9 answers
Tony
Student
Yuma, Arizona
1
Question
Updated
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How can I become an IT technician?
I want to become an IT technician and I want to know how I can become one
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9 answers
Michelle Cross
Cloud Architect
2
Answers
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello! I love your interest.
As a computer engineer graduate, my first job was an IT Technician,
Find a CompTIA online course that provides you a learning path and badges, so you can show to potential employers and colleges how much knowledge and abilities you have.
Your local workforce office or school may help you gain free access to these courses.
Cloud technologies are currently in demand and will be great for you future career.
Thanks,
Michelle
As a computer engineer graduate, my first job was an IT Technician,
Find a CompTIA online course that provides you a learning path and badges, so you can show to potential employers and colleges how much knowledge and abilities you have.
Your local workforce office or school may help you gain free access to these courses.
Cloud technologies are currently in demand and will be great for you future career.
Thanks,
Michelle
Tracy Wong
Service Delivery Manager
5
Answers
Malaysia
Updated
Tracy’s Answer
I'm glad you are interested in becoming an IT technician. An IT technician is a professional who installs, troubleshoots, and fixes the hardware and software in a computer system. There are different types of IT technicians, such as desktop support technicians, network technicians, and server technicians. Depending on your interests and goals, you may want to specialize in one of these areas.
To become an IT technician, you will need a mix of education, technical skills, and experience. Here are some steps you can follow to pursue this career path:
(1) Complete a qualification in Information Technology
This could be a diploma, an associate degree, or a bachelor's degree in IT, computer science, or a related field. A qualification will help you learn the fundamentals of IT, such as networking, programming, security, and troubleshooting. It will also make you more competitive in the job market. You can find some online courses that can help you prepare for a qualification - https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-is-an-it-technician
(2) Join a professional association
A professional association is a group of people who share the same occupation or interest. Joining one can help you network with other IT professionals, access resources and opportunities, and enhance your credibility. For example, you can join the Australian Computer Society (ACS) while studying or after graduation. The ACS offers certification and ongoing professional development for IT professionals - https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/role/information-technology-technician_2
(3) Get certified
A certification is a credential that validates your skills and knowledge in a specific area of IT. Getting certified can help you demonstrate your expertise, increase your confidence, and boost your employability. There are many certifications available for IT technicians, such as CompTIA A+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft MTA, and more. You can find some entry-level certifications to get started - https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-is-an-it-technician
(4) Gain experience
Experience is one of the most important factors for becoming an IT technician. You can gain experience by working as an intern, a volunteer, or a freelancer for various organizations. You can also create your own projects or participate in online challenges to practice your skills and showcase your portfolio. You can find some online platforms that can help you gain experience - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-is-an-it-technician
I hope this information helps you on your journey to becoming an IT technician. Remember that learning is a continuous process and that you should always keep yourself updated with the latest trends and technologies in the field. I wish you all the best! 😊
To become an IT technician, you will need a mix of education, technical skills, and experience. Here are some steps you can follow to pursue this career path:
(1) Complete a qualification in Information Technology
This could be a diploma, an associate degree, or a bachelor's degree in IT, computer science, or a related field. A qualification will help you learn the fundamentals of IT, such as networking, programming, security, and troubleshooting. It will also make you more competitive in the job market. You can find some online courses that can help you prepare for a qualification - https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-is-an-it-technician
(2) Join a professional association
A professional association is a group of people who share the same occupation or interest. Joining one can help you network with other IT professionals, access resources and opportunities, and enhance your credibility. For example, you can join the Australian Computer Society (ACS) while studying or after graduation. The ACS offers certification and ongoing professional development for IT professionals - https://www.seek.com.au/career-advice/role/information-technology-technician_2
(3) Get certified
A certification is a credential that validates your skills and knowledge in a specific area of IT. Getting certified can help you demonstrate your expertise, increase your confidence, and boost your employability. There are many certifications available for IT technicians, such as CompTIA A+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft MTA, and more. You can find some entry-level certifications to get started - https://www.coursera.org/articles/what-is-an-it-technician
(4) Gain experience
Experience is one of the most important factors for becoming an IT technician. You can gain experience by working as an intern, a volunteer, or a freelancer for various organizations. You can also create your own projects or participate in online challenges to practice your skills and showcase your portfolio. You can find some online platforms that can help you gain experience - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-is-an-it-technician
I hope this information helps you on your journey to becoming an IT technician. Remember that learning is a continuous process and that you should always keep yourself updated with the latest trends and technologies in the field. I wish you all the best! 😊
Steven Knight
IT Service Desk Technician
5
Answers
Bexhill, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Steven’s Answer
I would say the best certifications to gain if your just starting out or thinking of getting into IT is CompTIA A+, Microsoft 365 fundamental's, Microsoft azure fundamentals & CompTIA Network+
This will give you a rounded view of the basics in IT and 99% of business use Microsoft's platforms and applications so have knowledge of them will be very helpful, and build on from there looking at the different certs and areas of IT and see which one peaks your interest the most.
