Starting a career in information technology (IT) can be an excellent choice. The tech industry offers lucrative pay and diverse opportunities. Not to mention that employment in computer and IT occupations is projected to grow much faster than average, with 317,700 openings each year, according to the .

However, now the question is, how do you plan your first career in IT? This guide will help you with choosing the right path and developing in-demand skills, along with actionable tips.

How to Plan and Get Started in Your First IT Career

Breaking into IT can seem overwhelming, especially if you don’t have any technical background, but with careful planning and effort, you can set yourself up for success. Follow these steps to start your IT career journey:

Research and Choose Your IT Path

Information technology is an umbrella term that contains numerous roles, from entry-level roles like helpdesk support to advanced designations like cloud computing engineer. So it is highly advisable to start by exploring and learning about different IT (entry-level) roles.

Not to mention, not everyone has the same interests and goals. So, identify what exactly you like and want to do in your job. Understanding where you want to go will guide your learning.

Choosing a specific area to focus on helps you target the skills and qualifications you’ll need for that niche.

NOTE: Don’t get too fixated on choosing the “right” niche, as you can easily switch to something else later on, if you wish.

Develop Core Skills (Technical and Soft Skills)

Once you have a target role or field, start building the fundamental skills required for it.

On the technical side, this often means developing a strong foundation in computer basics. Get comfortable with operating systems, i.e., Windows and Linux, and understand computer hardware and software.

Alongside technical know-how, it is also important that you don’t neglect soft skills. Abilities such as effective communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and customer service are highly valued in IT by employers.

Learn more about essential skills for entry-level IT roles.

Pursue Education or Certifications

Now, to answer the most asked questions regarding information technology: Do you need a college degree to get into IT? The answer is no. This is because there are multiple pathways to get into IT without a formal degree.

NOTE: Having a formal education, such as a Bachelor’s in Computer Science, can provide in-depth knowledge, but not everyone can invest 3 years or have the finances.

Explore fast-track IT Career Training Programs

With that said, many successful IT professionals start through alternative routes. In fact, nearly half of tech job openings no longer require a four-year degree, especially as employers focus more on skills and validate them with reputed certifications. Some of the industry-recognized certifications include:

• CompTIA A+
• CompTIA Network+
• Cisco CCNA

Tip: Choose the education path that best fits your goals and resources – what matters is gaining the knowledge and proving your capabilities.

Gain Hands-On Experience

Practical experience is invaluable in launching an IT career, and employers will want to see that you can apply your skills to real problems. That’s all well and good, but do you get experience without having a job yet?

Luckily, experience doesn’t have to come from paid employment. Here are some ways to build your portfolio and credibility:

• Personal projects: Work on your own tech projects in your spare time, like building a PC or troubleshooting issues with in-demand software like Microsoft Office. These projects demonstrate initiative and give you something tangible to show in interviews.
• Open-source contributions: If you know how to code, you can contribute to open-source software projects on platforms like GitHub. Even small contributions (fixing bugs, improving documentation) can showcase your skills and passion.
• Volunteer or freelance: Offer your tech skills to nonprofits, community organizations, or small businesses that need help. Volunteering to set up a small network or troubleshoot computers can give you real-world experience and a reference for your resume.
• Internships or apprenticeships: If possible, apply for IT internships (paid or unpaid) or apprenticeship programs. These entry-level opportunities let you learn on the job and often lead to permanent positions.

Network with IT Professionals

While it may initially seem unproductive, networking can open doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and valuable advice.

Start by connecting with people in the field. This can include joining tech meetups or clubs, attending industry events (like local tech talks or career fairs), and engaging in online communities (LinkedIn groups, tech forums, etc.).

Don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals for informational interviews or mentorship; many experienced IT professionals enjoy helping newcomers.

Update Your Resume and Apply Smartly

When you’re ready to job hunt, make sure your resume (CV) and online profiles are aligned with the role you’re applying for. Tailor your resume to highlight the tech skills and projects most relevant to the specific IT job you’re targeting.

Pro Tip: Use the language of the job posting. This is because many employers scan for keywords, so if they want “troubleshooting” or “empathetic,” make sure those terms appear on your resume.

Similarly, if you did an internship or volunteer IT work, describe the technical tasks you handled and the results or learning outcomes.

Once your resume is ready, start applying to entry-level IT positions that match your skill set. Look for titles that include words like:

• Junior
• Assistant
• Trainee

It should also be noted that some employers often list a series of skills; however, you don’t need to meet all of them to be eligible for the role.

