You might already be witnessing this trend in the tech world, which is that what used to be cutting-edge technology quickly becomes obsolete. A growing number of students and employers are becoming familiar with this, and the fact that what you learn in a degree, might quickly become out of date.
This is why companies now prioritize candidates who possess current, practical knowledge. The more recognized certifications and demonstrable skills you possess, the higher your chances of breaking into IT and thriving. This has opened a massive door for career switchers and recent high school graduates who want to enter the workforce quickly.
5 Steps To Break Into IT
Step 1: Build a Foundation (The Help Desk or IT Support)
Most people aspiring to become a top-tier tech professional look up to high-level IT professionals; however, they are unaware of the fact that most of these top-level techies started from a foundational role: technical support.
The reason is that this role helps you learn and understand how hardware communicates, how software breaks, and how to solve problems under pressure. Not to mention, it is the most accessible entry point because it values soft skills like communication and empathy as much as hard skills. So, if you want to become a computer network support specialist, it is best to gain some experience as an IT support specialist.
NOTE: It is not a mandatory requirement.
Step 2: Choose Your Training Path
Yes, you don’t need a four-year degree, but you do need a structured environment to learn the complexities of modern systems. Now, you can always enroll yourself in a self-paced program, but those lack discipline and more importantly, hands-on practice elements.
Additionally, as mentioned above that experience as an IT support professional isn’t a mandate; it is only if you enroll yourself in a program that teaches you the fundamentals of IT along with computer networking.
For these two reasons, specialized vocational programs are the way to go. Enrolling in a high-quality computer network support specialist training can bridge the gap between knowing about computers and managing business networks. These programs are designed to be intensive, focusing only on the skills that get you hired, often in a fraction of the time a traditional college requires.
Step 3: Stack Your Certifications
In the world of IT, you should know that completing a training program is just half of the journey to your dream role. So, after completing the course, you should focus on obtaining a recognized certification. These act as independent proofs to an employer that you meet a global standard of knowledge. For beginners, the most important certifications include:
- CompTIA A+: The industry standard for entry-level support.
- CompTIA Network+: Proof that you understand how data moves between devices.
- CompTIA Security+: An essential credential as every IT role now involves a layer of cybersecurity.
Most specialized training programs are built specifically to help you prepare for these exams.
Step 4: Build a Portfolio
Much like how requirements (no degree needed) are changing for roles in 2026, so are what employers are looking for in a candidate, and the best way to show your skillset and expertise is with a portfolio. Therefore, it is essential that you build a portfolio.
Even if you haven’t had a job in IT yet, you can create a portfolio by:
- Setting up a Home Lab: Use an old PC to run a virtualized network. Document how you set up the firewall and user permissions.
- Volunteering: Offer to help a local non-profit or small business optimize their Wi-Fi or secure their data.
- GitHub/LinkedIn: Post screenshots of your lab configurations or write short “how-to” guides on troubleshooting common issues.
Step 5: Leverage In-Demand Skills (Artificial Intelligence)
One of the top hiring filters this year is your ability to use AI. Employers are looking for support specialists who know how to use AI-driven diagnostics and automation tools to solve tickets faster. Mentioning that you use AI to assist in script-writing or log analysis can immediately set you apart from other entry-level candidates.
