How to Advance Your Career in the Field of Information Technology
Here we’ll review how to get into an IT career without prior experience. If you’re looking to get a job in information technology, it’s important to consider getting your Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology.
Or, if you’re already experienced in IT and want to advance your career, a Master’s in Information Technology Management would be a great next step.
If you enjoy working with computers, networks, databases, and websites, or if you like performing IT-related tasks like setting up technology systems, managing information security, or designing data handling systems, then you should consider a career in the field of information technology.
Once you’ve learned more about how to get into the IT field, fill out our information request form to receive additional details about our 100% online IT program. If you’re ready to get started, submit your application today.
What is Information Technology?
Workforce.com explains that information technology is the study, design, development implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware.
IT is an all-encompassing field that includes working with various technologies, like computers, phone networks, databases, or any other technological systems.
An important thing to realize about working in this space is that IT jobs and technologies evolve faster than just about any other field. To thrive in this competitive industry, you’ll need to cultivate an intimate understanding of the latest technologies, including how cutting-edge systems work together.
Is IT a Good Career?
Absolutely—especially as demand for information technology jobs is set to grow significantly faster than the average for all occupations.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in computer and information technology occupations will grow by 15% by 2031, which is faster than most industries.
IT job growth is being driven by increasing demand for cloud computing, information security, and technological advancement in general, making the information technology industry an excellent field to consider getting into.
However, it’s become clear in recent years is that it can be difficult to get an entry-level IT job unless you have experience, credentials, or a degree.
Do I Need an IT Degree to Get a Job in the Field?
Not necessarily, but the odds of getting a good job in IT, even in an entry-level position, are better if you’ve completed a relevant bachelor’s degree program.
While it is possible to get an IT job without a degree, earing a degree in information technology is a great way to prepare for professional IT work, ensure you’re up to date on the latest systems and technologies, and increase your marketability for potential IT roles.
Which Information Technology Degree Should I Get?
You should pick an IT degree or certificate program based on your current skills, experience, and goals for employment in the field.
CSU Global offers several excellent academic programs for students interested in studying information technology at any level, including:
- Undergraduate Certificate in Information Technology Operations
- Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology
- Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity
- Master’s Degree in Information Technology Management
- Graduate Certificate in Cybersecurity
If you’re new to the field, or working as a junior-level IT professional, but you need educational credentials to help with career advancement, then our Undergraduate Certificate or Bachelor’s Degree programs are your best option.
Our B.S. in Information Technology is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), can be completed entirely online, doesn’t require any set times or locations, offers monthly class starts, and accelerated courses.
Furthermore, our bachelor’s program also offers the option to earn additional credits for having completed IT credentials and certifications, allowing you to save both time and money when earning your degree.
Alternatively, if you’re already an experienced IT professional looking to advance your career by enhancing your skills, or improving your leadership and management abilities, then you may want to consider completing a Master’s Degree or Graduate Certificate.
Is Getting a Bachelor’s Degree in IT Really Worth It?
Yes. While it may take time and hard work to complete your IT bachelor’s degree, the courses will help set you up for success.
This is especially important if you're wondering how to get into information technology without any experience or credentials.
CSU Global’s Bachelor’s in IT program is designed to train you for both real-world IT tasks, as well as the professional certification exams that are useful to enhancing your potential job-market value, like:
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- CompTIA Project+
- CompTIA Linux+
- ECCouncil - Certified Ethical Hacking
- Microsoft Server 2016
Studying with CSU Global means you’ll complete coursework offering foundational and practical knowledge in IT, which will help prepare you for the important IT certification exams above.
Furthermore, CSU Global’s IT Bachelor’s Degree program alumni report receiving a nearly 15% pay increase one year after earning their degree, making our online bachelor’s in IT a great option for helping to advance your career.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology?
Because IT jobs cover a wide range of responsibilities, you’ll have many options for what you choose to actually do with your degree in IT.
However, there is a common thread running through virtually all IT positions, as the typical duties of IT professionals include:
- Becoming proficient in new, innovative technologies.
- Analyzing hardware and software systems for organizations.
- Meeting the technology goals of an organization.
- Identifying and addressing user needs in computer-based systems.
Getting your bachelor’s degree in IT will prepare you to serve as an IT professional and help improve your marketability for a variety of career paths in the field.
While you’ll have many options to consider pursuing after graduating, The Best Schools reports that some of the more common jobs available to graduates of bachelor’s-level IT programs include:
- Computer and Information Research Scientists
- Computer Network Architects
- Software Developers
- Information Security Analysts
- Information Systems Managers
- Hardware Engineers
- Database Administrators
- Operations Analysts
- Computer Systems Analysts
- Web Developers
Can You Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology Online?
Yes. CSU Global’s Bachelor’s in IT program can be completed 100% online.
Our accelerated, online degree program was designed to help you juggle education, work, and family responsibilities, with no set times or locations, monthly class starts, and accelerated eight-week courses.
What is the Best Online Information Technology School?
If you do choose to get an online degree in information technology, CSU Global is an excellent choice for the following reasons:
- Our Bachelor’s in IT program is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
- Our online IT program was ranked the #1 Most Affordable Bachelor’s in Computer and IT Degrees Online by Great Value Colleges.
- Our IT Bachelor’s degree was ranked #3 for Best Information Technology Degree Programs by Best Value Schools.
- Our program emphasizes coursework specializing in multiple subject matters giving you targeted skills useful in preparing for IT certifications like CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Project+, CompTIA Linux+, ECCouncil - Certified Ethical Hacking, and Microsoft Server 2016.
Furthermore, CSU Global offers competitive tuition rates and a Tuition Guarantee to ensure your rate won’t increase, helping to save you time and money.
To get additional details about our fully-accredited, 100% online degree in information technology, please give us a call at 800-462-7845, or fill out our Information Request Form.
Ready to get started today? Apply now!
Please note: Because our IT degree course program prepares students to work with, administer, and operate a variety of operating systems, students must have access to a Windows-based operating system and the Microsoft Office Suite in order to be successful.