Which IT Jobs Are Best for Beginners?

When planning your first career move in IT, it helps to target roles that are known to be entry-level friendly. These positions typically require only a baseline of knowledge (which you can gain through courses or self-study).

Here are some of the best IT jobs for beginners:

Help Desk Technician / IT Support Specialist

These are classic entry-level IT roles. As a help desk tech or support specialist, you’ll be the first line of assistance for users experiencing technical issues. It’s a great way to learn troubleshooting, customer service, and a bit of everything tech (software, hardware, networking issues).

Explore Computer Support Training Program

Junior Software Developer / Web Developer

If programming is your interest, junior developer roles are an excellent starting point. You might work on a specific part of a larger software project or handle smaller projects under guidance. It should be noted that this path requires strong problem-solving and a willingness to keep learning new languages or frameworks as needed.

Quality Assurance (QA) Tester/Analyst: QA testers play a crucial role in the software development process by testing applications for bugs and ensuring everything works as intended. Entry-level QA positions typically do not require advanced coding (though basic scripting can help); instead, they value attention to detail, analytical thinking, and understanding of software usage. You’ll learn how software is developed and gain experience with testing tools. QA roles can be a doorway into development, product management, or cybersecurity (since you learn to think about how systems can fail or be broken). They often welcome newcomers who are thorough and tech-savvy, even if they don’t have prior experience in tech.

Network Technician

A Network Support Technician might help monitor and troubleshoot network issues, while an IT Technician could handle tasks like installing systems, configuring hardware, and supporting an organization’s day-to-day tech needs. Starting in an IT technician or support role can later lead to positions like network administrator or systems engineer as you gain experience.

Explore Network Technician Training Program

Final Words

With careful planning and continuous effort, you can go from a beginner to a proficient IT professional. Simply, focus on choosing the right IT path, building the necessary skills, gaining experience, and landing that all-important first job.

If you are a high school graduate or career changer looking to build a career in the information technology industry, then a tech support role is a great starting point.

The training period is relatively short, and you can earn upto $60,340 annually.

While this role only requires a high school diploma, you are required to learn some essential IT skills, along with certifications to boost your employability.

This guide will cover the key technical and soft skills and certifications you need to break into IT support.

Core Technical Skills for Entry-Level IT Support

To excel in a support role, you need a strong understanding of basic IT concepts and tools. Employers expect you to understand how computers and networks work, and to troubleshoot common issues.

Key technical skills include:

1. Operating Systems: Be familiar with Windows, macOS, and Linux basics – installing and updating software, configuring settings, and managing user accounts. Entry‑level IT roles often require installing or troubleshooting multiple OS environments.
2. Networking Fundamentals: Know basic networking concepts (such as routers, switches, IP addressing, Wi-Fi configuration, and DHCP/DNS). Employers also expect support specialists to understand how to connect devices and resolve simple network issues.
3. Computer Hardware & Peripherals: Recognize common hardware components (CPU, RAM, hard drives) and how to assemble or disassemble a PC. You should be able to diagnose hardware failures and replace parts if needed.
4. Software and Productivity Tools: Have hands-on familiarity with everyday software (Microsoft Office, email clients, web browsers) and common utilities. This is because in tech support, you’ll often install or update software, configure settings, and troubleshoot application errors.
5. Basic Cybersecurity Practices: While not necessarily a job of a tech support, learning security fundamentals is recommended. This includes how to use antivirus tools, enable firewalls, set up secure passwords, and apply software patches.
6. Troubleshooting Techniques: Develop a systematic problem-solving approach: gather information, isolate variables, and apply fixes. Since you won’t have much experience as an entry‑level tech support, you’d need to rely heavily on methodical troubleshooting. Learn more about troubleshooting skills.

Essential Soft Skills for IT Support

It is understandable that technical skills are essential; however, soft skills are equally important. This is because, as a tech support professional, you’d be helping frustrated customers (who are not so tech-forward). So, having soft skills to handle such situations can set you apart as a great tech support from good ones.

Learn what a tech support does in a day.

Key soft skills include:

7. Problem-Solving: The ability to logically analyze a symptom, identify its root cause, and implement a solution is crucial. Employers look for people who can troubleshoot issues step by step until the problem is resolved.
8. Communication: You should be able to explain technical issues in plain language to non-technical users and document your steps clearly. Good written and verbal communication, including listening carefully to users, is essential.
9. Customer Service: A helpful, patient, and professional attitude is vital when assisting frustrated or stressed users. Empathy and politeness (even under pressure) lead to better support outcomes and satisfied customers.
10. Attention to Detail: Small oversights in a fix can lead to bigger problems. Being meticulous in following troubleshooting procedures and double-checking your work helps prevent mistakes.
11. Adaptability & Learning: Technology changes rapidly, especially in the age of AI. So, a good support technician stays curious and adapts to new tools and systems. Not to mention that demonstrating a willingness to learn, i.e., keeping up with the latest OS updates or cloud tools, shows employers you can grow on the job.

