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.
Gain in-demand skills with IT industry leaders
Skills you'll gain: Computer Networking, Network Troubleshooting, Package and Software Management, Systems Administration, Cloud Infrastructure, IT Infrastructure, TCP/IP, Desktop Support, General Networking, Network Security, Computer Hardware, Encryption, Linux, Microsoft Windows, Lightweight Directory Access Protocols, Cybersecurity, Security Awareness, Technical Support, Software Installation, Help Desk Support
Skills you'll gain: Package and Software Management, Desktop Support, Linux, Microsoft Windows, File Systems, Remote Access Systems, Operating Systems, Linux Administration, OS Process Management, System Support, Systems Administration, Software Installation, User Accounts, System Configuration, Linux Commands, Command-Line Interface, System Monitoring, User Provisioning, Authorization (Computing), Identity and Access Management
Microsoft
Skills you'll gain: Microsoft 365, Network Security, Cloud Management, Microsoft Azure, Business Software, Computer Hardware, Virtual Machines, Identity and Access Management, Cybersecurity, Network Troubleshooting, Desktop Support, Virtual Private Networks (VPN), Azure Active Directory, Technical Support, Hardware Troubleshooting, Hardware Architecture, Generative AI, System Monitoring, Virtualization and Virtual Machines, Disaster Recovery
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
*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.
![[Feautured image] Two IT support technicians discuss IT issues in front of a large monitor.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/7J9Qh1Xr191CdF3ty1tv7O/11d5e37698ad30d554ee7b650fbfc7de/GettyImages-1171809330.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] A potential employer sits at a meeting table and smiles at a prospective employee holding their information technology resume.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/zJ1JKsL5lkOGRsNA2HrQa/60a6276e47701363003e0f37f421fd4a/GettyImages-1144541711.jpeg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] An office worker smiles while taking a call at their entry-level help desk job.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/6nHge8p5Xge40jw9zBUeuQ/0e00057380004425f5c783b03c708f53/iStock-1192079984.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)
![[Featured image] An IT technician assists a fellow employee with her 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)
