How to Become an Information Technology Expert

Information technology (IT) is at the core of business in all industries. It drives your daily work. Because of its importance, you should consider pursuing it as a potentially lucrative and stable career path.

According to EDUCASE, the median annual IT spending in education was $10.6 million. The White House budget proposed $75 billion for IT spending. So, it’s the perfect time to position yourself to take advantage of the growth opportunities in this rewarding career.

Beyond the financial benefits and job security, you’ll be at the forefront of technology. IT roles are shaping the future of business. That’s why learning how to become an IT Specialist is beneficial.

What Is an Information Technology Expert? Understanding the Role

Information technology experts work with digital systems across industries. Their work involves technical troubleshooting, support, and security. IT specialists design, develop, and maintain the organization’s technological infrastructure. So, an IT expert ensures that computer systems are secure and up-to-date.

Core Areas of Expertise in IT

IT is a vast field with several key domains and many specialized expertise options. Here’s an overview of the critical areas:

• Systems Administration: This IT field manages and maintains computer systems and servers to ensure peak performance.
• Network Management: This role oversees computer network design, implementation, and maintenance.
• Cybersecurity: These experts protect systems, networks, and programs from cyber attacks.
• Cloud Computing: This specialization manages and leverages cloud-based services and infrastructure.
• Database Management: These experts design, implement, and maintain database systems.
• Software Development: Creating, testing, and maintaining software applications.

How to Become an IT Specialist

Becoming an Information Technology expert involves many steps you’re already familiar with, including pursuing an education and gaining certifications. As you learn more about how to become an Information Technology Specialist, you’ll need to consider the path you’ll follow to get there.

Education – Degrees and Entry-Level Knowledge

Many aspiring IT professionals still find education valuable, so it’s a popular path to take. But what degree do you need to be an IT Specialist? You could pursue degree programs in cybersecurity, project management, analytics, or digital forensics. To get started, these IT courses at Per Scholas are great for a career in IT:

• Information Technology (IT): This degree is about using computers in business. It covers many topics, including network administration, database management, and IT project management.
• Computer Science: This degree takes a more theoretical approach. Students study algorithms, data structures, and software engineering. This path is excellent for those interested in software development or research-oriented roles.
• Information Systems: This degree blends technology with business. It’s ideal if you’re seeking roles that bridge IT and business, like business analysts or IT managers.
• Software Engineering: This degree focuses on developing software. It emphasizes best practices in design, testing, and project management.

So, how do you become an IT professional? The IT field constantly evolves, so a commitment to lifelong learning is essential. The education needed for an Information Technology Specialist may differ from what you’ve imagined. A traditional degree, a boot camp, or self-teaching can work. Consider IT certification vs degree as you pursue your career goals. There’s more than one way to earn the qualifications needed to become an IT specialist.

Certifications that Boost Your IT Career

Certifications are vital in proving your skills. They make you more appealing to IT employers. They demonstrate your expertise and commitment to professional growth. Here’s a list of key certifications, their importance, and career impact:

• CompTIA A+: This cert covers basic IT skills, including hardware, networking, mobile devices, and troubleshooting. It is ideal for entry-level IT positions like help desk technicians, or IT support specialists.
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): This cert tests your networking skills. It proves you can install, configure, and manage medium-size routed and switched networks. You can also troubleshoot them. It opens doors to roles like network administrator or systems engineer.
• Microsoft Certified: This certifies a basic knowledge of Microsoft Azure. It covers Azure services, cloud concepts, and Azure pricing and support. It is beneficial for IT professionals looking to transition into cloud-based roles.
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect—Associate: This certification tests Cloud architecture skills and validates expertise in designing and deploying scalable systems on AWS. It is essential for cloud architect and DevOps engineer positions.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): This certification focuses on advanced security expertise and is needed for senior cybersecurity roles.
• Project Management Professional (PMP): This certification covers project management methods and best practices. You show expertise in leading and directing projects and teams. It is essential for IT project managers and team leads.
• ITIL Foundation: This certification focuses on IT service management and covers the basics of the ITIL framework. It is valuable for IT managers and those involved in service delivery and support.
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): This certification focuses on ethical hacking and cybersecurity. It teaches how to find weaknesses in target systems using the same knowledge and tools as malicious hackers. This certification is ideal for penetration testers and security analysts.

Proper certifications can accelerate your IT career and open new doors. They require time and resources to attain, but these certifications are valuable. Dig into your IT certification roadmap to validate your skills and attract employers as you learn how to become an IT Specialist.

