Do I need a degree to work in IT?

Not always. Many support roles accept candidates with relevant certifications, practical skills and good communication. Some employers and senior roles prefer degrees, so check adverts in the market you are targeting.

Which area of IT should I choose?

If you are unsure, support roles give a broad view of networks, systems and security. After some time, you can specialise in the area you enjoy most, such as cloud computing or cybersecurity.

Are certifications worth it?

They can help, especially early on, because they show structured knowledge to employers. Choose ones that appear often in local job adverts, and pair them with hands-on practice you can describe in interviews.

Career guide

How to start a career in IT

IT professionals keep an organisation's computers, networks and systems working securely. They help colleagues with technical problems, set up devices and accounts, maintain networks and servers, and protect data from threats.

Many IT careers begin in support roles, where you learn how real systems behave and how to explain technical issues to non-specialists. From there, people commonly move into networking, cloud, cybersecurity or systems administration.

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What the work looks like

Responding to help desk tickets by phone, chat or in person
Setting up laptops, accounts, software and permissions
Troubleshooting network, email and printer problems
Applying updates and following security procedures
Documenting fixes so the team can solve similar issues faster

First roles

IT support technician or help desk analyst
Desktop support or service desk engineer
Junior network or systems administrator
Security operations or cybersecurity trainee

How to start

Learn how computers, operating systems and networks work at a basic level.
Set up a small home lab to practise installing systems and fixing problems.
Check your knowledge with the network administration test and the cybersecurity test.
Consider an entry-level vendor or industry certification that employers in your area commonly request.
Practise explaining technical steps simply; problem solving is central to support work.
List systems, tools and certifications clearly in a CV made with the CV builder.

Skills employers look for

Prove these with a free test, or read the guide for each one.

Network AdministrationFree test Guide
CybersecurityFree test Guide
Cloud ComputingFree test Guide
Database ManagementFree test Guide
Problem SolvingFree test Guide

Your CV for each market

Common questions

Do I need a degree to work in IT?: Not always. Many support roles accept candidates with relevant certifications, practical skills and good communication. Some employers and senior roles prefer degrees, so check adverts in the market you are targeting.
Which area of IT should I choose?: If you are unsure, support roles give a broad view of networks, systems and security. After some time, you can specialise in the area you enjoy most, such as cloud computing or cybersecurity.
Are certifications worth it?: They can help, especially early on, because they show structured knowledge to employers. Choose ones that appear often in local job adverts, and pair them with hands-on practice you can describe in interviews.