Few industries have such a far reach as information technology (IT). No matter what sector you work in, you’re likely affected by computers, software, hardware, and other features of information technology.

It’s important to stay on top of IT trends as they develop, to make sure your company adapts to any new technical developments.

What IT trends will define 2023?

We’ve identified a few of the trends most likely to impact the IT world in the new year. Check those out below.

Virtual work and play

If companies are the only ones pushing a particular technology that the general public has no interest in, does that qualify as a trend? Services like Meta’s Metaverse, and virtual shopping options developed by Walmart, are trying to find out. Whatever these digital worlds end up becoming, one thing is certain: they’re nowhere close to giving up. The hype around living in a digital world will continue into 2023, with every small development and change earning global headlines. This is one trend to keep your eye on because there is a lot of money (and we mean a lot) waiting for the person who can figure out how to get everyday people to use these services on a regular basis.

Artificial Intelligence (including AI art)

You might have seen the recent news regarding the controversy of AI designs winning art competitions, and being banned from well-known art institutions and websites. This is just the latest in the fast-moving world of artificial intelligence. Don’t be surprised when companies begin to integrate AI-powered technology into every aspect of their work. Considering the break-neck pace of AI development, and the lack of government regulation or laws, nobody can predict where it will stop.

The great (or scary) thing about AI is that you don’t need to know how to create your own AI structures to find success. Many of the AIs being developed are open-source, meaning you just need to know how t

If you’re looking for a profession that offers job security, fast growth and an ever-expanding base of knowledge and skills, then IT might be perfect for you…

...As long as you get the right certification(s). In the IT world, certifications can mean the difference between an entry-level and senior-level position. Certifications can affect where you work, what you’ll do and how much you’ll earn. Before you jump into virtually any IT position, a certification is a must.

What are the steps to getting certified in IT?

There are only five steps to get certified in information technology:

1. Decide what specialty you want to focus on.
2. Determine your level of expertise.
3. Find programs that meet your needs.
4. Narrow your list to the best options.
5. Complete your course and plan for ongoing education.

Step 1: Decide what specialty you want to focus on.

Before you look at different online courses or IT schools and classes, you need to identify what area of IT you want to focus on in your career. This can include anything from database management to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity to cloud networking.

What about IT is attractive to you? Look into career trajectories and speak with professionals in different branches of IT.

Step 2: Determine your level of expertise.

Once you have a good idea of what you want to do in IT, it’s time to consider your own experience. Some courses will expect you to have some understanding of different programming languages. Others will require a basic understanding of data tables and digital literacy. Some, however, will assume you have absolutely no experience and start from square one.

You don’t want to pay money to re-learn information you already know or learn skills you already learned. Make sure that the IT certification program or programs you find provide instruction that fits with your current level of ex

IT bootcamps and IT degrees are among the most popular IT education options. While IT bootcamps are better for beginners or accelerated learners, IT degrees provide more of a long-standing foundation in the world of computer science.

The best educational choice for you is going to depend on a variety of personal factors such as your existing skills, current job status (and field), your amount of field-relevant experience, your finances and the time you can commit to your education.

In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at IT bootcamps and college degree programs to help you identify which education model is the best fit for your career path.

IT bootcamp vs degree: what you need to know

Both Information Technology bootcamps and computer science degrees can be highly beneficial to someone pursuing a career in IT. It’s possible to pursue both forms of education, and some people choose to do so in order to pre-qualify themselves for higher-paying, more senior positions.

What most aspiring IT professionals do is pursue either a bootcamp or degree, and then seek out additional education or certifications later in their career, if and when it’s necessary.

Here’s the bottom line: there’s more than one way to break into the IT industry, and there’s more than one way to become successful. There are, however, certain programs that are better suited to your personal lifestyle and career goals than others.

What should I know about a computer science degree?

A college degree provides a comprehensive overview of the IT landscape, and often takes a full four years to complete. This represents a significant investment, both longer and more expensive than other IT training options.

Through a computer science degree, you'll typically gain a strong understanding of essential software fundamentals, such as algorithms, data structures, coding, linear algebra, calculus, digital architecture, operation s

IT careers don’t grow on trees — despite the estimated 682,800 computer and IT positions that should become available over the next decade. To obtain the IT position you deserve, you’ll likely need a combination of education and experience.

IT bootcamps and IT internships represent two of the best ways that modern students can learn practical skills in information technology and related fields.

Which learning option is better for you: an IT bootcamp or an IT internship?

Students who are brand new to IT or are seeking to update their industry knowledge and skills will likely prefer a bootcamp education method. By contrast, students who have already received some form of formal or informal IT education would likely benefit from the experience that an IT internship can deliver.

IT bootcamps and internships both have their own set of pros and cons. In the next few minutes, we’ll help to break down which IT education option is better for you — and why.

What is an IT internship?

An Information Technology internship is an experience-based stepping stone that helps entry-level professionals transition into the IT workforce. No two IT internships are alike, but in most cases, you’ll be responsible for assisting in developing, maintaining, repairing and installing different systems and softwares.

The length of an IT internship can range from 4 weeks to 12 months (depending on the employer), but are most commonly 3-6 months, and are generally unpaid.

Not getting paid isn’t a dealbreaker for everyone, but it’s an important fact to be aware of. You will still gain significant on-the-job experience, but you’ll likely have to find other ways to support yourself during this time, ways that won’t interfere with your internship commitment.

