IT Support Basics: Getting Started in IT

IT Support Basics: It's time to get YOU started in IT. Even if you’re unsure of what your ultimate #ITcareer goal might be, IT Support is a great place to start. Many pros start in IT Support and use it as a stepping stone to other areas like networking and cybersecurity. In this video, we cover why IT jobs are awesome, what entry-level jobs in IT Support actually look like, and how you can get started in IT even without previous experience. #ITSupport #IT #InformationTechnology

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READY TO GET STARTED? Check out these FREE RESOURCES!
❓Take our quiz! https://s.comptia.org/37sa3r7
🗺 Plan your next move with the IT Careers Roadmap! https://s.comptia.org/3u8g7yY


WHY ARE IT JOBS AWESOME?
🔴 IT jobs are awesome because they are in high demand. The United States gained 2.3 million jobs in #tech over the past decade! When it comes to IT Support Specialist jobs specifically, you’ll find nearly a quarter of a million job postings in the US each year! For you beginners, over 1/3 of those job postings are for entry-level positions. So there is NO shortage of jobs or opportunities for advancement in IT!

🔴 IT jobs are awesome because there are IT Support opportunities in nearly every industry. There are IT jobs in entertainment — TV, movies, video games — education, healthcare, the automotive industry, you name it. You could be an IT pro who works for the FBI or the San Diego Zoo. Think about your hobbies and interests and consider how they can be melded with a career in IT!

🔴 IT jobs are awesome because they pay well. The median salary is about $51,000 in the United States. For beginners, that median salary is around $40,000. Your salary will vary, of course, depending on where you live and who you work for. The point remains the same, starting IT salaries are impressive!

🔴 IT jobs are awesome because they offer a work-life balance. Work cultures are evolving, especially within the tech industry, to promote both quality of life and productivity. IT pros often have more flexible schedule options and can even log fewer hours as long as they’re getting the work done. Many IT jobs involve #remotework, too, if working in pajamas is more your style.

🔴 IT jobs are awesome because they offer fulfilling work. At the office, you likely won’t be tied to your desk. IT support specialists spend time on their feet helping people with tech around the office. Plus, the nature of IT support is to problem solve. So the job is a little different everyday which lets you get creative — and makes for more challenging and fulfilling work!

WHAT IS AN IT SUPPORT JOB REALLY LIKE? Here's what you'll do:
💻 Diagnose and repair computer, smartphone, and/or software problems
💻 Install and train users on new software;
💻 Walk end-users through problem-solving their tech issues
💻 Backing up and restoring data files.
💻 Repairing hardware and configuring software to maintain operating systems.

WHAT IT SUPPORT JOBS SHOULD I SEARCH FOR? Here are a few titles to get started:
🔎 IT Support Specialist
🔎 IT Support Technician
🔎 Help or Service Desk

HOW YOU CAN GET STARTED IN IT:
1️⃣ Get CompTIA A+ certified
2️⃣ Get experience through real-world practice
3️⃣ Strengthen your soft skills

GETTING CompTIA A+ CERTIFIED:
✅ CompTIA offers everything you need to prepare for your certifications from training to vouchers
✅ Train your own way! If you like learning in a group setting, CompTIA Live Online Training is for you. You’ll get expert guidance from an instructor who knows the exam inside and out. If you prefer self-study, CompTIA CertMaster Learn lets you learn at your own pace with a customizable study plan. If you want the hands-on experience without leaving your home, try CompTIA Labs. Use it to practice your tech skills with real equipment in a virtual environment.
✅ Grab a couple vouchers and schedule your A+ exams to earn your certification so you can land the job. The CompTIA A+ certification is broken into 2 exams. Study for one at a time!

GETTING EXPERIENCE THROUGH REAL-WORLD PRACTICE:
✅ There are plenty of ways to get on-the-job experience without landing a full-time job! Playing around with computer equipment you already own is a great way to practice troubleshooting.
✅ Check out our video, 3 Tools You Need (& Have at Home Already!) to Practice Your IT Job Skills which will show you exactly how to create your home lab and hone these skills.

STRENGTHENING YOUR SOFT SKILLS:
✅ Help a friend or family member troubleshoot their computer problems
✅ Volunteer technical support for a local non-profit