow as governments, businesses, and other organizations increasingly rely on digital platforms. Cyber Security Ventures reports that there will be 3.5 million job openings in the cyber security field by 2021. Since it is a fast-growing job, there will be a huge skill gap. In the U.S., there are about 40,000 unfilled Cyber Security analyst positions.
This branch of the IT industry is fascinating, ideal for people who want a challenge, and ripe with potential. Embarking on a Cyber Security Engineer career path is a great and rewarding choice.
Roles and Responsibilities
Cyber security engineers design and implement various network security solutions to defend against cyber-criminals and malicious software, as well as engage in monitoring and testing those information systems to ensure that all defenses are working correctly and up-to-date.
Becoming a certified cyber security engineer will prepare you for meeting the roles and responsibilities that current employers demand from these professionals, such as:
- Evaluating the enterprises’ security needs and establishing the best standards and practices accordingly.
- Designing, implementing, overseeing, maintaining, and upgrading cyber security operations.
- Responding to security breaches.
- Regularly conducting penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities in the system and network.
- Troubleshooting all security and network incidents and issues.
- Assisting in security breach investigations.
- Communicating with other departments within the organization.
Qualifications and Certifications
A cyber security engineer will usually need to have the following qualifications:
- Bachelor degree in Cyber Security Engineer (CSE) program, System Engineering, IT, computer science degrees, or a similar field.
- Experience with the operation, functionality, and maintenance of firewalls and other forms of endpoint security.
- Two years of working experience in cyber security operations, such as cyber forensics and incident detection and response.
- Proficiency in computer programming languages and tools, such as Java, C++, Python, Node, Power Shell, Go, or Ruby.
- Knowledge of the latest hacker tactics and cyber security trends.
- The ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Our CSE program is intended for people who want to specialize in advanced server administration and networking systems design. It will prepare you to receive six Information Technology certifications, including:
- CEH
- CCNA
- CCNA Security
- CompTIA CySA+
- CFR
- CASP
Associate of Applied Science in Network Administration and Security Program
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Network Administration and Security degree provides knowledge about networking, practical hands-on experience, and professional development of workplace skills to prepare you for entry-level careers in network administration and security. The curriculum of our certificate program focuses on networking for all enterprises – from small business computer networks to complex enterprise networks. You will be exposed to various aspects of network software and hardware configuring, maintenance, monitoring, troubleshooting and diagnosing, and supporting LANs, WANs, intranets, and cloud networks.
Furthermore, this certificate program is designed to focus on the necessary knowledge and skills required to protect, secure, and identify vulnerabilities in a network (as well as various network devices and operating systems). While earning your AAS, you will study various topics dealing with computer forensics, implementing information systems, data analysis, and database management. Upon completing the program, graduates are qualified to take degree or certification exams.
Network administration and security is a critical part of almost every organization that relies on information technology. As network systems continue to grow in government, finance, manufacturing, insurance, educational, and health care sectors, the demand for these positions is steadily increasing. Network administration and security certifications and degrees give an advantage, especially when recruitment managers look at your resume. Graduates of our program will be prepared to take industry-recognized network certifications, which will provide career opportunities for network engineers, network specialists, network analysts, system administrators, network administrators, etc.
Qualifications and Certifications
MyComputerCareer’s AAS in Network Administration and Security is designed for anyone who wants to receive a well-rounded education and a valuable IT degree or certification. Our on-campus or online course consists of general education classes and IT classes to provide you with skills and understanding you need to become an AAS in network administration and security. These certifications are:
- CEH
- CCNA
- CCNA Security
- CFR
- CASP
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Server+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA CySA+
- Linux Essentials
- MTA Networking Fundamentals
- MTA Server Fundamentals
- MTA Security Fundamentals
Information Technology Security and Administration (ITSA)
The Information Technology and Administration (ITSA) Program prepares graduates for employment in the IT sector as system administrators, support technicians, help desk employees, etc.
Our course work involves the development of your ability to create, store, exchange, communicate, and use the information to solve various technical issues related to information security and support. Upon completing it, you should qualify for employment in entry-level positions with governmental agencies, educational systems, and businesses that rely on computer systems and networks to design and manage information. The program incorporates competencies of industry-recognized certification exams.
The Information Technology and Administration program is designed for people seeking a career in the information technology industry. The jobs you can apply for with your newly-acquired professional skills include:
- PC repair technician
- System administrator
- Technical support engineer
- Level I, II, and III help desk
- Technical consultant
Qualifications and Certifications
The ITSA program includes test preparation for eight highly sought certifications for networking and systems support. With these certifications, you will gain core competencies required to launch a new career or advance in your current career.
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Server+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Linux Essentials
- MTA Networking Fundamentals
- MTA Security Fundamentals
- MTA Server Fundamentals
About MyComputerCareer
The Information Technology industry provides numerous professional development opportunities for launching a new career path or continuing education by advancing your knowledge and skills. When you decide to go down this path, completing on-campus or online courses in Information Technology and getting certified should be your top priority because it will make your journey much easier. With MyComputerCareer by your side, you can make everything happen in a matter of months. Besides the training programs we provide on-campus and through our online courses, we provide test preparation and excellent job placement services to help you land a job after completing some of our courses. Also, we are military-friendly, which means that we help veterans transition to civilian life by switching to a career in IT For more information, contact us today.