I would also advise to build a home lab if you can i.e. use virtual machines (virtual box or VMware)
There is also things like cisco packet tracer for learning networking & security (its free and can be found on their netcad website)
IT is a great industry to be in, no two days are the same & you'll constantly be learning new things and adapting your skill set
This will give you a rounded view of the basics in IT and 99% of business use Microsoft's platforms and applications so have knowledge of them will be very helpful, and build on from there looking at the different certs and areas of IT and see which one peaks your interest the most.
I would also advise to build a home lab if you can i.e. use virtual machines (virtual box or VMware)
There is also things like cisco packet tracer for learning networking & security (its free and can be found on their netcad website)
IT is a great industry to be in, no two days are the same & you'll constantly be learning new things and adapting your skill set
PAUL KATES
Sales
8
Answers
Livingston, New Jersey
Updated
PAUL’s Answer
Being an IT technician in today's market is a fantastic role to hold. It's a clear testament to your commitment to resolving the common problems that many customers face. As you gain more confidence in this field, you might find it beneficial to expand your skill set. Adding specialized skills to your resume can make you a go-to expert in a particular area. Let's say, for instance, the heating system in my house starts to falter. I would likely want to consult with an HVAC specialist after initially speaking with a general heating professional. This is because the generalist may not be equipped to tackle my specific issue, regardless of the brand of my heating system.
Edward Carr
Commercial Director
3
Answers
Leatherhead, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Edward’s Answer
Hey Tony,
Just commenting on this question from the teams perspective of how important IT technicians are in the smooth running of day to day operations. I work in a software company, and our IT Technician is core to the sales teams in the office. The daily support required is essential to keep people and processes working efficiently. Also, this efficiency to get IT issues resolved helps our teams respond to our customers faster.
Our IT Technician covers a wide ranging role of important tasks, including; General IT support and issue fixes, software related updates, Hardware issues including the office network (wireless also) etc; In addition to the general IT support our IT technician is also one of the first people that our new employees meet - they deploy the new macbook, ensure the email is set up and configured, plus a general walk through of the hardware and software within our company. Hence out IT technicians have an important role to play in onboarding new employees and ensuring they are efficient in their work with IT hardware and software.
Hope this help!
Just commenting on this question from the teams perspective of how important IT technicians are in the smooth running of day to day operations. I work in a software company, and our IT Technician is core to the sales teams in the office. The daily support required is essential to keep people and processes working efficiently. Also, this efficiency to get IT issues resolved helps our teams respond to our customers faster.
Our IT Technician covers a wide ranging role of important tasks, including; General IT support and issue fixes, software related updates, Hardware issues including the office network (wireless also) etc; In addition to the general IT support our IT technician is also one of the first people that our new employees meet - they deploy the new macbook, ensure the email is set up and configured, plus a general walk through of the hardware and software within our company. Hence out IT technicians have an important role to play in onboarding new employees and ensuring they are efficient in their work with IT hardware and software.
Hope this help!
Steven Knight
IT Service Desk Technician
5
Answers
Bexhill, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Steven’s Answer
I would say the best certifications to gain if your just starting out or thinking of getting into IT is CompTIA A+, Microsoft 365 fundamental's, Microsoft azure fundamentals & CompTIA Network+
This will give you a rounded view of the basics in IT and 99% of business use Microsoft's platforms and applications so have knowledge of them will be very helpful, and build on from there looking at the different certs and areas of IT and see which one peaks your interest the most.
IT is a great industry to be in, no two days are the same & you'll constantly be learning new things and adapting your skill set
This will give you a rounded view of the basics in IT and 99% of business use Microsoft's platforms and applications so have knowledge of them will be very helpful, and build on from there looking at the different certs and areas of IT and see which one peaks your interest the most.
IT is a great industry to be in, no two days are the same & you'll constantly be learning new things and adapting your skill set
Mohammed Nabeel
Systems Engineer
2
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Mohammed’s Answer
As Michelle recommended, if you're planning to break into the IT industry, the easiest way to start is through ServiceDesk.
