How to Become an Information Technology Specialist

Getting Your Education

Take computer classes while you’re in middle and high school. The best way to prepare yourself for a career in IT is to learn as much as you can about computers. As you spend more time with computers, you’ll develop a working knowledge of how they work, the kinds of issues that often occur, and how to fix them. IT specialists typically set up computers, install software, and connect networks. They also run diagnostics and troubleshoot common problems with the machines. While introductory computer classes likely won’t cover the exact duties of an IT specialist, they’ll give you a good foundation of basic skills to build on. If you’re no longer in high school but you’re not ready (or able) to go to college for a full degree yet, look up computer courses at your local community college. You can also find free online tutorials about computers.

Take apart an old computer and put it back together. Purchase an old computer. Use YouTube tutorials and other online how-tos to disassemble it. Take the time to familiarize yourself with each part as you’re taking it apart. Then put the computer back together or get new parts to customize the machine. This is a great way to learn how a computer works, how to repair it, and how to make it perform well. After you’ve gained some experience with your own computer(s), you can also ask your friends and family members to let you fix their machines when they have issues. Wait until you’re sure you can fix them, though! You don’t want to break someone else’s computer. If you can, disassemble a PC and Mac, as well as a laptop and desktop to broaden your repair skill set.

Get your bachelor’s degree to improve your job prospects. Not all IT specialist jobs will require a bachelor’s or associate’s degree. However, a 2-year associate’s degree or (even better) a 4-year bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology will allow you to apply for a wider variety of jobs. In addition, you’ll likely have to spend less time gaining relevant experience in entry-level positions, since your degree will show that you have the basic skills needed to be an IT specialist. Many colleges offer information technology majors that prepare students for both the business and technical aspects of the career field.

Take communications classes in college. Your computer science or information technology degree will prepare you to handle the technical side of an IT specialist’s workload. However, a big part of your job will be communicating with other employees and your boss(es) in order to understand their problems and present solutions. To prepare for these situations, use your electives to develop your public speaking, writing, and interpersonal skills.

Attend a tech boot camp online or at a local university. Tech boot camps cover lots of different topics, but many are specifically crafted to launch people into careers as IT workers. Different boot camps are aimed at different types of students. Some are specifically for recent college graduates, while others are for people who haven’t gotten a degree. Go online to search for a boot camp that covers the skills you’re interested in developing. Expect most boot camps to last for several weeks. Some boot camps may be offered to lower-income folks for free. Search online for opportunities like this in your area. Boot camps will be most useful to you after you’ve already graduated.

Obtaining IT Certifications

Improve your resume with IT certifications. IT specialists should be certified to perform tasks related to network setup, computer security and repair, and implementation of new computer technology. There are several entry-level certifications that can help you secure a great job as an IT specialist. You can register and pay for these tests online.

Start with Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) certifications. The CCNA Routing & Switching exam is a good place to start, as this prerequisite certification will allow you to build a career concentration with further CCNA certifications in security, service provider operations, remote collaboration, or wireless setup. The Routing & Switching training and exam will cover the installation and configuration of network routers and switches, as well as how to upgrade networks when new technology becomes available. This exam costs $325 USD. You can register to take it at a certified testing center (which you can find through Cisco’s website) or online.

Get certified as a CompTIA A+ Technician to show your foundational skills. Passing this exam demonstrates that you’ve got a basic understanding of common hardware and software used by companies in the business world. It also proves that you can handle problems across multiple platforms, including mobile and traditional devices. You can find training materials and online courses on the CompTIA website. This 90-question costs $205 USD, and you can take it online.

Choose the CompTIA Network+ certification to develop networking skills. Preparing for and passing this test will show potential employers that you can design, configure, and troubleshoot wireless networks. This is a perfect certification to get early in your career if you’re hoping to really focus in on networking. This online exam costs $294 USD.

Take online training courses to prep if you can afford them. The companies that provide these certifications also offer prep courses for them. However, these can get pricey, usually costing at least $100 USD per course. You can also find study materials and training through online tech schools such as Udemy. Some associate’s and/or bachelor’s degrees may include prep for these certifications in their curricula.

Use self-prep materials if you’re on a budget. You can find print and online versions of study books and practice exams. The cost of buying these materials will be less than enrolling in an online training course. However, if you generally don’t do well without structure and discipline, you may want to wait to take the exams until you’ve saved enough for the courses as well. You’ll also be able to find some practice exam questions and training for free online. Be sure this material is up-to-date by checking when it was published. Don’t rely on study materials that are more than 1 year old.

Budget for the costs of mid- and upper-level certifications. Once you’ve completed your low-level certifications, continue to get certified to perform more complex IT tasks. You’ll likely want to pick a particular concentration (security or wireless, for example) and focus on paying to take those exams. These certifications will allow you to apply for higher-paying jobs as an IT specialist, and they may give you more leverage when negotiating for a salary. Cisco and CompTIA offer a number of upper-level certification exams. You should also look into Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) certifications.

Applying for a Job as an IT Specialist

Volunteer your skills with a local organization to get experience. Contact local nonprofits, schools, or other budget-strapped institutions. Ask them if there’s a computer technology problem you can assist them with. List this experience on your resume to show potential employers that you’ve used your education and certifications in the real world. Getting a tech job is one of the best ways to get direct, hands-on experience.

Stay on top of current IT trends to improve your job outlook. IT is a constantly evolving and changing world. Go to seminars and conferences focused on IT solutions and continue to build your certification portfolio. Ask your colleagues about which seminars or conferences they’re attending, or go online to find out which ones would be the most helpful to you. You can also follow your favorite IT companies on social media to see what they’re excited about. If they discuss new skills, software, or technology, do what you can to familiarize yourself with those things.

Look for IT specialist jobs online. Navigate to Indeed or LinkedIn to search for available positions near you. Make note of the skills companies are looking for and see if you match any listings. Even if you have all but 1 or 2 of the skills listed, go ahead and apply! You may be able to set yourself apart from the rest of the applicant pool in your resume, cover letter, or interview.

Write a great resume and emphasize your tech skills. Put your technical skills and certifications right at the top of the resume. When listing jobs or projects, emphasize big accomplishments over daily duties. Tailor each resume to the particular job you’re applying for by reading the job listing closely and ensuring that you’re demonstrating how you fit what the company needs. For example, a company will be less interested in knowing that you “maintained the network.” Instead, tell potential employers that you “updated network technology and eliminated glitches, improving productivity by 15% in 2017.” If you notice that the listing repeats a word several times, it’s likely a core part of the company’s “mission.” Integrate that word into your resume. Be sure to carefully proofread before you submit anything! A typo on a resume sticks out like a sore thumb.

Spend time crafting your cover letter. Go online and do research about the company as you’re writing your cover letter. This will allow you to show that you’re passionate about what the company does. You should also demonstrate your enthusiasm for the IT career field and the kinds of tasks you’ll be expected to do if you get the job. Your cover letter also gives you the chance to provide more detail than your resume, so if you’d like to tell your reader more about a job or educational experience that’s listed on your resume, do so!

Ace your interview by preparing and dressing the part. When you’re called in for an interview, wear clean and pressed clothes. Communicate confidence with good posture, steady eye contact, and a level, calm voice. Be prepared for both technical questions about your abilities as an IT specialist and standard questions such as the following: “Can you describe a difficult problem you encountered in the past and how you solved it?” “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” “Can you tell me a little bit about yourself, your work experience, and your educational background?”