At the right company, you can gain invaluable wisdom and experien

There was a time when the best way to enter the IT industry was to enroll in a traditional college or university IT program. Four years and tens of thousands of dollars later, you’d graduate with an IT diploma and begin your search for a career in tech.

Not anymore.

IT bootcamps are priced at $2,500 — or lower, with a scholarship program like the one Pace offers — and can teach you many of the same skills for a fraction of the traditional price. In a world where barely 50% of Americans now believe college degrees are essential for a successful career, IT bootcamps are quickly on the rise.

Priced considerably lower than a university degree, and capable of teaching you critical IT skills in weeks instead of years, IT bootcamps are entirely worth the investment.

What will an IT bootcamp cost me?

An IT bootcamp can run several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on a wide range of bootcamp features. On average, an IT bootcamp will potentially cost $3,000-$4,000 — considerably more than our $2,500 all-inclusive IT bootcamp program.

It’s important to consider the price of an IT bootcamp, along with other factors, since not all IT bootcamps are created equal.

This wide price range depends on a variety of factors, including:

• Program reputation — Some IT bootcamps might cost more simply because they are hosted by a popular or well-known education provider.
• Level of customization — Generic bootcamps, while often cost-efficient, are less effective than programs that can be tailored to your specific needs and goals.
• Personal focus — Group bootcamp programs are usually much more affordable than those that offer, or focus on, one-on-one mentorship.

• Lo

Now is a great time to break into the Information Technology (IT) industry.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the demand for IT specialists is going to surge between 2021 and 2031, at a growth rate that should create thousands of new IT positions each year. The median annual pay for professionals in the IT industry is already higher than the median annual wage for professionals in other industries, and it’s only predicted to grow in upcoming years.

To grow within the IT industry, you’re going to need to keep your technical knowledge and skills sharp — bootcamps are a great way to make that happen. IT bootcamps help keep your skills fresh as technology evolves; you’ll learn new ways to protect data, manage networks and develop programs that save companies time, money and energy.

What are the best IT bootcamps?

The best IT bootcamps provide a rich combination of skill and experience, and help to prepare learners for productive futures in IT. Consider Pace’s IT Helpdesk Bootcamp, the Cybersecurity Master Bootcamp, TrueCoder’s bootcamps, Flatiron School’s bootcamps and UCR Extension Bootcamps for a jumpstart toward the IT career you deserve.

1. IT Helpdesk Bootcamp by Pace

Location: Fully remote

Commitment: Part-time

Length: 14 weeks

Price: Flexible payment options

Pace’s IT HelpDesk Bootcamp is less than four months, a program designed to equip you with all of the education, resources and skills you need to build a successful career in IT from the ground up. For those enrolling in the bootcamp with prior experience and looking to grow their careers, you’ll receive more field-specific and personalized guid

Information Technology (IT) is one of the fastest growing fields in the world — with new positions opening every day for aspiring IT professionals. Whether you want to help companies build cloud networks, manage digital data or protect against cyberattacks, there’s an IT role that’s ideal for you.

Your path to a preferred IT career might look different than your coworkers’, but you’ll share a few steps along the way. For example, all IT careers require the right blend of skill and experience in order to qualify for meaningful IT employment.

What skills do I need for a career in IT?

IT professionals depend on skills in programming, troubleshooting, cloud architecture, DevOps and machine learning to protect their organization’s networks and digital data.

The exact IT skills you will need to learn will depend on the nature of your position. For example, the skills a cloud architect needs are different from the skills an information security analyst might depend on. There are, however, certain foundational skills you’ll be expected to have a basic understanding of for most IT positions.

Some of the top IT skills you will likely need are:

• Basic technical capabilities (technical writing, coding, database management, network configuration and operations)
• Foundational soft skills (communication, organization, collaboration, time management)
• Security troubleshooting and optimization
• Application architecture and development
• Creativity and ability to think outside of the box for solutions
• Logic, analysis and the ability to clearly make decisions

The skills needed in IT are diverse. In this industry, it’s important to develop — and refresh — skills that you’ll depend on every day.

What IT careers should I consider?

The Information Technology industry is more diverse than we can fully address in this article alone. IT careers require a unique blen

Information Technology bootcamps teach skills in cybersecurity, networking, and system fundamentals. IT bootcamps are worth your time, money and energy — as long as you’re ready to commit to the education process.

For many businesses, IT is a critical ingredient for success. Information Technology helps companies of all sizes protect their digital information, and protect the employees who use that information every day. To support these strategies, IT professionals need to stay up-to-date on the latest industry topics, trends and tools.

To navigate the always-evolving field of IT, many of the best IT experts rely on the ongoing training that only an IT bootcamp can provide.

What are the benefits of an IT bootcamp?

The right IT bootcamp offers several powerful benefits:

• Lower overall price and shorter training time
• Strong development of the top IT skills
• Access to the most up-to-date industry knowledge and strategies
• Wider range of professional opportunities
• Ability to get a job faster, wit less education-related debt
• Increased salary-earning potential

The best IT bootcamps can help aspiring IT professionals quickly transition from learners to earners in less than four months. You’ll quickly develop skills in critical IT fields, and apply those skills to gain real-life experience before your bootcamp concludes.

Many IT bootcamps cost less than a traditional four-year degree and help you launch a fulfilling IT career in a fraction of the time.

What are the cons of an IT bootcamp?

IT bootcamps aren’t for everyone. Here are some of the cons to an IT bootcamp:

• Online learning can be challenging for students who prefer in-person learning
• Can’t take the place of a four-year university degree
• Not all IT bootcamps provide the same value
• Different financing options than other education packages