You will start off in a "L1 Service Desk" or similar role, As long as you know the basics of IT, you will do well here. I highly recommend you take time to do "CompTIA A+" which is a certificate that will teach you the basics of computers.
Lastly, start applying for jobs ! Try to search the job market and apply daily.
My first job in IT was cleaning printers and fixing them and now I'm a Systems Engineer. Goodluck !
You will start off in a "L1 Service Desk" or similar role, As long as you know the basics of IT, you will do well here. I highly recommend you take time to do "CompTIA A+" which is a certificate that will teach you the basics of computers.
Lastly, start applying for jobs ! Try to search the job market and apply daily.
My first job in IT was cleaning printers and fixing them and now I'm a Systems Engineer. Goodluck !
Andrew Singh
Desktop Engineer
4
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Hi there, that's a fantastic question you've asked! The guidance provided here is absolutely amazing and full of wisdom. In my view, the first step is adopting a problem-solving mindset. This involves digging deep to find the core of an issue and resolving it to bring a smile to the client's face. As many have pointed out, there are numerous certifications you can earn to enhance your skills as an IT technician. I've personally completed a few CompTIA certifications. Another important aspect to remember is the willingness to continuously learn and discover new methods to tackle any tech problem that comes your way.
James Linsell-Fraser
IT Architect
10
Answers
Manchester, England, United Kingdom
Updated
James’s Answer
Hello Tony,
I think Tracy Wong has provided some excellent steps to consider so I won't repeat those, but add some of my own points of view. A qualification is an excellent approach to demonstrate your ability to lean and successful apply that learning. However, many people do this alongside gaining work experience. If you are in a position to work, find a job at a local / national / international organisation. For your IT Technician role, it is great to be open to different flavours of such, but try and be a little specific e.g. are you interested in the hardware side or the software side, or both, do you have a specific interest in an industry type e.g. banks, retail, local government etc.
What strikes me most is being able to blend the ability to learn a new discipline or academic subject but showing a good degree of passion and always have a point of view, even if someone might disagree or challenge that.
For being in IT, it is more than having the technical skills, it is about people. I always say 80% of IT is about people - communication, negotiation, managing complex situations, being a good supporter, being empathetic, being encouraging and more than all of this - a good listener. As well as courses in the technical side, see if there are free resources too on the people skills side in how to work with people in complex situations and ensure good outcomes.
So I would say do Tracy's #4, alongside #s 1,2 & 3 and this will give you the best blend of hands on experience and education to back it. Also don't forget the reality, to start in any career you start at the beginning and this may include less glamorous aspects but use this time to learn about people, motivation, incentives and what success looks like. As you prove your personal credentials, and gain your academic qualifications, you will be noticed. I always say when your customers notice you, and appreciate what you have done to 'go the extra mile', this is the most powerful form of feedback you can have, and any prospective employer would enjoy to hear about how you help people and how you reflect and learn from that success (and what you learned from any mistake, don't be afraid to reflect on what you can always do better!).
Good luck and I hope this helps !!
I think Tracy Wong has provided some excellent steps to consider so I won't repeat those, but add some of my own points of view. A qualification is an excellent approach to demonstrate your ability to lean and successful apply that learning. However, many people do this alongside gaining work experience. If you are in a position to work, find a job at a local / national / international organisation. For your IT Technician role, it is great to be open to different flavours of such, but try and be a little specific e.g. are you interested in the hardware side or the software side, or both, do you have a specific interest in an industry type e.g. banks, retail, local government etc.
What strikes me most is being able to blend the ability to learn a new discipline or academic subject but showing a good degree of passion and always have a point of view, even if someone might disagree or challenge that.
For being in IT, it is more than having the technical skills, it is about people. I always say 80% of IT is about people - communication, negotiation, managing complex situations, being a good supporter, being empathetic, being encouraging and more than all of this - a good listener. As well as courses in the technical side, see if there are free resources too on the people skills side in how to work with people in complex situations and ensure good outcomes.
So I would say do Tracy's #4, alongside #s 1,2 & 3 and this will give you the best blend of hands on experience and education to back it. Also don't forget the reality, to start in any career you start at the beginning and this may include less glamorous aspects but use this time to learn about people, motivation, incentives and what success looks like. As you prove your personal credentials, and gain your academic qualifications, you will be noticed. I always say when your customers notice you, and appreciate what you have done to 'go the extra mile', this is the most powerful form of feedback you can have, and any prospective employer would enjoy to hear about how you help people and how you reflect and learn from that success (and what you learned from any mistake, don't be afraid to reflect on what you can always do better!).
Good luck and I hope this helps !!