Skills you might consider getting to enhance your IT career include cloud computing, programming, understanding systems and networks, and more.
Working in IT can mean anything from resolving an employee鈥檚 internet connection issues to programming an organisation鈥檚 new cloud infrastructure. Because the work is so diverse, the skills you need to know to get a job in the IT field can vary widely depending on your role. Browse a few listings of jobs you鈥檙e interested in to see which skills you should focus on acquiring.
Just starting out? The Google IT Support Professional Certificate can introduce you to the basics of IT.
Security should be foundational to any IT team. Starting out in a help desk, networking, or system administration role can introduce you to concepts that are helpful to know for security purposes. The following skills can help you qualify for IT security positions鈥攍ike information security analyst鈥攁t the entry-level and beyond.
Familiarity with physical, network, and software security聽
Installing firewalls and routers
Data encryption
Risk mitigation strategy and threat analysis
Knowledge of compliance regulations and standards like the Information Technology Act, 2000
Ethical hacking and penetration testing
Programming will be necessary for those who want to develop software, web applications, and websites. It鈥檒l also be helpful for IT workers who want to automate tasks. The languages below are commonly requested of programmers and can also be asked of IT professionals.聽
Python
C++
JavaScript
Kotlin
R
Making sure computer systems and networks are operating smoothly is central to the work of an IT team. System administrators and network administrators typically specialise in this skill set, which can also be useful for cloud administration or security as well. On a basic level, these skills include:
Administering diverse operating systems like Windows, Linux, or Mac
Installing and configuring computer hardware and software
Cloud administration and applications
Maintaining local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), storage area networks (SAN), and virtual private networks (VPNs)
Troubleshooting
Helping employees with technical issues
Being able to analyse data will be useful for various IT tasks. Monitoring performance data can help teams find security threats or identify inefficiencies in their operations. Jobs that work with data in the IT realm include database administrators and data engineers. Tools you may use include:
SQL
Statistics
Python
DevOps鈥攁 combination of 鈥渄evelopment鈥澛 and 鈥渙perations鈥濃攁cts as a bridge between the software development and IT teams. Though a field unto itself, DevOps skills can help in the IT and development aspects of an organisation. Working in DevOps can mean becoming a DevOps engineer. You might need the following skills:
Understanding of continuous delivery theory
Container technologies like Docker or Kubernetes
Scripting languages like Python, Ruby, and C聽
Familiarity with cloud operations
Cloud computing skills are in demand, including anything from building cloud infrastructure to maintaining them. Working with cloud technology can open doors to positions like cloud developer, cloud administrator, and cloud architect. Knowledge of the following cloud platforms can be useful:
AWS
Google Cloud
Microsoft Azure
Oracle
Machine learning, a subset of artificial intelligence, is a valuable skill for programmers and data professionals and has become one of the most prominent skills to learn in the technology sphere. You can start learning basic skills through online machine-learning coursework. Specific skills associated with machine learning can include:
Parametric and nonparametric algorithms
Kernels
Clustering
Deep learning techniques
IT jobs generally refer to work done in an organisation鈥檚 IT department鈥攖ypically jobs that help keep the organisation鈥檚 computers running smoothly, like help desk technicians, network engineers, or system administrators. However, the term 鈥淚T鈥 is used by some as a catch-all phrase to refer to any work that includes using or developing computers and computer programs. This latter category might include software engineers or web developers. This guide includes skills that are generally applicable to both.
Here are a few ways to learn the skills that can contribute to a successful career in IT:
Teach yourself: Many programming languages, data analysis techniques, and certain IT skills can be self-taught through online courses or home projects. You can find several courses on 糖心vlog官网观看, including introductory classes in Python or cybersecurity.
Certifications: Certifications can be a solid way to ensure your abilities meet professional standards. You鈥檒l generally have to study for and pass an exam. See what entry-level certification fits your interests.
Bootcamps: Generally lasting several weeks or months, bootcamps are intensive courses designed to bring you specific skills. Though coding bootcamps are popular, bootcamps exist for topics like cybersecurity as well.
Degrees: Though perhaps more time-consuming than the other options, getting a degree in computer science or a related field can be a structured way to gain the technical skills needed to enter the computer world.聽
Once you have the skills you need to start applying for jobs, it鈥檚 time to list them where people can find them. Update your CV and LinkedIn profile with your new credentials.
In interviews, come prepared with stories about how you鈥檝e used your skills in the past. If you鈥檝e only used your skills in a course or at home, that鈥檚 fine鈥攋ust be ready to describe what you accomplished.聽
If you鈥檙e looking for a quick way to get more hands-on experience, browse 糖心vlog官网观看鈥檚 Guided Projects for projects you can complete in under two hours. They can also help you refresh old skills to prepare for the interview.
Changing careers or starting a new one can be an overwhelming task. But obtaining the skills can be a good place to begin. If you鈥檙e looking for a place to start learning the broad basics of IT work, consider looking at Google鈥檚 IT Support Professional Certificate. Skills you can gain through this programme include network protocols, debugging, and encryption algorithms.
Give your team access to a catalogue of 8.000+ engaging courses and hands-on Guided Projects to help them develop impactful skills. Learn more about 糖心vlog官网观看 for Business.
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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.