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 blend of technical and non-technical skills, alongside a commitment to continually refresh your skills as technology changes.

Each IT career path offers its own pros and cons, depending on what you’re looking for in an IT role.

Computer Support Technicians

Average salary: $70,000+

This is a common role for those in the beginning of their IT careers. There are many different sub-fields to the computer support role, such as IT Support Technician, IT Associate and Help Desk Technician. Each of these roles requires excellent communication skills and a growing knowledge of key IT fields.

Cybersecurity Specialists

Average salary: $90,000+

Cybersecurity is as it sounds — a form of security in the electronically-charged twenty-first century. Working in this field means your job would be to monitor, protect and defend different systems, devices, databases and other digital assets from malware, hackers and data breaches.

Common titles for this role include Information Security Analyst, Senior Cyber Engineer and Ethical Hacker. You’ll need a strong grasp of cybersecurity principles and strategies for this role, as well as some level of experience.

Network or Systems Administrators

Average salary: $110,000+

There are many different titles for people who manage an organization’s networks and systems. Many of these employees share overlapping roles, as they all work with network-related hardware, servers and systems.

Multiple certifications are often preferred in candidates for this role; you can also start as a generalist for an IT help desk and work your way up to this position.

Software Developers

Average salary: $110,000+

Software Developers — also commonly referred to as Software Engineers — create different computer programs that can accomplish countless tasks, including music streaming, video conferencing and automated processing. This job opens up a lot of possibilities for your future in IT.

To fulfill a role as a Software Developer, you’ll  need to be fluent in the common coding languages like Python and Java.

Data Specialists 

Average salary: $100,000

Data Specialists are currently among the most in-demand employees in the world. While this isn’t a traditional IT specialization, the rise in technology and the increase in data consumption has led to many overlaps between data and Information Technology roles and responsibilities.

Some common titles in this sector include Data Engineer, Data Architect, Data Analyst and Data Scientist. To become a Data Specialist, you’ll need some background knowledge of IT support, service and security. Certifications are often required in the job requirements for this role.

How do I start a career in IT?

To begin your career in IT, you’ll need to choose your field and specialization, develop skills, build experience and receive quality education.

Let’s explore each step in more detail below.

1. Choose a field and specialization

Take some time to consider what you’re looking for in your next IT role. Consider some of the following fields:

  • Application design and development
  • Computer animation and graphic design
  • Artificial intelligence or robotics engineering
  • Networking, telecommunications and support
  • System analysis and troubleshooting
  • IT project management and strategy

The above specializations are just a few of the sub-categories within the IT industry; certain fields, like web and mobile operations, are so diverse that just about anyone can find a position that revolves around one of their talents (writing, design and art, communications, etc.).

2. Develop your knowledge, skills and experience

Depending on factors such as the field you’re going into and your existing credentials, you’ll likely have a list of skills to master before you can qualify for the IT position you want.

Here’s the good news: there are plenty of ways to refine your knowledge, skills and experience in IT. Some aspiring IT professionals choose to obtain a four-year degree. Today, pursuing accelerated bootcamp education and launching immediately into a skills-based role is perhaps a more popular option, one that introduces you quickly to the hands-on experience you’ll need to progress.

3. Receive quality education

If you’re serious about building a sustainable, successful career in Information Technology, you will need a certain level of education in order to attain higher-paying, senior-level roles.

Bootcamps have increasingly become one of the most popular, effective methods for helping aspiring IT professionals in all stages of their careers — and for good reason.

The best IT bootcamps, unlike college degrees, offer personally tailored curriculums that provide support for your IT aspirations. In addition, the cost of an IT bootcamp is significantly more affordable than conventional education models, and requires a fraction of the time commitment.

Start your career path today

Pace’s IT Helpdesk Bootcamp is designed to meet you where you’re at in your career journey and equip you with the skills and tools you need to take your IT career to new levels. 

We offer highly curated education programs that accelerate your learning experience and help you find a rewarding career for yourself all the faster. Whether you’re ready to enroll in our bootcamp or simply have a question, we’re here to help you in whatever way we can. 

Connect with our Solutions team today to get started.