The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 13% growth in available positions by 2030 for computer and information technology professionals. This guide explores some of the best jobs in IT and how you can prepare yourself for a career in this area. If you want to know more about information technology as a field and IT degree paths, you’ve come to the right place. This page offers information for prospective IT students, IT careers, and what types of education programs prepare you for in-demand IT jobs. Entry-level IT jobs are competitive, and employers are increasingly recognizing the value and importance of certifications.

• Typically, learning on your own is a lot faster (and more cost effective) than enrolling in a standard degree program.
• Similar to other technical and academic fields, a certificate serves as an excellent stepping-stone toward an entry-level job.
• Explore training developed by CompTIA with options that fit various learning styles and timelines.
• From entry-level positions in web development to senior C-suite roles such as chief information officers, IT careers today exist in varied specialized areas.

See if IT Is Right for YouCompTIA ITF+ is the only pre-career certification that helps learners determine if they have an aptitude and interest in IT. CompTIA IT Fundamentals (ITF+) is an introduction to basic IT knowledge and skills that helps you determine whether you have what it takes to work in IT. CertMaster Practice helps you identify and fill partnership with Gyfted knowledge gaps so you’re much more confident when you go into your certification exam. When choosing tutorials and study guides, make sure the content is up-to-date. As a rule of thumb, if it’s more than 3 years old, you might want to reconsider. And while free materials are great, some of the best content comes with a price – keep that in mind.

Things to Avoid When Self Learning IT

Then, keep your eye out for any study materials that offer a money back guarantee or claim to include real test questions – as these are considered cheating. Official CompTIA training solutions, such as CertMaster, are designed with the certification exam in mind, so you can be sure you’re learning what you’ll need to know for your exam and for your career. There are plenty of IT courses you can take either in person or online to learn specific skills like computer programming, web development, cloud computing and computer networking.

The BLS projects that available positions will grow much faster than average for web developers, information security analysts, and database administrators, to name a few. Moreover, compared to other major industries, IT positions showed relatively strong resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2021 alone, IT employers posted more than 365,000 job openings.

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IT certifications allow you to stand out from other candidates and help you gain the skills you need for the job. CompTIA A+ is the industry standard for getting into IT and covers the learning objectives listed above. It validates your skills and knowledge to employers, allowing you to get your foot in the door. The entry point to beginning your IT career is learning the fundamentals. This means you must take it upon yourself to learn a little bit about everything.

These analysts make a median annual wage of $103,590 and can expect a 33% job growth by 2030. From entry-level positions in web development to senior C-suite roles such as chief information officers, IT careers today exist in varied specialized areas. No matter which of the three main IT categories you can find work, the required training and work experience vary significantly among these diverse careers. When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.

Operating Systems and Applications

It provides essential insights into the IT field, equipping you to collaborate effectively with IT teams and make informed decisions within your role. If you seek a non-technical role in the IT industry, this course provides you with a strong foundation so you can thrive in the ever-evolving IT landscape. A fully online or in-person bachelor’s degree in information science and technology is one of the best ways to prepare for entry- and mid-level IT careers. Most popular IT careers, including security analyst, network architect, and web developer usually require a bachelor’s degree in IT.

Information technology is a growing field that includes the development and management of all computer-centered aspects of business. This definition includes IT services, software, hardware, and supporting infrastructures. The good news is that IT is a growing field with many job opportunities for workers at all experience levels.

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Explore training developed by CompTIA with options that fit various learning styles and timelines. Whether you prefer self-study or classroom training, CompTIA has you covered. There are a plethora of course options, and the resources you can find online are equally overwhelming. Learning via tutorials and study guides is probably the most universal approach, as we’ve all encountered this learning style in high school. Udemy, an online course provider, offers classes for beginners covering SQL, app development and software engineering – just to name a few. Information Technology, commonly referred to as IT, refers to the use of technology to organize, store, share, and process information.

When choosing an IT certificate, explore the vast offerings of convenient and affordable online programs today. Bear in mind that only accredited schools offer you valuable training and credentials that help you further your career. Although, taking the same practice test over and over again can give you a false sense of confidence.

They need at least a BS in computer or information science with 3-5 years of work experience. Higher-level management positions, such as chief technology officer and chief information officer, may require a master’s degree and up to 15 years of experience. When studying for an IT certification, first choose your certification wisely based on your desired job role and responsibilities.

These course assignments are designed for beginners and provide you with core skills from each course. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. For almost 20 years, their GCFLearnFree.org program has helped millions around the world learn the essential skills they need to live and work in the 21st century.

Enrolling in an accredited IT department also gives you the best shot at getting financial aid or IT scholarships. Here’s a list of the five most common characteristics of successful IT professionals. To help you explore some lucrative career options in IT, here is a list of some of the highest-paying jobs as of May 2020, according to the BLS. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article.