How to Learn Information Technology

Information technology (IT) has become an integral part of everyday life. Learning about IT can provide personal satisfaction and a greater ability to navigate technology. However, if you want to pursue a job in IT, you must cultivate specific IT-related skills. 

Identifying these skills and knowing how to acquire them can help you start your IT career path. Use this guide as a starting point to explore the skills you’ll need and how to develop them. 

Essential IT skills

IT skills refer to the technical abilities that professionals within the field need to complete their tasks. Although skills may vary from role to role, the following are standard skills to have to be successful in this career: 

Cloud computing

Cloud computing involves using hosted services delivered via the internet by a cloud services provider. Types of cloud services include:

• Applications

• Computer software

• Databases

• Data storage

• Networking

• Servers

Knowing how to work in cloud platforms like Google Cloud and Amazon Web Services (AWS) can help you become more marketable in the IT career field. Demand for employees with these skills continues to grow because of the expanding need for cloud computing services.

Coding

Coding involves using a language to write code, allowing you to “communicate” with the computer and create programs. IT professionals typically have experience with at least one programming language, which includes popular options like:

• C++

• HTML

• Java

• JavaScript

• PHP

• Python

• Ruby

Data analytics 

Data analytics involves using computational techniques and tools to transform raw data into something useful. Through analysis, users gain insights about data, including the relationships and patterns among different data points. Data analysis offers various benefits. For instance, helping businesses boost profits, improving workflows, and enhancing decision-making. 

Data visualization

Data visualization involves presenting data in a way that people can understand. Tools for helping people visualize data include charts, infographics, maps, and scatter plots. Employees with data visualization skills can help employers understand data, resulting in quicker, better decisions. 

Data visualization can also help employers:

• Identify relationships between data variables

• Share important information with employees or stakeholders

• Detect general and specific trends (like overall sales and sales per associate)

Generative AI

Generative AI refers to the capacity of artificial intelligence to generate original content like images, text, sounds, or animation based on specific prompts and data. It has proven helpful in many business sectors, including creative arts, entertainment, health care, and manufacturing, marketing.

Employees with knowledge of generative AI and experience with its tools grow increasingly more attractive to employers as this technology evolves. Some of the more common generative AI tools include:

• ChatGPT: A chatbot created by OpenAI that answers questions, writes content, and more

• DALL-E 3: An AI tool created by OpenAI that creates images from text

• MusicGen: An AI tool created by Meta that transforms text into music

• Synthesia: An AI tool that creates video from text

How to learn information technology skills 

You can learn IT skills in various ways, from getting an information technology degree to independent study. Depending on the direction you want to take your career, consider the level of education you would like to pursue:

Get an associate degree.

• Format: Online or in-person, depending on the school or program

• Duration: Two years

A variety of community colleges offer associate degrees in different IT fields. Some examples include:

• Data science

• Cybersecurity

• Computer programming

• Information systems

• Computer science

• Web development

Earn a bachelor's degree.

• Format: Online or in-person, depending on the school or program

• Duration: Four years 

A bachelor's degree can be valuable for a variety of IT jobs. Types of bachelor's degrees you might consider include:

• Cloud computing

• Computer networking

• Computer programming

• Cybersecurity

• Data analytics

• Information technology

• Software engineering

• Technology management

Participate in a coding boot camp.

• Format: Online or in-person

• Duration: Three to six months

A coding boot camp packs a lot of education into a short amount of time compared to an associate or bachelor's degree program. Instead of a theoretical learning approach, you would work through a more project-based curriculum to practice using real skills needed for real jobs. Topics covered in a coding boot camp might include:

• Programming languages like CSS, HTML, JavaScript, Python, and Ruby

• Application and web development

• Computer frameworks

• Database management

Learn on your own.

• Format: Online or in-person

• Duration: Depends on the activity

In addition to earning a degree or attending a bootcamp, you can learn IT skills independently. Gain more knowledge in your spare time by:

• Taking online courses 

• Becoming part of the online IT community 

• Reading relevant books, magazines, newsletters, or blogs 

• Attending tech industry events 

3 information technology jobs

To find out how you might put your IT skills to practice, consider three jobs in the field. Learn more about the roles of a computer systems analyst, a database administrator, and a web developer.

1. Computer systems analyst

Median annual US salary: $103,800 [1]

Job outlook (2023–2033): 11 percent annual growth [1]

Educational requirements: Bachelor's degree in information technology or related field

As a computer systems analyst, you would evaluate a company's computer network, systems, and protocols and provide ideas and methods for improvement. Depending on the business field (e.g., engineering, health care, manufacturing), this role may require you to specialize in a specific computer system).

2. Database administrator

Median annual US salary: $117,450 [2]

Job outlook (2023–2033): 9 percent annual growth [2]

Educational requirements: Bachelor's degree in information technology or related field

As a database administrator (DBA), you would manage databases to ensure that users have access to needed information. You could also engage in regular database maintenance to ensure proper function.

3. Web developer

Median annual US salary: $92,750 [3]

Job outlook (2023-2033): 8 percent annual growth [3]

Educational requirements: Associate or bachelor's degree or equivalent

As a web developer, you create websites using computer coding and programming. You might also ensure that new websites work correctly and efficiently and have visual appeal. 

Getting started on Coursera 

Information technology offers a variety of exciting career options. Knowing essential IT skills and how to acquire them can help you decide how to proceed on your IT career path. 

To build a good foundation in IT, consider getting a Google IT Support Professional Certificate on Coursera, led by industry leaders at Google. You can learn about the fundamentals of computer networking, how to configure computer hardware and software, how to troubleshoot common computer problems, and more. Another excellent option is the IBM Information Technology (IT) and Cloud Fundamentals Specialization, a six-course series designed to help you develop software development, cybersecurity, and cloud computing skills.