This article is the 2nd in a new series of blogs authored by our expert CDS Instructors. Read others in the series here as they’re released: Instructor Blog Series.
Breaking into the IT field can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. With technology constantly evolving, there’s a wide array of career paths to explore. Whether you’re passionate about coding, networking, security, or cloud computing, there’s a niche waiting for you. I supported end-user systems before learning about networks, then worked with servers before finding my true calling of teaching. At each phase I simply availed myself of the opportunities in front of me. If you’re considering embarking on a journey into the world of IT, here are some of the roads that may open up in front of you.
First Mile: Help Desk/Technical Support
Role: As a help desk technician, you’ll troubleshoot hardware, software, printer, and network issues for end-users.
Certification Options:
CompTIA A+: Covers fundamental IT concepts, hardware, and operating systems.
Microsoft 365 Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate: Focuses on Windows 10 and Microsoft 365 management.
Many spend the first 1 to 3 years of their career doing this before either being promoted or acquiring the experience to seek more advanced employment.
Second Mile: Network Administration
Role: Network administrators design, implement, and maintain the infrastructure that includes the switches, routers, and firewalls; the “packet plumbing” that allows all other systems to communicate with each other.
Certification Options:
CompTIA Network+: Covers networking concepts, protocols, and troubleshooting.
Cisco CCNA: Focuses on Cisco networking technologies.
Many spend a career here. However, for those moving further down the road, an understanding of how networks function is critical to reaching the destinations that lie ahead.
Third Mile: Cybersecurity Analyst
Role: Protects organizations from cyber threats, detects vulnerabilities, and responds to incidents.
Certification Options:
CompTIA Security+: Covers security fundamentals, threats, and risk management.
EC-Council C|EH (Certified Ethical Hacker): Requires experience and covers security operations focusing on digital forensics and incident response.
The appeal of “hacking” leaves a crying need among many businesses for personnel who can play defense, detecting and responding to security incidents and hopefully preventing them from happening. A firm understanding of networking is necessary. It is difficult to defend a network if you don’t understand how it works.
Third Mile, a Fork in the Road: Cloud Computing
Role: Cloud engineers manage cloud infrastructure and services.
Certification Options:
CompTIA Cloud+: An introduction to the cloud, covering cloud architecture and design concepts.
AWS Certified Solutions Architect: Focuses on Amazon Web Services (AWS) architecture.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate: Covers Azure cloud administration.
Most organizations have migrated at least some of their operations to the cloud, creating a burgeoning and ongoing need for administrators who understand the differences between how things work in the cloud versus the on-premises datacenter. Again, understanding basic networking is fundamental.
Fourth Mile: DevOps Engineer
Role: DevOps professionals bridge the gap between development and operations.
Certification Options:
AWS Certified DevOps Engineer: Emphasizes automation, continuous integration, and deployment.
Google Cloud Professional DevOps Engineer: Focuses on Google Cloud Platform (GCP) DevOps practices. Instead of creating cloud systems yourself manually you can become valuable by creating the code that automates the process of creating virtual networks and systems.
Conclusion
The IT field offers diverse opportunities, and certifications play a crucial role in validating your skills. Choose a path that aligns with your interests, invest in learning, and stay curious. Remember, certifications are not just pieces of paper; they represent your commitment to continuous growth in the ever-evolving world of technology.
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