Information Technology Career Guide

A career in information technology (IT) is a profession that involves the use of computers and telecommunications equipment to manage, process, and distribute information. IT professionals use their skills to help organizations solve problems, improve efficiency, and gain a competitive advantage. With the ever-increasing reliance on technology, the demand for IT professionals continues to grow. However, choosing a career in IT requires careful consideration and planning. In this article, we will explore various aspects of a career in information technology, including IT competencies, trending job sectors, learning paths, vendor certifications, career planning, and job selection.

Table of Contents

IT career planing and job selection

The following points must be considered while choosing a career:

What do you enjoy or feel comfortable doing?
What are your future academic plans?
Whether it is financially viable to undertake Professional IT Training – traditional or online based.
Ability to obtain professional or vendor certification.
Are you interested in learning on your own?
Do you have a strong willingness to accept professional work as a challenge and perform it correctly?
Do creative and innovative ideas work in you?
Whether there is a desire to go outside the surroundings.

Competencies in IT

To excel in the field of information technology, it is essential to possess a set of core competencies. These competencies can be categorized into basic IT competencies, core competencies in IT, and soft skills.

Basic IT Competencies

Basic IT competency refers to the knowledge and skills that are essential for anyone who wants to work in the IT field. These skills include the ability to use computers and software applications, troubleshoot problems, and understand basic networking concepts.

Computer Operation Principles
Clear Concepts about PC hardware and Software
PC Assembling-Dissembling
OS and Application Software Installation, Configuration and Management
Windows OS Management
Android OS and Apps Handling
Basic Linux based OS Handling
BIOS, Device Drivers, Patch and Service Packs Handing
Office Application-MS Office latest version, Office-365, Google Office Apps
Cloud Storage Handling-MS OneDrive, Google Drive and others
Advanced Internet Surfing
Basic Software and Hardware Troubleshooting
Basic Data Security
Cyber Security Concepts

Core Competencies in IT

Core competencies in IT are the skills and abilities that are essential for success in the IT field. These competencies are the foundation for more advanced IT skills, and they are essential for understanding and troubleshooting IT problems.

LAN/SoHo Network Setup
Internet Connection Sharing and Access Control
Basic Routing and Switching
Data and Resource sharing over network
Access Management
Basic Network Troubleshooting
Office Automation Concepts
Cloud Computing Concepts
Application of Hypervisor
Zero and Thin Computing Concepts
Windows as a Service
Computer Workplace Supervision
Surveillance and Security Systems Management

Soft skills

Soft skills are non-technical skills that are essential for success in the IT field. These skills include the ability to communicate effectively, work well with others, and be adaptable to change. Some of the soft skills that are highly valued in the IT industry include:

Adaptability
Dependability
Ethics
Motivation
Professionalism
Teamwork
Creative Problem Solving
Time Management
Dealing with Paradox

Trending Professional Area in IT

The IT industry is constantly evolving, and certain job sectors are currently experiencing significant growth and demand. It is important to stay updated with the latest trends in the industry to make informed career choices. Here are some of the trending job sectors in IT:

Software Engineering

Software engineering is the discipline of applying engineering principles to the design, development, and maintenance of software. It is a broad field that encompasses a wide range of activities.

Apps Developer
Software Engineer
Solution Developer/Software Architect

Technical Skills Needed:

General Skills: Data structure & algorithm, SDLC
Software Engineering Principles
Languages: C/C++, Java, Python, PHP
Framework: .NET, Laravel, Laravel, React.js
IDE: JDK, PyCharm, Visual Studio Code, Android Studio
UX design
Multi-OS Software Deployment
Database: SQL, Xquery
Software Testing and Evaluating
Project Management

Soft skills:

Analytical Power
Critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving
Communication
Patience and Work ethics
Open-mindedness and adaptability
Confidence
Management (people, time and project)
Extensive knowledge of agile methodologies
Teamwork and collaboration

Learning Platforms:

