Lesson 1: it security and safety. Speaking 1

Obtain IT certification
Although certification is not a professional requirement, it can be used to stand out from other potential hires as it demonstrates skill-level and experience to prospective employers. Most companies also require their IT specialists to have experience with their vendor’s software products. IT professionals can become certified directly through the vendors or third-party organizations such as CompTIA. In most cases, certification is earned by passing a credentialing exam.
Step 3
Earn an advanced degree
After working in the field for a while, many computer support specialists advance to higher-level positions, such as computer systems administrators and network administrators or upper-level management. It’s also possible to move into other parts of an organization like sales. A master’s degree can help IT professionals to qualify for advancement. In some cases, they may even decide to pursue self-employment as IT consultants.

Find the Right IT Degree Program

IT is a large field with numerous specialty areas. Whether interested in a traditional on-campus degree program or an accredited online program, students have many options for pursuing a quality education. For those who want an IT career but are unsure of which degree level suits their needs, the table below explains each option.

CAREER GOALS & EDUCATIONAL NEEDS	ONLINE	ASSOCIATE	BACHELOR’S	MASTER’S	CERTIFICATE
I know an IT degree is the right path for me, but I am concerned that my personal responsibilities and busy work schedule will stand in the way of a traditional IT degree program. My goal is to find an accredited online program that offers flexible scheduling.
I have always been drawn to technology, but because I don’t know a lot about the different careers available I’m not sure which program to follow. I would like to enroll in a program that introduces me to the fundamental skills and concepts of IT. Then I can continue my education and earn a four-year degree in the IT specialty area that most appeals to me.
I know I need a strong foundation in technology to work in IT, so I want to take courses that provide me with the skills and knowledge I need in the field. My goal is to earn a degree that prepares me for an entry-level job as an IT specialist or systems administrator.
My undergraduate background in IT has helped me find full-time employment in information technology, but I want to start my own technology services business. I want to take courses in the theory, principles, and practices of information systems, and learn how to analyze data to solve complex problems.
I have an undergraduate degree in IT, but I want to boost my credibility and marketability by completing a credentialing program. I am most interested in the challenging certifications offered by Cisco.