Four Sections of the IT Industry to Understand Before You Start Job Training

Four Sections of the IT Industry to Understand

Individuals that want to work with computers have a growing number of job options today, but most jobs fall into one of four fields. Candidates that want to increase the success of obtaining a job in these four fields should carefully consider job training and education decisions. The right school and certification make a difference when applying for IT jobs, and hiring managers in each sector are looking for different skills. Here are the four sections of the IT industry you need to understand before starting job training.

Network Technology and Cloud Computing

Entry-level jobs in network technology or cloud computing are often offered to candidates with only a certificate or associate’s degree. Qualifications such as the CompTIA Network+ are valuable for all workers in this sector of the IT industry. In fact, companies such as Xerox and Dell may not hire networking technicians that don’t hold the certification.

When considering job training for the networking field, look for schools or programs that prepare you for industry certification exams, particularly CompTia’s exam.

Database Development and Database Management

Employers hiring database management staff often look for a combination of skills, experience, and education. Even without prior work experience, recent graduates from a 2-year or 4-year program are generally successful in landing database jobs if they demonstrate the right skills. Unlike some other sectors in the IT industry, database employees don’t always have a specific certification or degree; the ability to work and think in a logical, organized way and superior communication skills are equally valuable in this sector.

Individuals who hold associate degrees in database administration are very likely to have success in getting a job, though individuals with computer programming degrees or business analysis training also fair well. Attending schools that teach database fundamentals, including Access, Oracle, and SQL is a good way to boost job chances.

Application Development

Another one of the four sections of the IT industry that professionals need to familiarize themselves with is application development. This may be the most technical of the IT sections. Many companies hiring programmers and developers are looking for a 4-year degree, though technical colleges with strong computer science departments are also a good choice for education. The type of computer language learned often plays a role in the type of job a person gets. Java developers, for example, are currently being hired for Android and other apps development. There are many other coding languages including Objective-C, C++, Python, and Perl. Since new coding languages enter the market regularly and software and app need change, ongoing education is almost as important as initial job training.

PC & Desktop Support

Certification through a technical school is often the only thing required for obtaining a job in PC and desktop support. Because workers in support situations deal with the public or other employees, good customer service and communication skills are also valued. Employers may also require exam certification. Current industry standards include Comptia’s A+ certification as well as the Network+ certification. Opting for schools that teach to Comptia’s certification requirements may improve an individual’s success at job placement.

Conclusion

Choosing an IT school is the first step in moving forward with an IT career. Because schools specialize, teaching different skills and offering different degrees, students should carefully consider options in light of their career goals. The right school offers the skills and training needed to prepare for required exams and land a first IT job. So, take what you’ve learned about the four sections of the IT industry and start your new journey today.