Microsoft Learn
GitHub
W3Shcools
Java Point
Programiz
Codeacademy
Tutorialspoint
learnpython.org

Vendor Certifications:

CPA – C++ Certified Associate Programmer Certification
Oracle PL/SQL Developer Certified Associate (JP)
Oracle Certified Professional, MySQL 5.7 Database Administrator
MySQL 8.0 Database Developer Oracle Certified Professional
Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert
PCAP™ – Certified Associate in Python Programming
Zend Certified PHP Engineer
Professional Cloud DevOps Engineer (Google)

More details: https://spca.education/software-engineering-career/

Systems Engineering

Computer systems engineering is a broad field that encompasses the design, development, and maintenance of computer systems. It is a multidisciplinary field that draws on knowledge from computer science, electrical engineering, and mathematics. Computer systems engineers typically work on projects that involve the development of new computer systems or the improvement of existing systems.

Systems Supports Technician/Engineer
Systems Administrator/Engineer
Systems Solution Architect/Analyst

Technical Skills Needed:

BIOS: Configuration, Upgradation and Security
OS: Installation, Configuration, Updates, Management
Remote Installation, Live OS
Access Control and User Management
Registry-Group Policy-CLI-Batch Scripting
Server OS: Installation, Configuration, Updates, Management
File Management
Various Server Configuration and Management
ADS: User, OU and Domain Management
Storage: RAID, NAS
Hypervisor: VM management
Zero And Thin Computing
Information Security:
Core and Virtual Networking
Cloud Computing-IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, DaaS
Data Center Development-OnPrem and Hybrid
Backup: Systems Preparation, Migration, Cloning and Imaging, Clustering
End Points Management
RAS, Remote administration & supports

Soft skills:

Analytical Power
Critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving
Open-mindedness and adaptability
Confidence
Management (people, time and project)
Teamwork and collaboration

Learning Platforms:

Microsoft Learn
Cisco Network Academy
VMware Learning
IEEE Learning Network
Red Hat Learning

Vendor Certifications:

CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Server+
Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator Associate
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Red Hat Certified System Administrator
Red Hat Certified Engineer

Network Engineering

Computer network engineering is a field of computer science that deals with the design, implementation, and maintenance of computer networks. Computer network engineers are responsible for ensuring that computer networks are reliable, secure, and efficient.

Network Supports Engineer
Network Administrator/Engineer
Network Architect

Technical Skills Needed:

Systems Engineering Skills
Network Principles: Networking standards and protocols, Topologies, Medias, Devices, OS
Routing and switching
IP Address Management
Routing Protocols
Network Planning and Design
Network Setup and deployments
Subnetting and VLAN Handling
Network Management Principles
Cost-effective design and implementation
Network identification and access control
Resource Sharing and Access Control
Remote access connectivity and administration
Virtual networking
Cloud computing connectivity
Network Security and Disaster Recovery
Network Automation
Network Maintenance and Troubleshooting
RAS, Remote administration & supports

Soft skills:

Analytical Power
Critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving
Open-mindedness and adaptability
Confidence
Management (people, time and project)
Teamwork and collaboration

Learning Platforms:

Microsoft Learn
Cisco Network Academy
VMware Learning
IEEE Learning Network
Red Hat Learning
MikroTik Academy

Vendor Certifications:

MikroTik Certified Network Associate
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Server+
CCNA, CCNP Enterprise, CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure
Enterprise Routing and Switching, Professional (JNCIP-ENT)
Professional Cloud Network Engineer (Google)

Career in computer networking: https://spca.education/career-in-computer-networking/

Becoming a Computer Network Specialist: A Step-by-Step Guide

Information Security

Information security (InfoSec) is the practice of protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.