Build Hands-On Experience

Practical experience is the cornerstone of a successful IT career. It enhances your skills and makes you more attractive to potential employers. If you’re still wondering how to start your IT career, here are several ways to gain valuable hands-on experience:

• Internships: These jobs let you work on real projects, learn corporate IT, and get a full-time job. Find internships in software development, network admin, or cybersecurity. They should match your interests.
• Apprenticeships: Apprenticeship programs provide a unique blend of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. These structured learning experiences are gaining popularity in IT because they offer a deeper understanding of IT roles and responsibilities.
• Entry-Level Positions: Help desk or junior IT roles can provide invaluable experience. You’ll experience IT issues and technologies while developing crucial soft skills: communication, problem-solving, and customer service.
• Contributing to Open-Source Projects: You can gain coding experience and network with professionals. Platforms like GitHub host many open-source projects across various technologies. You can boost your coding skills and learn best practices in software development. It also helps you find job opportunities.

Continuous Learning

The IT field is in a state of flux and growth, characterized by rapid evolution and constant innovation. Staying updated with the latest trends and technologies is crucial for long-term success. Here are effective strategies for continuous learning:

• Tech News: Reputable tech sites update you on trends, new tech, and significant events. Publications like TechCrunch, Wired, and Ars Technica offer in-depth coverage of the tech world. Consider setting up news alerts or subscribing to the newsletters so you won’t miss important updates in your areas of interest.
• Attending Conferences: Tech conferences are the best option for learning, networking, and seeing new tech. Consider events like DEFCON for cybersecurity, Black Hat for info security, and AWS re:Invent for cloud computing. These conferences offer workshops, talks, and labs. They will increase your knowledge and allow you to connect with industry leaders and potential employers.
• Joining Professional Organizations: Membership in IT organizations can boost your career. Organizations like ACM, IEEE Computer Society, and ISACA offer resources, including journals, webinars, and networking events. These memberships can also access exclusive job boards, mentorships, and recognition.

You can build a strong foundation for a successful IT career with upskilling and reskilling. Continuous learning is also a great way to pursue your passions and interests in the technical areas you most enjoy while networking.

Top Skills Needed to Excel as an IT Expert

Essential skills fall into two categories: technical and soft skills. Both are equally important in today’s IT world. So, what are the IT Specialist job requirements?

Technical Skills

Technical skills form the backbone of an IT professional’s expertise. Networking proficiency is critical. It includes knowing TCP/IP, UDP, and HTTP/HTTPS. It also requires an understanding of LAN, WAN, and VLAN network architectures. You should be well-versed in network security concepts and troubleshooting tools. A deep understanding of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, is essential.

• Cloud Computing: As an IT professional, you should know AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. You must understand cloud architecture and deployment models and know cloud security best practices. Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC) tools, like Terraform or CloudFormation, is valuable.
• Programming and Scripting: Skills in a high-level language, like Python or Java, are helpful. Scripting in PowerShell, Bash, or Python for automation is also helpful. A good grasp of Git and essential web tech (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) rounds out this skill set.
• Cybersecurity: Be aware of common security threats and weaknesses. Understanding encryption methods and protocols is essential. Many IT roles require awareness of compliance standards like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS.
• Database Management: This includes SQL, database design, and experience with relational and NoSQL databases. It also provides knowledge of database tuning and optimization. Knowledge of virtualization, containerization, and microservices is vital in modern IT.

Soft Skills

While technical skills are crucial, soft skills are also necessary for success in IT.

• Adaptability: You must learn new systems, software, or hardware. You must be flexible in changing environments. You must be open to feedback and improvement. These traits are essential.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: It’s essential to demonstrate that you can work well in cross-functional teams, share knowledge, mentor colleagues, and use collaboration tools.
• Time Management and Organization: Many IT roles require a strong customer service focus. It also requires managing expectations and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated on the latest IT trends and technologies and be motivated to acquire new skills and certifications. You must have a curiosity and passion for technology.

IT professionals succeed by developing these technical and soft skills. The importance of specific skills may vary by IT specialization, but you’ll also see a lot of overlap. A strong foundation in these areas will benefit you throughout your career.

IT Career Paths – Exploring Specializations

The field of Information Technology offers many career paths. Each specialization has its challenges and opportunities. This guide will help you find IT fields that match your skills and interests.

System Administrators

Systems Administrators play a crucial role in maintaining an organization’s IT infrastructure. Their critical tasks are to manage server workstations and ensure optimal performance. This role monitors system performance, troubleshoots issues, and provides data backup and recovery. You should be prepared to implement security measures to guard against threats. You must know Windows Server, Linux, virtualization, networking, and scripting to excel in this role.

Network Administrators

Network Administrators handle the smooth operation of an organization’s computer networks. This role requires that you design, implement, and maintain enterprise networks. Network Administrators troubleshoot network issues and manage hardware (routers, switches, firewalls). This role requires skills in networking protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP), network security, and network hardware and software. As you pursue this career path, you need certifications like CCNA or CompTIA Network+.

IT Support Specialists

IT Support Specialists are an organization’s first defense against technical issues. In this role, you must provide technical support to end users. Also, you’ll need to troubleshoot hardware and software, manage help desk tickets, and prioritize issues. It also requires a broad knowledge of computer systems and software. A patient, customer service-oriented approach is essential.

Cloud Engineers

Cloud Engineers design, implement, and manage cloud-based systems and infrastructure. This role must design and implement cloud infrastructure. Also, they must manage virtual systems and services. Cloud engineers ensure cloud security and compliance while optimizing cloud performance and costs. You’ll also be required to know cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) to succeed in this role. You should understand DevOps principles and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).

Cybersecurity Specialists

Cybersecurity Specialists protect organizations from digital threats and ensure data integrity. In this role, you would be the backbone of an organization’s digital defense. One of the primary duties is to implement and maintain robust security measures. It involves setting up and configuring security tools. These include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and encryption protocols. In this role, you must update and patch these systems to guard against newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Data Scientists

Data Scientists analyze and interpret complex data to help organizations make informed decisions. In this role, you would collect and analyze large datasets. The role involves developing predictive models and machine learning algorithms. Data scientists visualize data and create reports while collaborating with teams to implement data-driven solutions. As you pursue this role, you must stay updated on the latest data science techniques and technology, including Matplotlib, Seaborn, or Tableau.

Salary and Job Market Insights for IT Experts

How much does information technology make? Here are salary expectations and insights into job demand for IT professionals.

• An IT Specialist in the U.S. earns an average salaryof approximately $84,404 per year, with a typical range of between $77,084 and $94,312.
• The BLS projects a 31% increase in IT employmentby 2026, with about 255,400 new IT jobs.

How to Stand Out in the IT Job Market

Stand out from the crowd for career success. Here are strategies to make yourself attractive to potential employers as you advance your IT career:

Networking and Building Connections

• Join Professional Organizations: You can become a member of ACM, IEEE, or local IT associations.
• Attend Industry Conferences and Meetups: Participate in events like DEFCON, Black Hat, or local tech meetups.
• Engage in Online Communities: Join IT-focused forums, Slack channels, or Discord servers.
• Volunteer for Tech-Related Causes: Offer your IT skills to non-profits or community organizations.

Preparing for IT Interviews

As competition in the IT sector intensifies, you must hone your interview skills to present yourself as the ideal candidate. Here are some resume and interview tips to help you navigate the process with confidence and finesse.

• Craft an Impactful Resume: Your resume serves as the gateway, capturing your potential employer’s attention. So, treat your resume as a living document. You should tailor it to the IT role, emphasizing your experience, skills, and other relevant background.
• Prepare for the Interview: Technical knowledge is essential, but you must demonstrate your problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and learning ability. As you prepare and practice common interview questions, show that you’ve researched the company and that your online presence aligns with the company’s values and mission.
• Post-Interview Follow-Up: The interview process does not end when you leave the building. You can make a positive impression by sending a thank you note and continuing the conversation. You should also reflect on the interview, including what and how you said it. It’s a great opportunity to improve your interview style and presentation.

With these resume and interview tips, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the IT job interview process. As the potential employer assesses your qualifications and experience, you can determine if this company aligns with your core values and career goals.

Remember, it’s an ongoing process and conversation. The employer might remember you for the next IT role even if you aren’t hired for the job you initially interviewed for. You must make a good impression with your knowledge, skills, and personal rapport to be considered for future openings.

Take the First Step to Become an IT Expert With Per Scholas

As IT spending continues to grow, it’s time to learn more about how you can become an IT expert with Per Scholas. Gain the skills, experience, and background you need to start your IT career. As you review these tips and recommendations, follow the roadmap to achieve your successful career in IT. Sign up today to learn more.