Selecting The Best Technology Career Path

Feeling a bit lost with all the tech career options out there because you’re new to the field? It’s completely normal to feel this way, especially if you’re missing formal education or hands-on experience. But don’t let that stop you from tapping into your potential in the tech world.

You’ve got what it takes to kickstart an exciting tech career. By acquiring the right skills, you’re not just opening a door; you’re unlocking a whole world of benefits like better work-life balance, lucrative salaries, and ample opportunities to grow professionally. Whether you decide to become a specialist or keep expanding your tech toolkit, there are countless paths ahead.

As you picture what your dream tech career might look like, remember that having a solid strategy is key to making it happen. Let’s dive into three popular routes that folks like you, new to the tech scene, typically explore when they start out. We’ll also explore various roles within these areas and how you can plan your next steps in this journey.

When you’re envisioning your career in technology, it’s crucial to reflect on what you’re passionate about and what skills you already possess. This self-awareness will guide you towards tech roles that align with your natural talents.

For instance, if you’re good at problem-solving and logical thinking, you might thrive in networking positions. On the other hand, if you excel in communication and teamwork, a role like Tech Support Specialist could be your sweet spot.

If you’re just starting out in tech, it’s wise to first take a broad view rather than jumping straight into specific job roles. Begin by exploring the three primary avenues that many new tech enthusiasts typically consider first.

Getting a grasp on what these paths involve and the types of jobs they encompass will simplify your journey towards finding the perfect fit. Once you’ve pinpointed the role that excites you, you can channel your efforts into turning that tech career dream into your reality.

If you’re new to the tech industry, IT Support offers a solid entry point with its emphasis on basic tech competencies. This sector is expected to grow by 7% from 2023 to 2028, and there’s good earning potential, with a median annual income of $58,000. As an IT Support Specialist, your job would involve diagnosing, fixing, and assessing tech problems, among other beginner-level tasks. You could be assisting coworkers with their tech requirements or helping customers troubleshoot their issues via phone or video calls.

Here are some initial roles you might consider in this field:

• Desktop Support Specialist
• IT Technician
• Field Service Technician

Embarking on your career in IT Support can be a stepping stone to further success in tech. You’ll acquire core technical skills that pave the way for advancement into more specialized positions or branching into other tech areas.

This career path could be ideal for you if you:

• Enjoy solving problems
• Possess strong critical thinking abilities
• Thrive on collaboration and teamwork

IT Support positions are perfect for starting your journey in tech. Begin by earning the CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ certification to grasp the essentials of technology. Next, go for the CompTIA A+ certification, which will equip you with foundational skills in areas like hardware, software, networking, and security. These credentials will set you up nicely for a job as a help desk technician. With these under your belt, you can then keep enhancing your abilities and climb the ladder in tech support.

IT Support roles are all about assisting users, but if you’re more drawn to the technical infrastructure, networking roles might be your calling. These positions focus less on direct user interaction and more on the systems that facilitate user access.

Network Administrators handle the daily management of network operations, including analyzing, troubleshooting, and resolving network issues. Even though these roles are more specialized, there’s significant growth potential here. Advanced positions might involve designing networks and ensuring their security through hardware setups and user education.

Here are some entry-level roles in networking:

• Network Specialist
• Network Support Technician
• Junior System Administrator

To excel in networking, you’ll need a solid grasp of tech basics, which you can pick up either through a starting role in help desk or by pursuing CompTIA Network+ training. Once you’ve honed these skills, you can validate them by obtaining CompTIA’s Network+ certification.

Networking could be the right path for you if you:

• Enjoy piecing together complex systems
• Like collaborating with a team towards a shared objective
• Are interested in managing information flow and security

After mastering the basics with a CompTIA A+ certification, you’re well-positioned to start as a Help Desk Technician or IT Support Specialist. Next, channel your efforts into enhancing your networking skills, gearing up for the CompTIA Network+ certification. This will open doors to more advanced networking positions like Network Support Specialist.

The cybersecurity sector is one of the most rapidly expanding areas in technology, where experts work to identify cyber threats and safeguard organizational assets. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 33% growth in information security roles over the next ten years, with experienced professionals earning a median salary of $120,360 annually.

In a security operations center (SOC), you’ll find various levels of cybersecurity experts, each tackling different aspects of security. Their roles include monitoring network activities, guiding responses to incidents, containing threats, and fixing vulnerabilities. At the entry level, you’ll be involved in system surveillance, employing cutting-edge threat detection technologies, and teaching both internal and external users about data protection.

Cybersecurity is diverse, offering constant opportunities for skill development and progression into specialized roles. This ensures plenty of room for career advancement.

Here are some job titles within this track:

• Cybersecurity Analyst
• Security Administrator
• Penetration Tester

You’ll thrive in this field if you have a solid understanding of networking and a keen curiosity about how systems can be compromised and the strategies hackers use to deceive users.

Cybersecurity could be ideal for you if you:

• Enjoy tackling intricate problems
• Are adept at recognizing patterns
• Have a genuine interest in the mechanics of system security
• Work well in a team environment

To prepare for careers in cybersecurity, leverage Accumentum’s training programs to develop the necessary technical skills. Start by securing your CompTIA A+ certification, then gain practical experience in a help desk position to further enhance your basic tech and security capabilities. Follow this by earning the CompTIA Security+ certification, which will help you progress within the organization while deepening your security expertise. Keep advancing your knowledge by pursuing more specialized certifications in cybersecurity.

Choosing the best tech career path hinges on your interests, your existing skills, and your innate talents. If problem-solving alongside others is your forte, roles like IT Support Specialist or Network Specialist could be where you shine. On the other hand, if you’re passionate about solving puzzles, staying ahead of the curve, and researching emerging cyber threats, a career as a Cybersecurity Specialist might be your calling.

Deciding which tech pathway to follow is your first move towards building your new career in technology, as it helps you target the specific tech job you’re aiming for.

Once you’ve got your sights set on a role, you’ll need to acquire the skills that job demands. Accumentum’s training programs are excellent for developing these competencies. As a premier provider of tech education, Accumentum offers certifications like CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+, which are pivotal in establishing your foundational tech skills.

Begin your journey by exploring the CompTIA A+ certification. This certification confirms that you possess the technical know-how needed to start your career in an entry-level tech position.

Accumentum® is the leading training provider for a vast array of technology vendors including AWS, Cisco, CIW, CompTIA, EC-Council, Fortinet, GIAC, HRCI, ISACA, ITIL, Microsoft, Palo Alto, PMI, Scrum, SHRM, Veritas, VMWare, and more.