Security Supports Engineer
Security Administrator/Engineer
Cybersecurity Architect/Expert

Technical Skills Needed:

Systems Engineering Skills
Networking and System Administration Skills
Network Security Control
Data Life Cycle
Identity and Access Management (IAM)
Threat, Attacks, Mitigations
Risk, Vulnerabilities
Malwares
Cryptography, Data Encryption
PKI and Digital Signature
Firewall Management
Understanding of Hacking
Data Forensics
Cloud Computing and Virtual Networking
Cloud ADS and Security
Incident Management
Security Policies

Soft skills:

Analytical Power
Critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving
Open-mindedness and adaptability
Confidence
Teamwork and collaboration

Learning Platforms:

Microsoft Learn
Cisco Network Academy
VMware Learning
EC Council
The International Information System Security Certification Consortium, or (ISC)²

Vendor Certifications:

CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker)
OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)
CISA (Certified Information Security Auditor)
GCIH (GIAC Certified Incident Handler)
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Microsoft Certified: Azure Security Engineer Associate
Microsoft Certified: Identity and Access Administrator Associate
Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert
CyberOps Professional
CCNP Security
CCIE Security
CompTIA Security+
Professional Cloud Security Engineer (Google)

Data Engineering

Data engineering is a field of computer science that deals with the collection, storage, processing, and analysis of data. Data engineers build the systems that make it possible for data scientists to analyze data and make informed decisions.

Database Admin
Data Analyst
Data Scientist

Technical Skills Needed:

Systems Administration Skills
Networking and System Administration Skills
Structured-Unstructured Data
Data Ingestion
Data Mining
Data Warehouse
CRM and ERP
ETL and Data Processing
Batch and Steaming Data Handling
Data Analysis, Reporting
Power BI and Business Forecasting
Big Data and Blockchain
AI, IoT and Machine Learning
Data visualization skills
Data Security

Soft skills:

Analytical Power
Critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving
Open-mindedness and adaptability
Confidence
Teamwork and collaboration

Learning Platforms:

Microsoft Learn
Oracle University

Vendor Certifications:

Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Engineer Associate
Microsoft Certified: Customer Data Platform Specialty
Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate
Professional Data Engineer (Google)
IBM Data Engineering Professional Certificate
AWS Certified Data Analytics
Arcitura Certified Big Data Architect

Web Platforms

A web career in IT is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of IT careers that involve working with websites and web applications.

Web Designer
Front End or Back End Developer/Web Apps Developer
Full Stack Web Developer/ SEO Specialist

Technical Skills Needed:

OS Handling
Basic Networking
Language: HTML, PHP, Java, Kotlin, Python, JavaScript
Responsive Web Design Principles
Database: SQL
Framework: CSS, Django, Laravel, React
CMS: WordPress, Joomla
Design software like Photoshop and Illustrator and Sketch
Web Security
An understanding of SEO
Web servers and Hosting
Domain Registration

Soft skills:

Strong creative ability
Open-mindedness and adaptability
Confidence
Teamwork and collaboration

Learning Platforms:

Codecademy
Udemy
Coursera
Lynda / LinkedIn Learning
Oracle University
Zend

Vendor Certifications:

Oracle Certified Professional, Java EE 7 Application Developer
Oracle Certified Professional: Java SE 17 Developer
Oracle Database PL/SQL Developer Certified Professional
Microsoft Certified: Power Platform Developer Associate
Microsoft Certified: DevOps Engineer Expert
PCAP™ – Certified Associate in Python Programming
Zend Certified PHP Engineer

More Details: https://spca.education/web-development-career/, https://spca.education/how-to-become-a-full-stack-web-app-developer/

Graphics and Animation

A graphics and animation career is a field that deals with the creation of visual content, such as images, animations, and videos. Professionals in this field use their creativity and technical skills to bring ideas to life. There are many different paths you can take in a graphics and animation career, depending on your interests and skills.