Certifications and Training

Having both IT and soft skills is one thing; however, you should be able to formally showcase these skills to potential employers. This is why you need to get certified, as the following industry-standard certifications validate your skills:

• CompTIA A+: This widely-recognized certification covers PC hardware, software, networking basics, and troubleshooting. It is often considered the cornerstone credential for help-desk roles. Earning CompTIA A+ shows employers you understand the essentials of computer support.
• CompTIA Network+: This certification focuses on network setup, management, and troubleshooting (LAN/WAN concepts). A Network+ cert proves you have the networking foundation needed for many support jobs.
• CompTIA Security+: Covers basic cybersecurity principles and best practices. Even for support jobs, Security+ knowledge (like understanding firewalls, encryption, and security policies) is increasingly valued in entry-level positions.
• Vendor/Cloud Fundamentals: Introductory certifications like Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals or AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner teach cloud basics. As IT support roles evolve, familiarity with cloud services is useful. Even basic knowledge of these platforms can set you apart.

NOTE: The ¶¶ŇőĘÓƵ Computer Support Technician Training Program equips students with all the above-mentioned skills and prepares them for crucial certifications.

How to Highlight Tech and Soft Skills on an IT Support Resume

After gaining the required skills and certifications, it is equally important that you highlight them properly on your resume. This is because in modern times, most resumes are parsed through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), and getting accepted by those systems is the only way to get a call for the interview.

Here is how to effectively showcase your skills:

Create a Dedicated “Skills” Section: List your technical and soft skills in separate bullet points to make them easy to scan. Instead of listing random terms, group them in a way that shows understanding. For instance, add operating systems and basic networking under technical skills.

Certifications: Simply add them under credentials. If you are still preparing for a certification exam, mentioning it as “In Progress” is the way to go.

It should also be noted that since many applicants do not have formal IT job history, the experience section should highlight how you have applied these skills in training, labs, volunteer work, personal projects, or non-IT roles. For instance, if you assembled computers during training, helped family members troubleshoot Wi-Fi or software issues, or completed hands-on exercises as part of a certification program, these experiences can be included as practical exposure.

Final Words

Entry-level IT tech support roles do not require advanced technical capabilities and a degree; however, these roles do demand that you possess fundamental technical knowledge and certifications to validate them. With the above-mentioned skills and credentials, you can aim for entry-level desktop support roles.

If you’re planning to break into the information technology industry without any technical background, then starting as an IT tech support can be a great career move.

The reasons being that it is relatively easy to get into, training is quick, and the pay is decent as well, even for entry-level roles. According to the , the average salary for a computer support specialist is $61,550 per year.

Now, the question is how to become one. While there are multiple paths you can take, here’s the path with the least resistance to becoming a successful IT tech support specialist.

7 Easy Steps to Become an IT Tech Support

Step 1: Understand the IT Support Role and Required Skills

Before diving in, take time to understand what IT support specialists (also known as help desk technicians or tech support) actually do. While there are different tiers to this role, the entry-level position, i.e., Tier 1 support position, is the first line of IT help. In this position, you will be performing tasks like resetting passwords, installing software, configuring simple network settings, and providing friendly assistance to non-technical users.

NOTE: If you encounter something difficult (too technical or requiring higher access), then you’ll escalate these issues to Tier 2 or higher support.

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities of entry-level IT support typically include responding to help desk tickets, diagnosing user problems, and fixing or escalating technical issues.

Explore the daily roles and responsibilities of this role in detail with our guide on the computer support specialist.

Soft Skills Required

In addition to technical skills (more on that below), it is essential that IT tech support professionals possess the following soft skills:

• Clear communication
• Patience and empathy
• Team collaboration
• Time management

Step 2: Build Your Basic Tech Skills (Computer Fundamentals)

To get into IT support with no experience, it is essential that you start with the fundamentals. So, begin building your computer skills through self-study or introductory courses.

