10 Entry-Level IT Jobs and What You Need to Get Started

A+ is the certification you need to apply for entry-level IT jobs. IT is a useful skill to have, and you’ll find plenty of certification courses online. Preparing for the exam means ensuring you meet any requirements, scheduling the exam, paying for it, and studying for it. You could choose to study on your own or sign up for a course designed to prepare you for the test. While not always a requirement, a bachelor’s degree in computer or information science can make you competitive for this job. Systems analysts might sound similar to systems administrators, but they’re quite different.

basic it skills for beginners

If you’d like to take your fandom one step further, why not explore a tech career in troubleshooting Apple devices? Additionally, most tablets used in the workplace are iPads, and 49% of smartphones deployed in US businesses are iPhones. If so, tech professionals with Apple tech support experience will be in high demand. Build a foundation for a job in database administration with a bachelor’s degree in a computer or information-related field. You can also set yourself up for success by learning database languages, most commonly Structured Query Language (SQL). Learning basic IT terms is the very best thing you can when trying to understand your devices and how they work.

Top Technology Upgrades For Your Small Business

A master’s in cybersecurity management, for example, prepares you for roles such as information security manager. A master’s degree in digital forensics trains you for work in many positions, including forensic computer analyst, information security analyst, and malware analysis. These administrators develop systems to organize and securely store a business’ sensitive information.

basic it skills for beginners

Without credentials, you might struggle with looking for a good-paying job. This certificate from Google prepares you for entry-level IT jobs even if you didn’t finish a four-year course or work at a tech company. Security is a growing field, employing 4.7 million people globally according to the 2022 (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study. On top of this large global workforce, the study also identified a “worldwide gap of 3.4 million cybersecurity workers” [2]. If you’re interested in cybersecurity, check out other popular cybersecurity certifications.

Systems analyst

One of the first things a good tech support person does is put people at ease. They find ways to virtually hold people’s hands because they are going to be frustrated. If there is specific program you want to learn – whether it’s part of CompTIA A+ or mentioned in a job description you’ve seen – you may be able to sign up for a trial. But buyer beware that if you provide your credit card info and forget to cancel before your trial period is up, you could incur a fee. Career opportunities in information technology continue to increase and typically offer above average salaries.

  • Learn more about a range of in-demand IT careers and the requirements to get started.
  • Also known as systems architects, these analysts develop strategies or solutions to help organizations’ systems operate more efficiently.
  • Security is a growing field, employing 4.7 million people globally according to the 2022 (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study.
  • If you’re looking for a certification that will help you gain skills for a job in IT, other certifications like the CompTIA A+ might fit your needs better.

Use the CompTIA A+ exam objectives – which you can download for free – as a road map for the skills you’ll need to get a job at the help desk or in tech support. CompTIA certifications cover the skills needed for IT job roles and are developed by IT pros who know firsthand what those skills are. Professionals do not need an information technology master’s degree to pursue entry-level positions. Master’s IT programs prepare you for highly specialized jobs and management roles and improve both your hard skills in tech and interpersonal skills. You can find these programs in fully online, hybrid, and in-person formats. You can expect two-year master’s programs to cost between $12,170-$27,780 per year.

Is an IT career a good fit for you?

Build the skills you need for an entry-level IT job as you prepare for the A+ exam with the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. Google has teamed up with CompTIA to offer a dual badge of completion—perfect for your resume or LinkedIn https://deveducation.com/en/events/about-codeforfuture-project/ profile—for those who complete the Professional Certificate and pass the A+ exam. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that computer and information technology jobs are expected to grow by 15 percent from 2021 to 2031 [4].

Update your resume and LinkedIn with your new credentials—here’s some guidance on putting skills into your resume. Project Management Professional (PMP®) is one of the most important professional certifications. It’s currently the fifth highest-paying certification in the U.S. ($143,493).3 PMP is also one of the better options for cross-certification.

basic it skills for beginners

Once turned on, your computer takes time before it’s ready to use. This process is called booting up, and it can take anywhere from 15 seconds to several minutes. The vast amount of information and possibilities can be overwhelming.

basic it skills for beginners