Graphic Designer
Animator
Art Director

Technical Skills Needed:

Computing Skills
Typography skills
Adobe Creative Suite
Adobe Creative Cloud
Adobe Apps Suite
Canva
CorelDRAW
Sketch
MS PowerPoint
MS Visio
Digital Photography and Image Processing

Soft skills:

Ideation (Mood boards, Idea Generation, etc.)
Creativity and Emotional intelligence
Storytelling
Delivering Presentations
Open-mindedness and adaptability
Confidence
Teamwork and collaboration

Learning Platforms:

Adobe Digital Learning Services
Linkedin Learning
Visio training by Microsoft Supports
eCornell
Alison
CorelDraw Learning Center

Vendor Certifications:

Adobe Certified Professional

More Details: https://spca.education/graphic-design-career/

Cloud Computing and Virtualization

A career in cloud computing and virtualization in IT is a great way to combine your technical skills with your passion for innovation. Cloud computing and virtualization are two of the most important technologies in IT today, and there is a high demand for skilled professionals in this field.

Cloud Supports Engineer
Cloud Administrator
Cloud Architect

Technical Skills Needed:

Advanced Systems Administration Skills
Advanced Networking
Neatwork Management Skills
Cloud Ownership models
Clouds Deployment Models-IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, DaaS
Cloud IAM
Hypervisor
VM Management
Virtual Networking
Data Center Deployment and Management
Cloud Subscription ang Dashboard Management
AI, IoT and Machine Learning
Cloud security
Cloud Storage
Systems Preparation, Back up and Migration
On-Prem Cloud Access and Integration

Soft skills:

Analytical Power
Critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving
Open-mindedness and adaptability
Confidence
Teamwork and collaboration

Learning Platforms:

Microsoft Learn
VMware Learning
AWS Learning
Google

Vendor Certifications:

Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
The AWS Certified Solutions Architect
Associate Cloud Engineer (Google)
Professional Cloud Architect (Google)
Professional Google Workspace Administrator
IBM Cloud Professional Architect
IBM Cloud Advanced Architect
IBM Cloud Associate Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)

More details: Cloud Computing Career Planning and Development – SP Cloud Academy (spca.education)

AI and IoT

AI and IoT are two of the most rapidly growing fields in IT today. AI stands for Artificial Intelligence, and IoT stands for Internet of Things. AI is the ability of machines to think and act like humans, while IoT is the network of physical devices that are connected to the internet. A career in AI and IoT is a great way to combine your technical skills with your passion for innovation. These technologies are changing the way we live and work, and there is a high demand for skilled professionals who can work with them.

IoT/AI Engineer
AI Programmer/Machine Learning Engineer/Business Intelligence Developer
AI Scientist

Technical Skills Needed:

Advanced Systems Administration Skills
Networking
Distributed Computing
Data Engineering
Programming languages: Python
Application Programming Interfaces (API)
AI, IoT and Machine Learning
Advanced Signal Processing
Natural Language Processing
Robotics Programming
Exploratory data analysis
Cyber Security

Soft skills:

Analytical Power
Critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving
Open-mindedness and adaptability
Confidence
Teamwork and collaboration
Industry Knowledge

Learning Platforms:

Microsoft Learn
Cisco Network Academy
AWS Learning
Linkedin Learning
Coursera

Vendor Certifications:

Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Fundamentals
Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate
IBM Applied AI Professional Certificate
IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate

Digital Marketing

Digital marketing is the promotion of products or services using electronic media, such as the internet, social media, email, and mobile apps. It is a broad term that encompasses a variety of marketing activities, such as search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click (PPC) advertising, social media marketing, email marketing, and content marketing.

Digital marketing is a rapidly growing field, as more and more people are using the internet to research and purchase products and services. According to the Digital Marketing Institute, the global digital marketing industry is worth over $3 trillion.

