7 IT Career Paths and How to Get Started in 2024
Working in IT can mean a variety of different things. You can work in computer support, cybersecurity, data, cloud computing, and other areas.
May 6, 2021
Article
Learn more about the skills and certifications you need for a career in IT support, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and more.
Explore popular IT courses
IBM
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing, Cloud Storage, Computer Networking, Customer Success, Operating Systems, Cloud Applications, Leadership and Management, System Security, Strategy and Operations, Cloud Infrastructure, Communication, Computer Programming, Cyberattacks, Customer Support, Databases, Networking Hardware, Cloud Platforms, Cryptography, DevOps, IBM Cloud, Information Technology, Network Architecture, Network Security, Security Engineering, Software Engineering
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing, Cloud Platforms, Collaboration, Computer Programming, Data Structures, Google Cloud Platform, Leadership and Management, Problem Solving, Python Programming
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
Amazon Web Services
Skills you'll gain: Amazon Web Services, Application Development, Cloud Computing, Cloud Infrastructure, Cloud Storage, Collaboration, Communication, Continuous Integration, Data Analysis, DevOps, Information Technology, Operating Systems, Project Management, Software Architecture, Software Testing
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months
The world of IT offers a variety of career paths in diverse industries. An IT professional can specialize in cybersecurity to keep computers and businesses safe, cloud computing to make information easier to access, or in help desk roles to assist in the everyday functions of an organization. With so many options and opportunities available, it can be tricky to know where to start. On Coursera, you'll find expert resources to support your goals, whether you're just starting out or are ready to take the next step in your career. Explore information technology topics, including:
Typically, an IT certification refers to a qualification you receive that shows your competency in a specific field of information technology (IT). To get a certification, you generally must pass an exam that tests your capabilities in the field. Read this article about 10 Essential IT Certifications.
When we think of entry-level IT jobs, we often think of support specialists who help troubleshoot computer issues. However, the field extends well beyond the help desk. Some in-demand entry-level IT jobs include computer support specialist, web developer, junior systems administrator, junior systems analyst, and site reliability engineer. Read this article for details about more entry-level IT jobs.
The skills, practices, and technologies you’ll use as a cybersecurity professional will continue to evolve along with computer and network technology. The desire to learn, ability to problem solve, and attention to detail will serve you well in this field. Other, more technical skills and technologies to learn include: