How To Become An IT Specialist?
Technology has become an integral part of many modern businesses. Thus every company feels the need to hire IT specialists to help manage the technical side of their business. “Information Technology Specialist” or IT specialist for short is an umbrella term used to encompass a wide range of jobs. An IT expert can work on software, hardware, and even networking.
In order to become an IT specialist, you need the right educational qualifications, relevant experience in your field, and a set of skills and connections that would help with employability.
Becoming an IT specialist is a time-consuming process but can be done if you put in the time and effort required to pursue this career. IT specialists have high employment rates and will potentially attract a respectable amount of income. This is why a lot of people are attracted to this profession.
How To Become An IT Specialist?
While skill and employability vary from person to person, there are a few things that you can do to increase your chances of becoming an IT specialist. Here are some of the things that will help you become an IT specialist:
Studying Relevant Topics In Highschool
Having a high school is essential for a job as an IT specialist. Aside from a few special cases, most companies would not even consider your application without a high school degree. But it is also important to study relevant topics in high school because they will help you develop your basics on IT.
You can choose subjects like computer science to get more acquainted with the basics of information technology. Again dealing with information technology, networking and software will require a lot of math. Therefore taking advanced math is also a good idea.
Some students may opt to skip high school and take the GED instead but you will be better off going to high school as it will help you develop social and analytical skills that you would otherwise struggle with.
A Bachelor’s Degree
While a bachelor’s degree is not mandatory, having one will improve your chances of employment substantially. Most of the people employed in the IT sector have earned at least a bachelor’s degree. Therefore, in order for your profile to be competitive, it is best to earn at least a bachelor’s degree before applying for jobs.
You may choose to both complete your degree online and on campus. But going to a university will teach you other skills and help you gain knowledge in fields relevant to your field that you otherwise would find difficult to obtain on your own. Not only that universities also teach you to be independent and outgoing. Companies also prefer candidates from a reputed university over other applicants.
For a job as an IT specialist, majors such as computer science, computer engineering, information science, electrical engineering, informatics, or information technology will come in handy. However, not everyone can afford college so if the budget is too tight for you, can look at online courses as an alternative.
Building A Portfolio
It is important to build a good profile for yourself if you want a job. By building a good portfolio you will be able to show proof of your capabilities to potential employers. You may take on small projects or entry-level jobs at various firms. These are easy to find and do not require experience most of the time.
You can also do some freelance work. Freelancing does not require too much experience and you will be paid for your services without needing to stick to a particular company or employer. You will also have a choice over how much you wish to be paid for your work.
You can also take on personal projects like developing software or games, white-hat hacking and even developing websites or apps. When you have done a bunch of small work like this, you will be able to show proof of your abilities and attract employers who want your skills.
Getting A Masters Degree
While most employers require no more than an undergrad degree, having a master’s degree in your relevant field will make you a much better candidate compared to the others. While you can easily get a job with a bachelor’s degree, a master’s could be required for the more senior roles out there.
The senior roles come with more responsibilities and a higher salary so naturally the requirements for these posts are higher. A master’s degree in programs such as business analytics, cybersecurity, big data, or information technology will drastically improve your chances of getting a top-tier job and equip you with all the necessary skills and abilities required to perform your duties efficiently.
Exploring Certification Options
Having a bachelor’s and a good portfolio is not enough. To prove efficiency and expertise in your field you will need certifications as well. These certificates will typically be offered in the form of conventional proficiency certificates and as well as certification from particular services and vendors.
Companies tend to trust third parties or independent assessments of your skills. Therefore, getting certified from trusted and authentic places will help boost up your profile. Not only that, by completing these courses outside your academics, you may also obtain a new set of skills that will help you in your professional life.
This is why it is hugely helpful to obtain certifications outside your academics for increasing your chances to land a job as an IT specialist.
Building The Skills The Employers Look For
Professional work is more than just the practical implication of academic knowledge. There are other sets of skills that employers look for while hiring.
Being an IT specialist, you would have to know how to look for problems, identify specific situations and come up with solutions. You may also have a team under you who will be depending on your expertise to work. Therefore, good analytical skills are necessary, you will have to be good with problem identification and be capable of coming up with solutions on the spot. Not only that, delegation and leadership skills are also necessary.
It is a long journey to get to the point where one can work as an IT specialist. But if you are patient and determined, you can make it eventually. I hope this article will help you get started on your path to success.
