IT jobs – working in IT doesn’t necessarily require having a college degree. Although a degree can definitely help advance your career, you don’t have to have one to start working IT jobs . This is also true for working in cyber security.
Cyber Security Analyst
You can begin working as an entry level cyber security analyst without attending a university, according to Forbes.com,. However, those who have a bachelor’s degree in cyber security often will apply for positions higher up the chain of command and responsibility. Consequently, this leaves many positions open for junior cyber security analysts. This position involves doing tasks like conducting basic testing, looking at review logs, and handling network settings. This position pays a median annual wage of nearly $64,000.
Many IT jobs prioritize skills and experience over formal education. Here’s a breakdown of your options:
1. IT Jobs That Don’t Require a Degree
Many tech jobs can be obtained with self-taught skills, boot camps, or on-the-job training. Examples include:
- Help Desk Technician
- IT Support Specialist
- Web Developer
- Junior Software Developer
- Network Technician
- Cybersecurity Analyst (entry-level)
2. Certifications That Can Help You Get Hired
Instead of a degree, many people earn industry-recognized certifications, such as:
- CompTIA A+ (for IT support and help desk jobs)
- Google IT Support Professional Certificate (beginner-friendly)
- CompTIA Network+ (networking basics)
- CompTIA Security+ (entry-level cybersecurity)
- AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner (cloud computing)
- Cisco CCNA (networking)
High Demand
The demand for information security analysts aren’t expected to slow down any time soon. Consequently, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the employment of information security analysts will grow 28 percent between 2016 and 2026. As a result, this time frame is much faster than the average for all of the positions that the BLS tracks. However, as cyberattacks grow, so will the need for analysts to help prevent hacking of organizations.
To work in cyber security or secure an IT job, you will need to complete as many certifications as you can. Granted, this will help ensure you can secure the entry level job you want. PrepAway and Business News Daily lists these certifications as being some of the top ones that you should consider:
IT Certifications
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CompTIA Security+. This is a basic IT job certification. It is a theoretical certification and is considered a benchmark in IT security. On the other hand, while you don’t need any previous coursework to take this certification course, it’s recommended you have about two years of working in IT administration. Admittedly, this exam is $320, although you may be able to find a discount. It is worth it to have an IT job.
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Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). This is a high-level security certification and is great for those with solid managerial and technical skills, ability, and experience. It is more practical in nature. The exams are $599 for each of three concentration areas, and there is an annual $85 fee to keep the credential, with recertification required every three years through continuing professional education.
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GIAC Security Essentials Certification. This certification doesn’t require prior training or experience, and it’s great for newbies in the field. As a result, it demonstrates your skills in IT security and is needed for entry level IT jobs
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Certified Ethical Hacking Certificate (CEH). With this certification, you’ll demonstrate that you have the understanding of how to identify weaknesses in a system. You’ll need two years of experience to take this course or formal training. There’s an application fee of $100, and the exam is $950.
Resources
Check out the PrepAway site and the Business News Daily websites for even more cyber security certifications you can earn and more information about how to get them. Business News Daily also provides information about how to find preparation courses and materials for the certifications it lists.
Learning Through Boot Camps & Online Courses
Many IT professionals learn through coding boot camps, online courses (Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning), or hands-on practice.
When a Degree is Useful
Some advanced IT roles, such as software engineering, data science, or cybersecurity management, may require a degree, especially at big companies. However, even in those fields, experience and certifications can sometimes be enough.
EDUCATION STAFF WRITER
ComputerScience.org. (2024, October 15). Basic tech jobs that don’t require a degree