For this role, you should be comfortable with the basics of how computers and software work. Focus on gaining a solid understanding of a few key areas:

• Hardware: Learn the components of a PC (CPU, memory, hard drives, etc.) and how to do simple upgrades or replacements. Practice assembling a basic computer or upgrading parts if you can.
• Operating Systems: Become fluent in common operating systems, especially Windows, since most entry-level support jobs involve Windows environments. But it is also a good idea to learn about Linux and macOS basics if possible.
• Software Applications: Get to know the typical software used in offices – for example, the Microsoft Office suite, email clients, web browsers, and any common industry-specific software.
• Networking Fundamentals: Grasp basic networking concepts. Understand what IP addresses, Wi-Fi, routers, and VPNs are, and how to troubleshoot internet connectivity problems. You don’t need to be a network engineer, but knowing how to ping a server or reset a modem is valuable knowledge.
• Troubleshooting Methodology: Develop a logical approach to solving tech problems. This means learning how to isolate a problem’s cause by testing one factor at a time, using tools like Task Manager or Event Viewer in Windows, and searching online effectively for solutions.

NOTE: If you’ve already started your journey to become an IT tech support professional, check how to troubleshoot (almost) any IT issue.

Step 3: Get Training or Education

While it’s possible to learn on your own, structured training can accelerate your journey into IT support. This is especially true if you’re coming from a non-IT background and want guidance on what exactly to learn. There are a few education paths you can consider, and you should choose based on your learning style, budget, and time commitment:

• Short-Term Certificate Programs/Trade Schools: This is your best option if you want to join the workforce as quickly as possible. Most short-term programs are designed to help you gain essential skills in 4 months. It is also a reason why the demand for trade schools is rising in the US.
• Associate’s Degree: If you’ve just graduated from high school and have no problem investing upwards of 3 years for an associate’s degree in IT, then joining a college or university is ideal for you. Although comprehensive, these programs are significantly more expensive than trade schools.
• Self-Paced Online Courses: If formal schooling isn’t feasible, you can still get excellent training from online platforms. Websites like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer courses in IT support fundamentals. But it should be noted that you’d still be required to gain hands-on training to land a job.

Step 4: Earn Relevant IT Certifications

Certifications act as a validation of your skills for employers and can significantly boost your resume, especially as a beginner. The single most important certification for an aspiring IT support technician is CompTIA A+. Earning the A+ shows employers you have a solid foundation to handle common issues. To earn CompTIA A+, you’ll need to study and pass two exams (Core 1 and Core 2). Once certified, list it proudly on your resume and online profiles – it immediately tells recruiters that you’re serious and qualified for entry-level IT support.

Other useful certifications include CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+.Ěý

Step 5: Gain Practical Experience

Although an entry-level IT role, employers still prefer candidates with experience. Here are some ways to do that, even before you have an official tech support job:

• Volunteer Your Tech Skills: Look for local nonprofits, community centers, schools, libraries, or charities that might need IT assistance. Many nonprofits don’t have a dedicated IT staff and would appreciate help setting up computers or assisting their staff with tech issues. For instance, you might volunteer at a community center to help maintain their computer lab or assist a small charity with setting up new donated PCs.
• Freelance or Part-Time Gigs: You might find opportunities to do small tech support jobs in your community. Maybe a local small business needs someone to help on-call with IT issues occasionally, or a friend who runs a business needs help setting up new laptops.

In addition to the above-mentioned methods, you can also set up a home lab or work on personal projects; however, those will require financial investment.

NOTE: ¶¶ŇőĘÓƵ Computer Support Technician Training Program trains students with simulation labs, giving them practical experience for the role.

Step 6: Prepare Your Resume and Start Your Job Search

Keep your resume clear and crisp, one page (for entry-level) is more than enough, unless you want to add experience from your previous roles.

• Start with a strong objective or summary statement that mentions your goal.
• Next, add the skills section and list technical skills (operating systems, software, hardware, networking basics, any programming or tools you know) and soft skills (communication, teamwork, etc.).
• When describing your experience, highlight any achievements that show reliability, problem-solving, or tech use (despite not having any experience).
• Add industry-relevant keywords in your resume to pass through Application Tracking Systems (ATS).

While you can customize your resume for different employers, there are some common resume mistakes that you must avoid to ensure you get a call for the interview.

NOTE: ¶¶ŇőĘÓƵ provides career support services to its students, including resume creation.

Once you’ve finalized your resume, you should focus on creating your online (professional) presence and leveraging your network to narrow down your job hunt.

To do so, create a LinkedIn profile and list all your skills, certifications, and education there as well. Connect with people you know, including classmates, instructors, or any IT professionals you’ve met. Let your network know you are entering the IT support field; sometimes, just a post saying “I’ve completed XYZ certification and am excited to start a career in IT support” can lead to contacts offering leads or advice.

