A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field is required to work as an information technology specialist. However, some employers are willing to train qualified candidates, so you might be able to find a good job in this field even if you only have an associate’s degree. When looking for jobs in this field, keep in mind that employers will likely require a wide range of experience levels. Some may only require one to five years of relevant work experience, while others may demand a ten-year work history.
Many of these jobs will require you to have certifications in the field of information technology (IT). If you want to work as an information technology specialist, you should plan on having at least one certification in your field, though some employers prefer candidates who have multiple IT certifications. Career counselors at your school or other professionals who work in this field should be able to assist you in selecting the certifications that are most relevant to your career goals.
Even though many computer professionals work primarily with computer hardware and software systems, strong interpersonal skills are generally considered necessary for those who want to work as an information technology specialist. This implies that you should be able to communicate with others in a clear, direct, and personable manner. This allows you to communicate information clearly so that everyone can understand you, which is especially important when explaining technical concepts to others.
You should be able to work independently for the majority of the time if you want to be an information technology specialist. It’s also crucial that you can work as part of a team, in case you’re assigned to work on a project with others. Many IT professionals believe that having this level of workplace flexibility is critical for long-term job success.
If you want to work as an information technology specialist, you may be required to work on a rotating schedule. This enables you to work as part of a technical support team for a shift. You may be required to answer phone calls from employees or customers — or to respond to live chat or email questions — from people who are having technical difficulties, depending on your employer. If you’re interested in working in this field, you might have a better chance of landing your first job as an information technology specialist.