Now is an excellent time to join the growing field of Information Technology (IT). The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment in computer and IT occupations to grow 13% from 2020-2030, much faster than the average across all U.S. occupations. A great starting point is working as an IT support technician, where job opportunities are also expected to grow faster than average.
If you are looking to make a career in the IT field, then you will definitely want to study to become an it technician. Whether you intend on becoming a computer repair technician or an IT support technician, these degrees will get you started on the right track.
How to become an it technician
If you’re interested in becoming a computer or IT support specialist, understand it can be the first step into an IT career path offering all sorts of opportunities for growth and advancement. Here’s what you need to do to become an IT tech and begin your new career:
Is it right?
1. Confirm the IT field is right for you
Information Technology represents a unique mix of analytical, technical, and creative skills. If you’re a naturally curious, patient problem solver who loves breaking things down so you can build them back up again, there is almost certainly a job in IT that’s perfect for you.
A knack for simply communicating complex concepts, while useful for many types of jobs, is particularly important in IT support given the frequent interactions you’ll have with customers or users who have very little familiarity with basic IT concepts.
Let’s dispel a few common myths and concerns about becoming an IT professional:
- Do I need to do math? No—or at least, very rarely.
- Do I need to know programming? A deep knowledge of programming is not required for many types of jobs in IT, and certainly not in entry-level IT support positions.
- Am I too old? No! The IT field offers opportunities for students of all ages. Your age pales in comparison to your fortitude, perseverance, and willingness to learn.
A support role in IT can be very valuable early in your career, as you can be exposed to a little bit of everything, allowing you to discover what interests you, and just as importantly—what doesn’t. You may discover your own unique pathway, such as going from IT technical support to software development.
Earning experience in IT support can prepare you really well for your first big step into a more focused career path.
Know the Role
2. Know the role of an IT support technician
Jobs in IT technical support can vary widely in roles and responsibilities depending on who’s hiring, and what they’re looking for. All support positions will require a mix of duties related to an organization’s technology systems, including management, installation, maintenance, troubleshooting and configuration.
There are different levels of support techs, with many technicians beginning their career in a level 1 position and leveling up as they earn additional education and experience:
- Level 1 support tech. The first level of IT support tech is responsible for handling basic issues from users or customers, often referred to as “help desk” positions. These jobs can include basic technical troubleshooting and support for simple IT tasks, like installing software.
- Level 2 support tech. The next level of support often includes direct user support, rather than only providing support over the phone. Level 2 techs more often provide desktop support when a user can’t solve the problem over the phone with a level 1 tech. These techs can potentially be more involved in directly fixing hardware or software issues, or even managing servers.
- Level 3 support tech. While level 3 techs can occasionally support level 2 techs in direct user support when needed, they are generally more involved in server infrastructure and managing data centers. These workers, sometimes titled “engineer” or “administrator,” typically have a range of skills across multiple technologies.
Expect to compete for level 1 jobs when you’re first starting your career in IT support.
Your best bet to climb the ladder in IT support faster is to advance your education and pursue certifications you need to qualify for the higher paying jobs you really want.
If your goal is to ascend to level 3 type IT support positions (and beyond), you should prepare yourself for lifelong learning.
Get Educated
3. Get educated in IT foundations
While it’s possible to find an entry-level job in IT support without experience or formal education, a great way to prepare for a long-term, growing career in IT is building a strong foundational education in a postsecondary program.
The educational path you choose depends on several factors, including how quickly you want to begin working, if you want to study full-time or part-time, and your overall career aspirations. We offer multiple online learning options for students prepared to get started in IT support and continue building toward a long, growing IT career:
- Diploma in Information Technology – Technical Support. Get a fast start in IT in an 8-month diploma program and prepare for your first entry-level IT support job. Earning a baseline IT education and getting certified gives you a great opportunity to earn a good job right after graduation.
- Associate of Science in Information Technology. Graduate in as few as 16 months with an associate degree, become well-qualified for IT support jobs, and position yourself well for further educational and career advancement.
- Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Pursue a more traditional 4-year degree (that you might be able to complete in less than 3 years with Herzing), and you can become eligible for more certifications, qualify for more advanced job roles, and really set the stage to climb the ladder in IT.
Firm educational requirements for jobs in IT support will vary by employer but proving formal IT education on your resume can be a great way to differentiate yourself from applicants who are trying to enter the field without any experience or training.
IT employers of all kinds seek dependable employees committed to bettering themselves and becoming more and more valuable.
By taking the step to earn your education, you’re proving to employers you are that committed valuable contributor they’ve been looking for.
