Career Paths · Information Technology
Information technology is a common way into a stable, well-paid career without a four-year degree. Most people start on the help desk. Here’s what the roles are, which certifications to start with, and how to pay for training.
The field
IT suits people who like solving problems, are patient with others, and enjoy learning new tools. Most careers start with help desk or user support — setting up computers, fixing everyday problems and helping people — and grow from there into networking, security or cloud. You can learn most of it online, and certifications matter more than a degree for getting your first job.
Common roles
For each role: what the job is, the typical training path, the certifications employers look for, and whether you can train online. IT roles generally don’t require a government license — certifications are how you show you’re ready.
The most common way into tech. Set up computers, fix everyday problems and help people use software and networks.
Keep an organization’s networks running: routers, switches, Wi-Fi and connections between systems.
Help protect systems and data from attacks: monitoring, access, and following security procedures.
Help run services on cloud platforms like AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud.
The training ladder
IT is built in rungs. The entry courses assume you know nothing; the higher-paying ones assume you already know the basics. Certifications — not a four-year degree — are how you show an employer you’re ready for the next step. Almost everyone starts on the help desk and climbs from there.
Start here · no experience needed
Where almost everyone begins. You learn to set up computers, fix everyday problems, and help people use software and networks. State-funded IT courses are short certificate programs aimed at this rung — they get you in the door, not straight to a senior salary.
Next step · builds on the basics
Once you understand hardware and operating systems, networking is the natural next move: routers, switches, Wi-Fi, and how machines talk to each other.
Higher pay · needs prior knowledge
Security roles pay well but are rarely a first job. Employers expect you to already understand systems and networks. Security+ is the common starting certification once you have help-desk or networking experience behind you.
Higher pay · needs prior knowledge
Cloud platforms — Amazon AWS, Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud — run much of today’s software. Cloud roles usually come after some help-desk or networking experience.
A separate path
Writing code is its own track rather than a step up from the help desk. Certifications matter less here than a portfolio of real projects and knowing a language such as Python or JavaScript. It can pay very well, but the learning curve is steeper and longer than an entry IT certificate.
Start on the ladder, then climb. A short certificate is a real way in, but it prepares you for the entry rung — usually help desk or user support — not a senior salary on day one. The higher-paying IT roles (security, cloud, software) assume you already know the basics and often expect prior experience or a degree. Plan to start on the help desk and add certifications and experience to move up. Certifications, not a four-year degree, are how you show you’re ready for the next step.
Paying for it
Training costs money, but you may not have to cover it yourself. Public workforce funding can pay tuition for people who qualify, and employers can often get reimbursed for training their staff. Our funding guides explain how these programs work and how to check what you may qualify for.
IT careers FAQ
Often yes. Many employers hire for entry-level help desk and support roles based on skills and certifications rather than a four-year degree. A certification like CompTIA A+ or Tech+ plus some hands-on practice is a common way in.
Most people start with CompTIA A+ or Tech+ for help desk work, then add Network+ for networking or Security+ for cybersecurity. Cloud roles use vendor certifications such as AWS, Microsoft Azure or Google Cloud fundamentals.
Yes. IT is one of the most online-friendly fields. You can study the material and build a free home lab on your own computer to practice the skills employers test for.
Almost everyone starts on the help desk or in user support. It gets you in the door with a short certificate, and it’s the foundation for networking, security and cloud roles later. The higher-paying roles assume you already know the basics.
Demand for user support is steady rather than booming, with thousands of openings each year as people move up or retire. The work is shifting toward troubleshooting, security and cloud tools, so keeping your skills current matters.
Not yet. Career Skills Center plans to offer training in healthcare, IT and the skilled trades. Join the interest list to get updates when we launch.
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