Information technology (IT) is essential to virtually every industry, including government, healthcare, finance, retail, law, education, and media and entertainment. And as emerging technologies continue to evolve with new industry applications, the demand for IT professionals will grow along with them.
Whether you’re considering IT as a career or interested in taking some courses to explore your interests, there are numerous benefits to learning information technology.
What Is Information Technology?
Information technology is a set of related fields that includes computer systems, programming languages, software, data, and information processing.
What do you learn in information technology? Depending on the specific course or specialty, you may learn:
- Technical theory
- Networking
- Programming
- Computer hardware and software
- Systems analysis
- Database management
- Computer circuitry
- Website development
- IT management
Benefits of Learning IT
1. Proficiency in Technology
Most industries are becoming more tech-savvy, even the more traditional ones like law and agriculture. From project management solutions to customer relationship management software, job candidates are expected to have experience in a wide range of technology platforms. IT knowledge will prepare you to transition into your new role seamlessly, no matter what software programs they rely on.
Personally, IT knowledge can help you better understand your personal technology. You can safeguard your personal information from growing cyber threats, troubleshoot and maintain your own devices, and evaluate the credibility of online information more effectively.
2. Problem-Solving Skills
The most important skills for someone pursuing a career in IT are critical thinking and logical skills. Solving problems for individuals or organizations is a crucial part of the day-to-day job of an IT professional, including helping others fix technical problems.
Even if you don’t pursue a job in IT, taking IT courses and developing your problem-solving skills will make you a desirable candidate in just about any field.
3. Well-Rounded Skill Set
Technology is crucial to all businesses. In a competitive job market, having some knowledge of IT can help you stand out to your top-choice employers and offer a versatile skillset. If you go into business for yourself, having IT knowledge can give you the skills to manage your website and social media on your own.
4. Improved Communication
IT requires a lot of communication skills. You need to communicate with other technical team members as well as non-technical team members comfortably. With IT courses, you will learn to actively listen, process information, and offer feedback that’s appropriate for the technical understanding of your audience – which is an important skill for any job role.
5. Flexible Work Environments
If you pursue a degree in information technology, IT roles may offer incredible flexibility. You may be able to work from home, taking positions in any market or industry you choose.
You can freelance or become a consultant for control over your own workload. If you prefer a more collaborative environment, you can become part of an IT team for a large company. There are leadership positions available for IT professionals as well.
6. Job Security
There are no industry limitations. All businesses need technology, so IT professionals are better able to weather the fluctuations in the economy and find work, even if it’s not their preferred industry.
7. New Challenges
IT pushes you to learn new things and solve new problems. The day-to-day work as an IT professional is rarely routine, and that variety can keep the work feeling fresh, engaging, and challenging.
8. More Practice, Less Theory
Some majors involve a lot of theoretical knowledge before putting skills into practice. Often, this means fresh graduates have some experience to gain in their careers.
By comparison, IT offers practice throughout the entire educational experience. Because technology is so hands-on, much of the coursework for IT involves practicing the concepts like building an app or developing a program. As a result, new graduates hit the job market with practical skills and a portfolio of projects to demonstrate their capabilities.
9. Advancement Opportunities
IT has a low barrier to entry. You can start at an IT help desk before moving into cybersecurity, IT project management, network administration, and more. There are numerous opportunities to branch out into other specialties, including roles like database administration or DevOps that combine technical knowledge with business acumen.
Best of all, once you have the foundational IT knowledge, you can pivot and specialize in other areas to keep your career new and challenging without starting over.
Can You Take Information Technology Courses Online?
Yes, you can take information technology courses online. IT courses online offer flexibility and convenience to see if the subject fits, all at your own pace from the comfort of your own home. Trying out a few courses can even prime you to pursue a degree in IT, such as software or computer engineering, cybersecurity, or information systems.
Sophia offers several computer science and IT courses that are self-paced, online, and recommended for college-level transfer credit at over 60 partner schools. All courses are available with a subscription, allowing you to gain a strong foundation in IT principles without disrupting your other commitments.
Is IT the Right Fit for You?
Deciding to learn information technology offers both personal and professional benefits. If you’re interested in taking some IT courses to see if it’s the right field for you, Sophia can help! Browse our self-paced computer and IT courses and start your free trial!
