What is an IT professional? (And how to become one)

Working in the information technology field might be a good choice if you enjoy using technology and troubleshooting technical issues. Nearly every company uses technology in some way, whether it's to improve operations or resolve issues. With many companies hiring IT professionals, you may want to learn more about this in-demand field and what it involves. Read this guide to learn what an IT professional is, what they do, and how you can pursue this career path.

What is an IT professional?

An IT professional works in the IT industry. This broad term includes those employed in different areas of IT, including operations, infrastructure, and policy. Combined, these areas cover the management of technology systems, the installation and troubleshooting of computer hardware, and regulatory compliance.

IT professionals usually work in teams to perform these functions. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, some IT jobs include:

• Computer programmer
• Computer support specialist
• Information security analyst
• Network administrator
• Computer network architect
• Database administrator
• Systems administrator
• Web developer
• Software developer

What do IT professionals do?

Since IT encompasses so many areas, the job duties in this field vary widely. Depending on the position, you might install computer hardware, develop software, or monitor cybersecurity threats to prevent data breaches. Many IT professionals also troubleshoot and repair technical issues, such as system outages or broken hardware.

Some other common IT job duties include:

• Identifying and analyzing technical issues
• Determining the best ways to resolve technical matters
• Updating and troubleshooting computer network systems
• Interacting with technology users to understand their needs and create solutions
• Writing and testing code for websites, mobile applications, or software
• Designing, testing, and installing computer programs or systems

How to become an IT professional

If you're interested in an IT career, consider completing relevant education and training. Here are steps you can take to become an IT professional:

Decide on an area

Before you start working toward a career in IT, take some time to consider your ideal job in this industry. Do you enjoy taking computers apart and reassembling them? Are you a creative person who might thrive in website design? Consider the different IT areas and decide which one you want to work in. Knowing your end goal can help you plan the path to get you there.

Research the educational requirements

Once you know the IT job you want, research the educational requirements for the role. Search online or explore job postings to determine the level of education employers expect you to have. While not always a requirement, a college degree can be beneficial when searching for IT jobs. A recent study by the educational company Cengage Group showed that 81% of technology employers require entry-level candidates to have a degree.

Some common degrees for IT professionals include:

• Computer science
• Computer engineering
• Information technology
• Information science
• Web development or design
• Database management
• Software engineering
• Cybersecurity

"Before you start working toward a career in IT, take some time to consider your ideal job in this industry."

Get an internship or entry-level job

In addition to a degree, employers may prefer candidates with some practical experience. Consider getting an internship while you're working toward a degree. Talk to an academic adviser or your college's career center to find and apply for technology internships.

If you're not in school, you can apply for entry-level jobs to gain experience. Some roles, such as help desk specialist, allow you to work with technology daily. Whether in an internship or an entry-level job, you can gain practical experience to prepare you for a career in IT.

Become certified

Another way to prove your expertise is to become certified in your specialty. There are many certifications available in different areas of IT. Some require you to complete a course and pass an examination. Once you're certified, you can add this credential to your resume to emphasize your knowledge and skills to employers.

The technology publication CIO highlights the following valuable certifications for people new to the IT industry:

• Certified ScrumMaster
• Cisco Certified Technician
• CompTIA A+
• ITIL 4 Foundation
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner

Apply for jobs

When you're ready to apply for a job, you have several options. Contact people in your network, such as former teachers or managers, to ask whether they know about job openings in your desired area. You can also use online tools, including social media and job-posting sites, to learn about available positions.

Make it easy to find IT jobs in your specialty by signing up to get email alerts from CareerBuilder. You can create a profile, build or upload a resume, and set your job preferences. You'll then receive alerts for relevant IT jobs in your area. It's an easy, convenient way to find and apply for jobs quickly.

Skills for IT professionals

Besides getting an education and experience, building your skills can help you pursue a career in IT. Those working in this sector require various skills to perform their job duties. These include hard skills, which are industry-specific abilities, and soft skills, which are traits you can use to be successful in almost any job.

Hard IT skills

Depending on the position you want, work on building the following hard IT skills:

• Computer skills: Not surprisingly, IT professionals have advanced computer skills. They understand computer hardware, software, and operating systems.
• Coding: If you want to build software or apps, it's essential to learn how to code. There are various programming languages you can learn, such as JavaScript, Python, and C++.
• Cybersecurity: Many companies hire people with cybersecurity skills to protect their confidential data and information. Cybersecurity skills involve knowing how to monitor networks, detect vulnerabilities, and develop prevention strategies.
• Data analysis: Some IT jobs involve analyzing large amounts of raw data to help organizations make operational decisions. Skills in database management and structured query language can help you analyze this information efficiently.
• Artificial intelligence: This skill has become increasingly important as artificial intelligence continues to advance. AI is a technology that allows machines, such as computers, to perform human-like tasks.

Soft IT skills

In addition to hard skills, it's beneficial to develop soft skills so you can work well with other IT team members, employees, or customers. Some soft skills include:

• Communication: IT professionals communicate with people every day. You need to know how to articulate your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing technology with someone unfamiliar with it.
• Problem-solving: IT professionals regularly resolve technical issues, whether a system goes down or a computer stops working. Strong problem-solving skills are beneficial in helping you to resolve these issues promptly.
• Decision-making: Occasionally, IT professionals need to quickly decide how to solve a technical issue. Use your decision-making skills to think through the possible scenarios and determine the best course of action.
• Teamwork: Though IT professionals may work independently, they often work in teams to complete tasks or projects. Knowing how to collaborate effectively with others can help you gain your colleagues' trust and respect.
• Time management: IT professionals often have deadlines, especially when working on technical projects. Time management skills help you prioritize your tasks so you finish your work on time.

Many companies hire IT professionals with the skills and experience to help them manage their data and infrastructure, build new systems, and develop technology products. A career in IT can be especially rewarding if you enjoy using technology and resolving complex issues. With many possible jobs in IT, you can choose to pursue a career that combines your interests and long-term goals.

More tips on finding IT jobs

Still not sure what an IT job entails? Explore this in-depth guide to learn what an IT department does.

As technology advances, there's likely to be a continuing demand for IT professionals. Here are five enduring technology careers.

If salary is a primary consideration in your job search, check out these IT jobs with the highest-paying salaries.

Do you enjoy health care and technology? Consider these six jobs that combine both.