You can do this through online research and networking with people who work in roles that interest you. This helps you identify the jobs you’d enjoy most and where your interests align with industry needs. In addition to basic undergraduate studies in the field, you may want to explore certain areas of IT in more depth. Students at University of Phoenix can pair their IT degree with a certificate in a specialized area to pursue a wider range of IT career fields. Some of these jobs are software developer, information security analyst or network technician. If you’re interested in entering this field, chances are you’re going to need a degree.

DIT is a research-oriented professional doctoral degree offered by some universities. It is of the same academic level as traditional PhD; however, DIT research focuses more on industry practice than on theoretical framework. When studying for an IT certification, first choose your certification wisely based on your desired job role and responsibilities.

How To Learn About Information Technology on Your Own

As technology continues to grow and evolve throughout many facets of daily life, the ways we interact with technology are changing, too. “Technology moves so fast, so it’s definitely important that we pay attention,” said Spratling. “To add to that, anything can be enhanced or improved or made more efficient through the implementation of technology,” he said. In fact, Spratling said it’s hard partnership with Gyfted to find any area of modern life that doesn’t already have some usage or application of information technology. “While many aspects of this technology are uncertain, it seems clear that it will move into the managerial scene rapidly, with definite and far-reaching impact on managerial organization,” they wrote. Study.com really did a good job at getting to the meat and potatoes of the content.

CompTIA Network+ is a mid-level certification for network technicians. It tests knowledge of network components and where they function in association with the OSI model, network cabling, network security, and network troubleshooting. “It used to be that you’d have to have a bachelor’s and/or master’s degree to really get started and maybe some certifications on top of all that,” according to Spratling. To have a successful career in IT, you’ll need to be just as comfortable interacting with people as you are with computers. IT professionals regularly assist others with technical issues, which means communication in IT is crucial. “I would look at computer science as a subset of information technology,” he said.

Enterprise resource planning and customer relationship management

While computer science is the most well-known area of study in the IT field, IT degrees nowadays cover a vast array of subjects, from software engineering and game design to data science and information systems. Many IT students will earn a Bachelor’s or even a Master’s degree, but there are also shorter diploma / certificate programs that can help you develop your IT skills, which can range anywhere from 4 months to 2 years. An IT degree can help prepare you for the global job market of tomorrow, and set you on a path towards advancement in your future career. Devmountain offers several coding bootcamps, including web development, Java software engineering, and Python software engineering. The web development bootcamp focuses on HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, while the Java and Python bootcamps focus on their respective programming languages.

• Whether you’re looking for an entry-level role or aiming for a more senior job title, each will require a different level of training and experience.
• Although, you should bear in mind that the industry won’t be promptly generous to you if you’re still a recent graduate.
• Be sure to ask a lot of questions to learn what a day at work is like.
• After reviewing this information, fill out our information request form to receive additional details about our 100% online Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology.
• Professionals in the IT sector work in domains such as server administration, data analysis, network, programming, and cybersecurity.

Setting up a workstation may be relatively easy, but setting up a network may be a bit harder. Depending on what you plan to do in IT, you may need to learn SQL, Active Directory, or VoIP. In general, information technology requires less math and theory than other technology fields such as computer science. There are many different information technology certifications, including CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, and CompTIA Security+. These certifications may be required for some jobs, and they can help the candidate stand out from other applicants even if they aren’t required. Regardless of which coding bootcamp you choose, DevMountain provides career support, helping you build your brand by strengthening your resume and social media presence.

The role of database management software in information technology

Some schools, like SNHU, offer online degree programs that allow you to work with the latest technologies and create a digital portfolio to showcase your skills and help you land a job. You could even go on to earn a master’s degree after completing your bachelor’s for a more advanced understanding and a potentially higher salary. This piece of ad content was created by Rasmussen University to support its educational programs. Rasmussen University may not prepare students for all positions featured within this content. Rasmussen University does not guarantee, approve, control, or specifically endorse the information or products available on websites linked to, and is not endorsed by website owners, authors and/or organizations referenced. Rasmussen University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S.

It is a vast field encompassing the study of algorithms, computational processes, programs, and software systems. IT careers can be highly rewarding, offering job satisfaction and a good income. Since technology is constantly evolving, there will always be new challenges to tackle and new things to learn. And given technology’s rapid pace of change and the projected growth in IT jobs, the field’s future appears promising. An IT degree can give you skills and knowledge you can bring to the job market. In addition, developing a network of contacts through your mentor, education, professional associations and events can help you build relationships that possibly can lead to job opportunities.

Degrees in Technology Studies Information Technology

At times, a software engineer acts as a computer network architect, supporting various networks and infrastructures. This work includes writing code, debugging programs, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure the smooth functioning of applications. Information technology or IT is a business sector that concerns the storage, retrieval, transmission, and manipulation of data, and any system that facilitates communication, including software, hardware, and telecommunications.

Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. He has authored numerous journalistic articles on assorted topics during the 20+ years of his writing career. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)2, employment in the field of information security analysis is projected to grow by 35 percent from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This dynamic nature of information technology makes it an exciting and challenging field for those who are passionate about technology and eager to shape the future.

There are a few ways you can learn IT on your own – and many of them include expert instruction and support. You could participate in an online course, you could self-study with tutorials and study guides, or you could earn an IT certification. 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. For example, you should familiarize yourself with the standard operating systems, including Mac OS, Chrome OS, Android and Linux OS.

Your work may include installing, configuring, and updating hardware and software, as well as fixing any issue related to the equipment that may come up on a daily basis. What Network Administrators do is that they coordinate multiple levels of network systems, keeping software up to date and managing personnel. This means that except for being tech-savvy and having computer knowledge, you should also have excellent communication skills. Network administration is a very prospective career path, providing you with an average of $82,050 yearly. Being a Networking Architect will offer you a dynamic work environment and a myriad of technology-related tasks.

Read More from the CompTIA Blog

However, some professions, such as computer programmers are expected to have an 11% decline over the same period. Be sure to ask a lot of questions to learn what a day at work is like. Ask about any issues that needed resolving and how they were resolved. Find out what the atmosphere and working conditions are like to get a better idea of an IT career is for you.