Step 7: Clear the Interview and Land the Job

The final step between you and your IT tech support job is clearing an interview. It should be noted that in an IT support interview, you’ll typically be evaluated on two main things: technical know-how and customer service/problem-solving approach.

So, to ensure you clear the IT interview, get your basics right, i.e, you should be able to answer fundamental questions like:

• “What would you do if a user’s computer can’t connect to the internet?”
• “How do you remove a virus?”
• “Explain the difference between RAM and hard drive storage.”

The interviewer might also ask you scenario-based questions to test your soft skills. These include questions like:

• “How would you deal with a frustrated or difficult user on a support call?”
• “Can you give an example of a time you solved a problem for someone who didn’t understand technology?”

Check the ¶¶ŇőĘÓƵ’s guides to learn how to prepare for an interview and how to ace the interview.

Final Words

Starting a career in IT Tech Support can feel overwhelming without the right career pathway strategy. However, with the right strategy, it is easy to land this role, even if you have no technical background.
Focus on building your foundational technical competence and essential customer-facing soft skills, as both are critical for success in this entry-level IT position.

Trade School Education is Rising in the US. What it means for students.

In recent years, the demand for trade skills has skyrocketed. In fact, according to the Writers Education Association, the trade school market revenue is projected to grow by throughout 2030. Additionally, these are not just predictions; trade schools across the country are experiencing more enrollments than traditional schools. But why?

In this post, we’ll cover the reasons behind this growth and what it means for you.

Reasons Behind the Demand

Due to inflation, the cost of education has reached a point where a lot of students are deterring from taking admission in a college or university. This has led a lot of high school graduates and career changers to opt for trade schools. Here are all the reasons why trade schools are soaring in demand:

Quicker Employment

Being able to quickly get a job, usually within a year, is perhaps one of the most important reasons why people are choosing these schools over traditional ones.Ěý

As mentioned earlier, everything is becoming more expensive by the hour, and people, especially students, want to earn a living so they can get by. This is the biggest reason behind this shift in choosing an educational institute.

Budget Friendly

With student loan debt in the United States totalling , it’s no surprise that students don’t want to commit to degree programs that’ll lock them in a cycle of debt.Ěý

Although associate or bachelor’s degree programs ensure that you do land a higher-paying job compared to the one you can score with trade skills, the massive difference in tuition cannot be ignored. For instance, a computer and networking training program will cost you about $14,340, whereas a bachelor’s program in computer science will cost upwards of $70,000.Ěý

That’s why students and career changers prefer fast–track training programs.Ěý

Increase Demand for Skills

In addition to quick employment and cost-effectiveness, the job market is also playing a huge part in pulling students toward trades. Now, employers want candidates who are skilled, as this saves them on-the-job training expenses. The most in-demand trades are:

• • Healthcare/Allied Health: The U.S. healthcare system relies on allied health professionals for patient care, medical technology, and health information management. This is why, on average, about openings are projected each year from 2024 to 2034. Roles like nursing and a physician assistant are the most in-demand healthcare roles.ĚýExplore Allied Health Trade Programs
  • Information Technology: While not as high in demand as healthcare, demand for IT professionals is also increasing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about are projected each year. However, the median annual wage for this group was $105,990 in May 2024, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $49,500.ĚýExplore IT Trade Programs

• Business and Finance: Interesting, the demand for this industry is also growing drastically, with openings projected each year from 2024 to 2033.ĚýExplore Business & Finance Programs

• Ěý

Political Support and Policy Shifts

Increasing support from policymakers is also driving this trend. For instance, recent proposals from Donald Trump aim to re-prioritize skilled trades by funding vocational programs through taxes on large university endowments. The suggested shift from traditional student loans to direct “” for in-demand fields would make trade education an even more affordable, debt-free path to a stable and essential career.

All these combined are causing a significant shift in both students’ and employers’ perceptions. Also, the fact that a growing number of career counselors are recommending trade schools over colleges and universities.Ěý

What This Means for You

If you’re considering your next educational step, the data are clear: demand for skilled trades is rising fast, and trade‑school programs offer a shorter, more affordable, and more direct path into high‑growth careers.Ěý

Whether you’re a recent high‑school graduate, a professional seeking a career pivot, or someone exploring a second career, trade‑school education can help you secure a stable job in a growing industry.

Ready to start training for your dream career? Choose ¶¶ŇőĘÓƵ, ranked among the .