How to Jump-Start Your IT Career

Help desk/technical support is the number 2 most in-demand IT skill set in 2014, moving up a notch from 2013. Many companies are looking to expand their IT infrastructure, and if you’re looking to enter the IT field, this is good news for you and your career. In fact, some experts — including Monster.com and ITCareerFinder.com — recommend that those just getting started in IT begin in tech support or help desk, stay a few years to gain experience, then move on to a higher-level or more specialized IT position, such as network or systems administrator.

How to move ahead

But if you have help desk or tech support experience and are looking toward the future, what steps should you take to advance your career? Here are a few tips to leverage your help desk/tech support experience into a higher-level position:

• Go as far as you can in your current support role. Advance through the help desk levels. Gain exposure to a variety of technologies, and learn how to troubleshoot many kinds of problems.
• Get certified. Take courses and obtain certifications (e.g., CompTIA, Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert) to improve your marketability.
• Focus. When you have at least two years of help desk/tech support experience, decide on a specialty (e.g., network administration, database management, security), and then become experienced in it.
• Develop a professional network. Develop a network of professional contacts and leverage those contacts to find job opportunities.
• Consider smaller companies. Look for jobs in small to midsized businesses (SMBs), where it may be easier to expand your responsibilities and skill set.
• Find a mentor. Team up with an experienced IT pro who can guide you in your career.
• Stay up to date. Keep up with industry news, participate in online communities, and read blogs and social media sites.

Tech support can be an invaluable springboard to higher-level IT positions — make the most of it!

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