How to Become an Information Technology (IT) Specialist

Find out how to become an information technology specialist. Research the education and training requirements, and learn about the experience you need to advance your career as an information technology specialist.

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Do I Want to Be an Information Technology Specialist?

An information technology (IT) specialist is a computer support and security administrator who assists companies and organizations with managing hardware, software, networking and solving problems. These professionals go by a range of titles, including information security analyst and network administrator. They can find work in a wide variety of industries, like business, government and manufacturing. Most of these professionals keep full-time schedules, and many work overtime on a regular basis. 

Job Requirements

The career path to becoming an IT specialist varies by the area of expertise, although a college degree and professional experience are typically needed. Many employers require applicants to earn a bachelor's degree in a computer science or information technology field.

 Software certification may also be preferred. The following table summarizes the basic requirements for IT specialists: 

	Common Requirements
Degree Level	A bachelor's degree is common; some employers prefer master's degrees*
Degree Field	Computer science, information science or a related field*
Certification	Certification in software products is voluntary but common*
Experience	At least 3 years of IT experience**; 5-10 years of experience for upper-level positions*
Key Skills	Analytical, organizational, leadership, communication and decision-making skills*
Computer Skills	Project management software, customer management software, server operating systems, Web platform development software and language platforms like Microsoft SQL, C++ and Perl***
Technical Skills	Computer equipment such as servers and network analyzers***
Additional Requirements	Long and irregular hours may be required to solve unexpected computer issues *