How to become An IT Specialist

The internet is a robust digital highway that links people and information worldwide. IT Specialists help organisations access this cyber highway so they can expand their reach beyond expectations.

• Information Technology Specialist
• Technical Support Specialist

What do IT Specialists do?

An IT Specialist would typically need to:

• Provide support and services related to the organisational software, hardware, databases, web resources, networks, and enterprise systems
• Deliver network management, software development, and database administration
• Design, set up, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot requisite tech products as part of comprehensive technical assistance and guidance to their employer
• Offer 24/7 support on hardware issues related to desktops and computer peripherals such as printers, scanners, hard drives, and monitors
• Provide round-the-clock software assistance with installation and updating of software
• Work with colleagues to develop, install, and maintain all information technology products
• Monitor, test, and assess the performance of existing infrastructure regularly; recommend and install upgrades, if necessary
• Determine the maintenance and growth of a network in close collaboration with the departmental managers
• Troubleshoot and resolve IT-related issues; provide immediate assistance when a concern is raised
• Build innovative network troubleshooting techniques to decrease downtime and maintenance costs
• Utilise encryption and other secure data storage options to protect consumer data
• Collaborate with in-house and external clients in confirming whether proposed system integrations and modifications serve a practical purpose
• Keep track, take ownership of, and maintain an accurate record of all IT-related issues in the organisation
• Monitor all advances in the rapidly evolving IT industry; provide frequent updates, and offer pertinent recommendations to the management based on their findings
• Supervise the procurement of new software and hardware within the prescribed budget
• Train personnel from non-technical backgrounds in optimal use of the IT products in place
• Maintain a professional and productive relationship with in-house and external clients

IT Specialists work in an office environment with other IT professionals and all other employees in the organisation, from the receptionist to the CEO. 

Most of their work is done on a computer, although they will likely have frequent face-to-face interaction with in-house and external clients. The extent of travel would depend on the employer and the exact nature of their job.

IT Specialists typically work full-time for around 40 hours/week, although overtime and weekend work may be necessary to meet deadlines and resolve unforeseen issues. 

Finding a new job might seem challenging. IT Specialists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

IT Specialists are generally employed by:

• IT Companies
• Companies With A Large Online Presence
• IT Departments In Other Industries

Professional associations and organisations, such as The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), are crucial for IT Specialists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Health issues due to a significant amount of time spent sitting at a desk in front of a computer screen
• Being called into work outside of work hours if a problem occurs
• Working unsocial hours to address any emergencies

Any academic program that a potential IT Specialist takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship. Building experience is key to entering and advancing in the IT industry; internships allow you to do so while also helping you expand your professional network.

You will gain optimal benefit from your tasks outside of the classroom when they line up perfectly with your lessons inside it. You may get to hear countless stories from more experienced professionals and obtain valuable hands-on experience when they manage to turn seemingly routine incidents into unique learning moments.

Employers prefer skilled applicants who are well-versed in programming and scripting languages such as Perl, Python, and BASH. Additional technical courses that provide you with the technological know-how of software and hardware installation, troubleshooting, networking, and advanced database manipulation will give you an upper hand when seeking employment.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working as IT Specialists to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers. 

Most aspiring IT Specialists acquire a bachelor’s degree in computer science, business, information technology, information technology management, or computer engineering. 

However, some employers may prefer applicants with a master’s degree in computer science or a related discipline. An associate degree or an HND (Higher National Diploma) in the fields mentioned above is also viable for entry-level positions. 

An ideal academic programme will usually cover information system analysis, risk assessment, programming languages, computer administration, information security, numerical analysis, data structures and analysis, data networking, and software development.

Although an IT Specialist’s academic education can range from a few months spent on a certificate programme to several years invested in a doctoral degree, it is also possible for applicants with a college degree in any field to get the job, provided they demonstrate the requisite technical skills. 

Focus on mathematics, information technology, and English in high school.  

Certification demonstrates an IT Specialist’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and examination. 

In-demand certification in information technology, information systems engineering, information systems auditing, information systems security and computer systems from objective and reputed organisations can help you stand out in a competitive job market and become an independent consultant.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of IT Specialists. With advancements in your career, your responsibilities will increase, and the scale of systems and teams you manage will increase in size.

An IT Specialist with significant experience and a proven track record can advance to the role of Systems Administrator and eventually end up as an IT Manager or IT Engineer. 

Candidates with a master’s degree in computer-related fields, desirable certification, and expertise in programming and scripting languages have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active IT Specialist build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, 

formal education, or self-directed learning. 

CPD allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge and enables the regular renewal of desirable certifications. Invest in a postgraduate degree in a computer-related discipline for more streamlined career advancement.

Professional training programmes and additional certifications can enhance your knowledge and fuel your career progression. Keeping up with the latest innovations and trends will also be advantageous in a constantly evolving IT industry.

The Current Scenario

IT has proven a boon to practically every industry. With the rapid advancement of technology worldwide, many organisations are stepping into the global digital world. IT Specialists who manage and troubleshoot IT systems and networks effortlessly are vital for any industry to function without any hiccups.

Effective Communication

An IT Specialist should be exceptionally skilled at communicating effectively to extract the necessary information in order to diagnose and resolve an issue swiftly. Knowing what questions to ask and being able to explain complex information in a straightforward and easily understandable manner is critical to their professional success. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing IT Specialists have more flexible work schedules and locations. They have full ownership of the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, a full-time IT Specialist has company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership, and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

It is estimated that around 4.9 billion users are currently connected to the internet.

The internet and accompanying tools have become so much a part of our daily life that it would be nothing but a simple fact that the world as we know it would grind to a complete standstill, or at the very least, lose itself in the ensuing chaos if our IT systems failed. That we haven’t yet experienced any such glitches is largely due to skilled IT Specialists.

The work of an IT Specialist can be stressful at times but think about your passion for the information technology field to help you push through the hard times.