Digital Marketing Executive
Digital Marketing Manager
Digital Marketing Consultant

Technical Skills Needed:

Computing skills
Marketing Principles
Inbound-Outbound Marketing
Social Media Management
Content Creation
Digital Marketing Platforms
Content Marketing
Email marketing
Web Surfing
SEO & SEM
Market Research
Data Collection, Analysis and Reporting
CRM
Digital Photography
Storytelling
Strategic planning

Soft skills:

Analysis Skills
Critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving
Open-mindedness and adaptability
Confidence
Teamwork and collaboration
Agility and adaptability

Learning Platforms:

Microsoft Learn
Google Garage
HubSpot academy
Hootsuite Academy

Vendor Certifications:

Fundamentals of digital marketing by Google
Google Analytics IQ Certification
Hootsuite Social Marketing Certification
Google Ads Certification
HubSpot Content Marketing Certification
HubSpot Inbound Marketing Certification
Meta BluePrint Certification
American Marketing Association (AMA) Digital Marketing Certification
Bing Ads Certification
HubSpot Email Marketing Certification

E-learning and Contents Development

E-learning and content development is a broad term that encompasses the creation and delivery of educational content through electronic media. It is a rapidly growing field, as more and more people are turning to online learning to improve their skills and knowledge.

Digital Contents Developer
CMS & LMS Developer
E-Learning Specialist

Technical Skills Needed:

Computing skills
Graphics Design
CMS & LMS
Social Media Management
Digital Content Creation
E-Learning Authoring Tools
Web Surfing
Digital Photography
Storytelling
Strategic Planning

Soft skills:

Analysis Skills
Critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving
Open-mindedness and adaptability
Confidence
Teamwork and collaboration
Agility and adaptability

Learning Platforms:

Adobe Learn
Udemy
MOODLE Commuity

Vendor Certifications:

Adobe Certifications
Moodle Educator Certification

Vendor Certifications in IT

IT Vendor Certification is a skill certificate issued by the respective vendor online through a globally recognized standardized test, which is the most effective and fastest way to prove competence in a specific field. Its quality is equally recognized worldwide. This certificate represents your dedication, motivation and technical knowledge in the specific platform. Acquiring this certification will include those IT professionals whose skills are demonstrable. Through this you will not only acquire specific skills but also ensure the best opportunities and use of your work life, time and money. Along with an academic certificate, vendor certification will put you several steps ahead in the job market.

Microsoft Certifications: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/certifications/
Google Certifications: https://cloud.google.com/certification
AWS Certifications: https://aws.amazon.com/certification/
VMware Certifications: https://www.vmware.com/learning/certification.html
IBM Certifications: https://www.ibm.com/training/credentials
Oracle Certifications: https://education.oracle.com/oracle-certification-paths-all
Cisco Certifications: https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/s/certifications
Zend Certifications: https://store.zend.com/certification/php-certification
Adobe Certifications: https://learning.adobe.com/certification.html
RedHat Certifications: https://www.redhat.com/en/services/certifications
CompTIA Certifications: https://www.comptia.org/certifications
(ISC)² Information Security Certifications: https://www.isc2.org/Certifications
EC Council Certifications: https://cert.eccouncil.org/certifications.html
IEEE Certificates Program: https://innovationatwork.ieee.org/certificates/

Major Learning Platforms

Microsoft Learn is where everyone comes to learn: https://learn.microsoft.com/

Cisco Skills for All: https://skillsforall.com/

AWS Academy: https://aws.amazon.com/training/awsacademy/

VMware Learning: https://www.vmware.com/learning.html

Oracle Learning: https://learn.oracle.com/ols/user-portal

RedHat: https://learn.redhat.com/

Adobe Digital Learning Services: https://learning.adobe.com/

IBM Skills Academy is designed for academia worldwide: https://www.ibm.com/training/

Zend: https://www.zend.com/training/php

Online Resources

Resume Builders

Conclusion

A career in information technology offers vast opportunities for growth and success. By developing the necessary competencies, staying updated with the latest trends, acquiring relevant vendor certifications, and planning your career path strategically, you can pave the way for a fulfilling and rewarding IT career. Remember to continually learn and adapt to the evolving landscape of technology to stay competitive in the field. With dedication and passion, you can thrive in the dynamic world of IT and make a significant impact in the digital age.