
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft 365, Network Security, Business Software, Computer Hardware, Cybersecurity, Microsoft Office, Desktop Support, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Network Troubleshooting, Technical Support and Services, Technical Support, Hardware Troubleshooting, Generative AI, Operating Systems, Collaborative Software, System Support, Network Protocols, TCP/IP, Application Security, Cloud Computing
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Logical Operations
Skills you'll gain: Information Technology Infrastructure Library, Problem Management, IT Service Management, Service Management, IT Management, Change Control, Information Technology Operations, Information Technology, Service Level, Operations Management, Technical Support and Services, Incident Management, Governance, Technical Management, Help Desk Support, Asset Management, Operations, Automation
Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Starweaver
Skills you'll gain: Business Process Modeling, Data Storytelling, Responsible AI, AI Product Strategy, Business Process, Digital Transformation, Business Process Management, Business Process Improvement, Process Design, Sales Presentations, Google Gemini, Sales Strategy, ChatGPT, Generative AI, Sustainable Development, Social Impact, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software, Innovation, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Product Knowledge
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Dashboard, Splunk, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Data Transformation, Data Analysis, Statistical Visualization, Infrastructure Architecture, Data Visualization Software, Statistical Analysis, Anomaly Detection, Exploratory Data Analysis, Configuration Management, Data Manipulation, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Scatter Plots, Distributed Computing, Authentications, Real Time Data, Software Installation, Query Languages
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Computer Hardware, Technical Support, Software Installation, Technical Documentation, Hardware Troubleshooting, Customer Support, Computer Networking, System Software, Technical Communication, Computer Literacy, Linux, Microsoft Windows
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Minnesota
Skills you'll gain: Enterprise Resource Planning, Business Systems Analysis, Systems Analysis, Requirements Analysis, Cybersecurity, Business Requirements, Business Analysis, Business Systems, Cloud Computing, Cloud Services, Change Management, Business Technologies, Information Technology, Organizational Change, Technology Strategies, Process Flow Diagrams, System Implementation, Governance, Project Management, Critical Thinking
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Skills you'll gain: Peripheral Devices, Network Troubleshooting, Desktop Support, Computer Displays, USB, Wireless Networks, Network Administration, Virtual Machines, TCP/IP, Virtualization, Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN), Network Security, Operating System Administration, Cloud Computing, Computer Networking, Hardware Troubleshooting, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Mobile Security, Mac OS, Microsoft Windows
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Duke University
Skills you'll gain: Oil and Gas, Market Dynamics, Energy and Utilities, Transportation Operations, Operations, Production Process, Market Trend, Cost Estimation, Market Analysis, Natural Resource Management
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of London
Skills you'll gain: Operations Management, Process Design, Operational Excellence, Business Operations, Operational Efficiency, Process Mapping, Operational Analysis, Organizational Strategy, Process Analysis, Business Strategy, Customer Service, Market Analysis
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Earned Value Management, Workflow Management, Business Process Automation, Change Management, Project Management, Project Controls, Performance Measurement, Automation, Predictive Modeling, AI Enablement, Strategic Communication, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Risk Analysis, Process Improvement and Optimization, Process Optimization, Analytics, Cloud-Based Integration, Generative AI, Systems Integration, Machine Learning
Advanced · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Excellent computer skills are a must before learning support and operations. Any work or educational experience in IT, particularly quality assurance, infrastructure management, or technical support are helpful too. Because many people in support and operations deal directly with consumers and vendors, a background in customer service, even if it is from an entry-level retail job, can be beneficial too before starting to learn about support and operations.
People who are good communicators are well-suited for roles in support and operations. You'll spend much of your time communicating with customers, vendors, other IT team members, and people from other departments in your company. If you're planning to go into IT operations management, you'll also have to clearly communicate the needs of the job to your employees. This means you'll also need good leadership and decision-making skills. You should be a good problem solver too. When something goes wrong, it may be your job to figure out why and get to the bottom of it. Because troubleshooting can be time-consuming, excellent time management skills are a must as well.
People who work in IT support and operations may begin with entry-level positions, such as IT technicians, desktop support specialists, and field service technicians. As you earn your degree, gain more experience, and earn specializations or take courses related to your field, you may work towards more advanced jobs, like field engineers and support operations managers. You may also work towards jobs in cybersecurity, web development, software development, and data analytics.
Any education related to computer science or information technology can relate back to the field of support and operations. You may consider specializations in areas like IT support, IT automation, technical support, operations systems, and programming languages like Python. People who work in operations and support may also want to study English or communications to improve their written and verbal communication skills.
Companies that require IT support are the most common places that hire people with a background in support and operations. However, while some companies may have a team in-house, others may outsource to a third-party firm, so working for a company that specializes in support may also be an option. You may also find yourself working in schools, universities, government agencies, hospitals, and anywhere that operates using a computer network.