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Working with technology can be a lucrative career, but is it hard to learn? Every field has its challenges, but proper education and training can help you become a proficient IT professional.
Working in IT requires a lot of technical skills and effective communication. Even if you’re a computer novice, you can prepare yourself by knowing what skills you’ll be learning as well as the IT specializations and degree levels to choose from.
IT Basic Skills
IT has its own special language and mechanics, but don’t feel intimidated—just like learning new vocabulary or starting a new job, you’ll pick it up with repetition.
Here are some of the foundational skills you’ll learn in an IT program:
- Coding, scripting and programming: You’ll learn computer and web development languages, and how to program commands and tasks.
- Cloud computing: You’ll gain knowledge of how cloud-based systems work and essential security measures you can employ for these systems.
- Data management: IT involves a lot of gathering, processing and configuring of data. You’ll understand all the methods of working with this data and how to present it to your future clients and employers.
- Security and privacy: Malware, spyware, phishing and scams are prominent in the IT field. You’ll grasp the fundamentals of how to keep systems and networks secure from online attacks.
IT Specializations
There are many specializations in the IT industry, each with its own set of job positions. Exploring these specializations will help you determine which skills sound more exciting to learn.
Computer Networking
When you work in computer networking, you’ll be managing, building and troubleshooting computer networks for businesses and organizations. You’ll work with operating systems, hardware and software, applications and networks.
This specialization requires a lot of straightforward logic and a wide breadth of system and hardware knowledge, which is easy to build over time with experience.
Cyber and Network Security
Working in cyber and network security means you’ll be helping protect systems and networks from diverse threats as a security analyst. You’ll learn security and privacy laws, setting security protocols, and tools and skills to detect and prevent risks like malware and spyware. Cyber security employs a lot of creativity, problem-solving and ingenuity.
Data and Project Management
Data and project management involves managing projects on behalf of an organization as well as wrangling and analyzing data. You’ll learn how to organize and plan projects as well as how to use tools to glean insights from data.
Health Information Technology
Health IT involves analyzing patient information and data to ensure it’s accurate. You’ll learn everything from medical terminology to how to enter data into electronic health records (EHRs).
IT Certifications and Degrees
Once you’ve achieved the basics and solidified a career niche, you can decide which level of education to pursue. Each level will provide you with opportunities for entry-level jobs, and the higher you go will determine your eligibility for future senior-level positions.
Here are the program levels you can choose from:
- IT Certification: A Certificate will fast-track your career in the IT industry and can be completed in a matter of weeks.
- IT Associate of Science Degree: To advance your career growth, you can go beyond a certificate and earn an Associate’s degree.
- IT Bachelor of Science Degree: If you want to be eligible for senior-level positions one day, pursue a Bachelor’s degree.
Kickstart Your IT Career With One of Cambridge’s Programs
Part of being a successful student means having a supportive team behind you. At Cambridge, we help our students succeed with career services, flexible class schedules and student-centered learning. Learn more about our online learning opportunities by calling us at 877-206-4279 or send us a message.
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