![[Featured Image] A student meets with a professor in a classroom to ask how to learn information technology skills like data analytics and visualization.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/6zxg6UuOFWvWmyEQ0C6Rwo/a21ee5a86b0307d29e966579c0213334/GettyImages-1681107895.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Status: Featured
How to Learn Information Technology
Find out how to learn information technology by exploring IT skills and discovering where to get them.
February 5, 2025
Article
Start Your IT Support Specialist Career
Jobs in computer and information technology earn more than twice the average salary for all occupations*. Here, you’ll find the resources you need to jumpstart your IT career.
![[Featured Image] A technical support engineer stands in a server room and looks at a laptop in an attempt to fix a problem.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/18vqzO1Zq9pIWHf3ErWoIy/cba1ef8b07184e9bbbcda0259c37ee3d/GettyImages-1347879841.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] A woman answers Comptia A+ interview questions during a job interview.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/S7XrJDgduI4usjAPD5Agz/12dd7fa32383a41f449288c34c40da2f/GettyImages-498384865.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] A technical support specialist assists a colleague.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/5cG9k7hT1NFJ6VPiGkpo7n/d35b0b984cf4293af2b462c3c5f9cfcb/GettyImages-600697856.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] A help desk technician smiles at someone on a video call in their home office.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/4UaATRqX3UwczK2ZMceubi/de753dbf6fe7f34d13a60820f1cbc72d/GettyImages-866364156_2.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Gain in-demand skills with IT industry leaders
Status: New AI skills
Skills you'll gain: Computer Networking, Package and Software Management, Network Security, Network Troubleshooting, Systems Administration, Cloud Infrastructure, IT Infrastructure, TCP/IP, File Systems, Microsoft Windows, Network Architecture, Routing Protocols, Desktop Support, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Cybersecurity, Encryption, Security Awareness, Computer Hardware, Technical Support, Software Installation
Skills you'll gain: Cloud Computing Architecture, Peripheral Devices, Technical Support, Technical Support and Services, Cloud Services, Cybersecurity, Computing Platforms, Hardware Troubleshooting, IT Service Management, Cloud Security, Cloud Infrastructure, Network Protocols, Encryption, Software Development Life Cycle, Professional Networking, Cloud Storage, Information Technology, Cloud Computing, Interviewing Skills, Computer Hardware
Status: AI skills
Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft 365, Network Security, Business Software, Computer Hardware, Cybersecurity, Desktop Support, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Network Troubleshooting, Technical Support, Hardware Troubleshooting, Hardware Architecture, Generative AI, Operating Systems, Network Protocols, TCP/IP, Application Security, Microsoft Teams, Productivity Software, Information Systems Security, Multi-Factor Authentication
![[Featured image] An IT technician assists a fellow employee with their laptop](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/154CSxiCRUlMnH598J97lV/1696cae13df61d335dda41ae2d1c38a5/IT_technician.png?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] IT worker checks on systems at workplace](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/19out9QeXiAcsGVoihB0IB/35a261582b9cb28a1ddedd0e1bc774dc/iStock-950514452.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image]: An IT professional works at a computer after learning how to get IT certifications to qualify for a new job.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/1325ETF1UHYm1hcGvdx4zk/18e63bdd03a8c200b88609af4f09119c/GettyImages-2156162213.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featued image] A person in a green plaid button-down shirt sits in a chair and searches for IT jobs on a laptop.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/DZInDrz47gFkHHI1DSXTL/128fa09c22c96546d5065f3d872207a1/GettyImages-1222547509.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] IT learner in a pink blouse sits at a desk with a laptop and book and considers which entry-level IT certification to get.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/14lLHlq87ar3b4D3iUnyjp/a4a73e79a8de20871f2e7433792306fb/best-IT-certifications_1500x680.JPG?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A tattooed male computer technician works at a dual-screen workstation in an office with windows behind him.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/6UAsg3PF2pv9onoBifGAuy/e0cc6abbb2eff80ae2be305990bb2954/computer-technician_1500x680.JPG?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
IT professionals have many different career paths and specializations to choose from. Each year, approximately 337,500 jobs are created within the field*. Becoming an IT support specialist is an excellent first step whether you know where your career path will take you or not. You’ll learn and practice foundational IT skills such as network administration, software and hardware troubleshooting, working the help desk, and managing computer information systems. Learn more about how to prepare for an entry-level IT role and how Coursera can help:
Do I Need an Information Technology Degree? 4 Things to Consider
5 Tech Entry-Level Jobs in 2024: No Experience or Commute Required
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
*US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer and Information Technology Occupations, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm.” Accessed January 30, 2024.