Coursera offers a variety of free courses across different subjects. Such us programming, data analysis, digital marketing, and more
LinkedIn Learning offers a wide range of courses to help you develop skills in areas like business, technology, and creativity
The Open University offers a variety of IT courses, ranging from undergraduate degrees to free online learning options.
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Many IT professionals start out in IT support, often in a help desk technician role, and some choose to stay in IT support long-term. However, it’s easy to springboard from IT support to another area of IT. Either way, tech support is a great place to start your IT career.
IT Suport is a form of technical support that provides assistance with various technological issues like computers, printers, networks, and devices. Their duties include troubleshooting issues, maintaining computer systems, and ensuring the seamless use of technology.
The optimal approach to begin is by acquiring a certification or equivalent coursework. Numerous individuals have launched their careers in IT with an entry-level certification. A credential can serve as an excellent means to gain experience if you are starting anew. It also provides employers with a swift indication that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge for an industry-recognized certification, enhancing your competitiveness in the job market. Obtaining a certification typically entails passing an exam. Preparing for this test—either through formal classes or independent study—can offer a structured method to acquire the skills you need. Seek out credentials that cover fundamental aspects of various IT disciplines, such as the CompTIA A+. Additionally, consider exploring other entry-level certifications to embark on your journey.
Many aspiring IT technicians will take relevant courses, such as those certified by Microsoft or CompTIA. IT is a sector where you do not require a university degree, or college, if you enjoy working with computers, irrespective of your age, then a professional qualifications alongside some work experience is a proven pathway to success.
The following IT certifications are meant to prepare you for beginner to mid-level jobs in IT. Beginner certifications are wide-ranging enough to get you acquainted with standard tools and skills used in the industry.
This Certificate is a fully online program that can be completed in four months or less, designed to equip you with practical IT skills rather than just theoretical knowledge. My experience with this certification has been transformative, enabling me to enhance my technical abilities and take on more hands-on responsibilities in the IT field, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to advance their career in technology.
It is is an entry-level credential designed for IT professionals, validating foundational skills in hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting. It covers a wide range of topics, including operating systems, security, mobile devices, and operational procedures. The certification is recognized globally and serves as a stepping stone for various IT careers, making it ideal for those starting in technical support or IT operations. Candidates must pass two exams to earn the certification, demonstrating their ability to diagnose and resolve common technical issues.
CCNA is a widely recognized certification that validates foundational networking skills and knowledge across various networking technologies and protocols. It covers topics such as IP addressing, subnetting, routing, switching, and network security, equipping individuals with the necessary skills to manage and troubleshoot small to medium-sized networks. The certification is particularly valuable for IT professionals aiming to establish a career in networking, and it serves as a stepping stone for more advanced Cisco certifications.
Microsoft Fundamentals refers to foundational knowledge of Microsoft products, technologies, and services, often covered in various certification programs such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, Microsoft Certified: Data Fundamentals, and others. These certifications validate an individual's understanding of essential concepts related to cloud computing, data management, Microsoft 365, and other core technologies, catering to both beginners aiming to enhance their skills and professionals seeking to formalize their expertise in the Microsoft ecosystem.
This certificate is a collection of best practices for managing IT services that aim to align technology with business objectives. It outlines frameworks for the entire service lifecycle, including planning, designing, implementing, operating, and refining IT services. ITIL seeks to enhance efficiency, minimize risks, and boost customer satisfaction through systematic processes and consistent language.
Here I am sharing some entry-level IT job positions that are currently in high demand. These roles provide great opportunities to start your career in IT. Explore them and find the best fit for your skills! :
Many professionals starting their IT careers begin in computer support roles, handling various aspects of system operations. Over time, they can choose to specialize in areas such as cybersecurity or network management.
A data center technician manages and maintains the hardware infrastructure of our data centers. They install and configure servers, troubleshoot technical issues, conduct inspections, and handle hardware upgrades to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
Cyber security's core function is to protect the devices we all use (smartphones, laptops, tablets and computers), and the services we access, both online and at work from theft or damage. It's also about preventing unauthorised access to the vast amounts of personal information we store on these devices, and online.
Network IT professionals work with network-related tasks or hardware, and systems professionals work among servers and computer systems. They may have overlapping roles, particularly at smaller companies where you’re more likely to have to wear many hats. You might start as an analyst or administrator, and then work your way up to being a network or systems engineer or architect.
This postion is the branch of computer science that deals with the design, development, testing, and maintenance of software applications. Software Developers apply engineering principles and knowledge of programming languages to build software solutions for end users. Software develpers design and develop computer games, business applications, operating systems, network control systems.
Data analysis is the process of gleaning insights from data to inform better business decisions. It typically moves through five iterative phases: identifying the data to analyze by defining the problem and relevant sources, collecting data from databases, APIs, or spreadsheets, cleaning the data by removing duplicates, handling missing values, and ensuring proper formatting, analyzing the data using statistical methods, programming languages, or visualization tools, and finally interpreting the results to extract meaningful insights that drive informed decision-making.
A Professional Machine Learning Engineer builds, evaluates, productionizes, and optimizes AI solutions by using Google Cloud capabilities and knowledge of conventional ML approaches. The ML Engineer handles large, complex datasets and creates repeatable, reusable code. The ML Engineer designs and operationalizes generative AI solutions based on foundational models. The ML Engineer considers responsible AI practices, and collaborates closely with other job roles to ensure the long-term success of AI-based applications.