When it comes to learning the latest technologies and IT skills, you have several options. Some choose to go to school to earn a bachelor’s degree in information technology, while others choose to take an online course or coding bootcamp to get up to speed more quickly. These roles involve coordinating and overseeing information systems, systems analysis, computer programming and electronic data processing. These IT professionals also help oversee and manage the technology and IT employees in an organization. Even within information technology, a breadth of specializations exists.

• It’s important to note that careers in information technology aren’t limited to the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields.
• 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.
• Udemy, an online course provider, offers classes for beginners covering SQL, app development and software engineering – just to name a few.
• These new skills paired with some hands-on experience is what will get you an interview and eventually win you the job.
• Regardless of your specific path, the world of opportunities in IT that Leavitt and Whisler saw emerging back in 1958 is still growing today, with no end in sight.

Some bootcamp providers offer scholarships, but the amount is typically much less than the financial aid that would be available to undergraduates pursuing a bachelor’s degree. Information technology experts must have a solid understanding of computer programs and how they interact within systems to ensure their proper functioning and performance. Today’s businesses rely heavily on software systems to streamline operations, improve productivity, and stay competitive in the market. By offering these technology services, IT professionals can help organizations harness the full potential of information technology, ensuring that their systems, networks and software are running efficiently and securely. Big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are all driven by the need to process and analyze vast amounts of data. IT departments must be proficient in data management, application software, data storage, network architecture and analytics, as well as in employing the necessary software and other tools to make sense of the data.

Cybersecurity – Safeguarding the Digital Space

As such, IT departments must work closely with various departments within the organization to implement technological solutions that align with the company’s goals and objectives. IT managers are tasked with managing, analyzing, and interpreting data to help organizations make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition. This includes hardware installed inside the computer like the motherboard, central processing unit and hard drive.

No matter how advanced you get with a software program, you’re still dealing with information technology, according to Spratling. I am in education, and needed to take an exam to add another credential to my certification. Study.com had the best study guide available for the money and it is broken up into easy to learn modules. This certification is a doozy and the bite sized lessons are not so overwhelming, easy to process and retain. While you can certainly find success without a formal education in IT, pursuing a degree can give you the skills and knowledge needed to excel in this extremely competitive field.

Georgia Tech

Many businesses now work with cloud services—third-party hosting platforms that maintain that data. The University of Phoenix online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is a flexible program focusing on skills such as business process, cybersecurity and information systems. You may also be able to transfer credits from previous undergraduate work or professional experience, reducing the total cost of tuition. Whether you formally request mentorship from someone working in your ideal job or simply join a professional organization to learn more about the ins and outs of the field, mentorship lets you absorb vital information over time. Observing IT professionals at work and asking questions can help you decide whether the field is right for you. The IT job market is vast and varied, spanning a range of jobs and industries.

Fullstack Academy’s software engineering immersive prepares students for a software engineering career in just 17 weeks. The next few weeks focus on front-end and back-end development partnership with Gyfted and databases. Computer science is the underlying discipline that drives information technology, serving as the foundation upon which IT professionals build their expertise.

College Checklist

The actual time it takes to complete an online course varies depending on how many hours you put in each day and how much prior knowledge you have when you start the course. Most online courses consist of pre-recorded video and/or text-based lessons and are self-paced. The instructor isn’t always available to answer questions so you may have trouble getting help if you don’t understand the lessons. Learn new skills quickly with a bootcamp, or earn a degree from a traditional college.

The most basic information technology definition is that it’s the application of technology to solve business or organizational problems on a broad scale. If you’re looking to get a better handle on what information technology is – and the many facets of this field – then you’ve come to the right place. We’re going to take a deep dive into the ever-changing world of information technology.

Bachelor’s in Information Technology Program Guide

Along the way, you might focus on one specialty such as web development or digital communications. But regardless of your focus, you’ll acquire strong technical and communication skills. In the finance sector, IT professionals are essential for maintaining the security and integrity of financial systems.

Don’t just jump in headfirst without doing some leg work to find these things out. Since there are so many available options in this category, finding the right class may be the hardest part. Take your time to do your homework and make sure the course you enroll in will meet your objectives. In the healthcare industry, IT experts are vital to managing electronic health records (EHRs) and implementing telehealth solutions. With the increasing adoption of telemedicine, IT pros are needed to ensure secure, efficient communication between healthcare providers and patients. They are also responsible for maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of patient information, protecting that information from unauthorized users.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the majority of information technology jobs typically require an IT degree. Coursework in IT degree programs focuses on providing a generalized foundation of IT knowledge that can be applied across the many disciplines that make up the broad and ever-evolving field of information technology. As an IT Support Specialist, you’ll have the opportunity to help others, which can be highly rewarding directly. You will be required to provide assistance and maintenance to all computer systems and hardware.

Anyone can learn to become an IT expert with a little effort, and a consistent approach to building their knowledge and skills. The trick is to master the fundamentals and to exercise patience when mastering new concepts. Even the most challenging IT ideas are understandable with enough time and effort. YouTube also offers plenty of online video tutorials for students who want to learn information technology. You can find anything from a nine-minute video on 10 things to know before getting into IT to a 3.5-hour fundamentals of IT crash course by Google. At this time, our recommendation round-ups feature only immersive bootcamps designed to prepare students for job placement upon graduation.

A college IT program typically allows you to choose some elective courses in a specialty area. This is where the phrase ‘you can see what you’re studying’ gets real. One of the greatest benefits of pursuing a degree in Information Technology is that the biggest part of your studying is practical. During your courses, you won’t just learn the theoretical part but also get the opportunity to make things. You will also learn to change or adjust things by implementing what you’ve learned.