Most businesses require information technology to maintain their competitive advantage and deliver goods and services to clients promptly. Many organizations have also found innovative methods to apply technology in the face of the current Covid-19 outbreak. The demand for competent IT specialists has also increased considerably.
There are currently about 6.7 million people working in the IT industry in the United States. The sector is anticipated to rise by another 13% by 2030, which is far greater than what is expected for all occupations. Of course, there is a wide range of salaries available in this flexible sector. Computer support specialists who don’t require as much expertise might earn around $55,000 per year. If you got your Master’s degree and became a computer and information research scientist, you could make up to $126,000 per year. In May 2020, the median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $91,250, which was greater than the typical yearly wage of $41,950.
If you’re looking for a career that is always in high demand, then Information Technology might be the right choice for you. IT careers can be very rewarding, both professionally and financially. However, making the jump into IT can seem a little daunting at first. That’s why we put together this article – to help you get started on your IT career journey!
Where To Start With Your IT Career?
The most important thing you need to do before starting your IT career is to educate yourself. Research the industry and find out what IT professionals do on a day-to-day basis. Once you have a good understanding of the IT industry, you can start thinking about which area you would like to specialize in.
There are many IT careers available, so it’s important that you choose one that matches your skills and interests. The IT business has a wide range of sectors. As an IT employee, you may begin by dealing with customers or managing databases or networks. However, as you get more experienced, you may move into areas such as network security. It is possible that you’ll work in a completely different field from what you studied.
The position that you will fill, on the other hand, will be determined by your area of expertise. You could be a Network Systems Administrator, Computer Network Architect, or Information Security Analyst if you specialize in acquiring certification in networking.
After completing this initial research, create a shortlist of potential career options. Continue to research the qualifications necessary to be considered for the roles you’ve chosen as you continue your education and training.
Education Is The Key To IT Success
Some IT careers will require you to have at least a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science. A few years of experience may be enough for some entry-level positions, but most IT jobs will want to see that you have the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for the role.
Your university or college should offer courses that give you a broad understanding of IT. However, if you’re looking to specialize in a particular area, such as networking or security, it’s important to find a course that covers these topics in depth. You might also want to consider taking an internship while you’re studying so that you can get some real-world experience under your belt.
It is, however, important to note that while a Computer Science degree could be beneficial for your IT career and may help you get a higher initial salary, it might not be enough. In fact, a college degree is not mandatory in making your debut in Information Technology. What really differentiates candidates in the eyes of employers and recruiters are IT certifications.
Why IT Certifications Are So Important
IT certifications are a great way to show that you have the skills and knowledge required for a particular role. Earning an IT certificate also demonstrates that you are willing to invest in your own professional development. Many employers will want to see that you have attended relevant IT certification classes, even if you don’t have a college degree. There are many different IT certifications available, so it’s important to choose the ones that will be most beneficial for your chosen career path.
Entry-level IT certifications that showcase a thorough knowledge of basic concepts and implementation are as follows:
- CompTIA A+: Covering PC hardware and peripherals, mobile device hardware, networking, and troubleshooting hardware and network connectivity issues.
- CompTIA Network+: Covering the configuration, management, and troubleshooting of common wired and wireless network devices.
- CompTIA Security+: Focuses on the fundamental principles of cybersecurity.
- CompTIA Server+: IT server hardware and software, storage systems, and IT environment best practices.
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): Routing and switching, network fundamentals, and configuring simple networks.
- Linux Essentials: The basics of Linux administration, including the command line, file permissions, and user management.
- Microsoft Fundamentals: The basics of working with the Windows operating system and Microsoft Office applications.
MyComputerCareer is an educational institution accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET). ACCET has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a reliable authority on educational quality since 1978. MyComputerCareer offers training for several IT certifications from leading organizations such as Microsoft, CompTIA, Cisco, EC-Council, and Linux.
Start With a Help-Desk Position
One of the best ways to get your IT career started is to land a help-desk position. Often, these roles don’t require any prior experience or a college degree. Having an IT certification will certainly give you a leg up on the competition. Help-desk positions are also a great way to get your foot in the door of a company and start to learn about its IT infrastructure.
While a help-desk position may not be the most exciting job in IT, it’s a great way to get started in your career. From there, you can start to specialize in a particular area and move up the ladder. Just remember to keep learning and investing in your professional development. IT is a rapidly changing industry, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies.
Are you ready to pursue an IT career and learn more about getting certified? If you’d want to know how our certification graduates are faring or the online courses we provide, please do not hesitate to contact MyComputerCareer. We provide a free career evaluation that takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Following this, you’ll know precisely what your next steps should be in becoming an information technology professional. Please contact us with any queries or concerns regarding this flexible sector, and we’ll be happy to assist!