Start or Enhance Your Information Technology (IT) Career

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It’s an exciting time to start your career in the information technology (IT) industry and there are endless possibilities to consider when getting started. You can work with customers directly or indirectly, troubleshoot everyday IT challenges to building and maintaining networks. The opportunities are endless in the IT industry.

If you are interested in an IT job, there is a position to fit your desires and experience level. With the ever-increasing need for online environments and advancement in technology, there are so many job opportunities in the IT field. The possibilities are endless to get started in this high-demand career.

Local IT In-Demand Careers

a woman smiling while sitting at a computer

Computer User Support Specialist

Computer user support specialists, also called help-desk technicians, usually provide technical help to non-IT computer users. They respond to requests for help in several ways, such as in person or by phone, online chat, or email. 

Median Salary: $61,100*

Computer User Support Specialist Certificate

CompTIA Tech+; CompTIA A+; CompTIA Network+ 

a man looking at a laptop while standing in a dark computer server room

Network and Computer Systems Administrators 

Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks. They organize, install, and support an organization’s computer systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets, and other data communication systems. 

Median Salary: $95,200*

Network and Computer Systems Administrators Certificate

CompTIA Tech+; CompTIA A+; CompTIA Network+; CompTIA Security+

a man sitting in front of several computer monitors

Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts install software, such as firewalls, to protect computer networks. Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.

Median Salary: $119,000*

Information Security Analyst Certificate

CompTIA Tech+; CompTIA A+; CompTIA Network; CompTIA Security+; CompTIA CySA+; SecurityX

a man and a woman talk while looking at a computer screen

IT Project Manager

Computer and information systems managers, often called information technology (IT) managers or IT project managers, plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the information technology goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing computer systems to meet those goals.

Median Salary: $117,500*

IT Project Manager Certificate

CompTIA Tech+; CompTIA A+; CompTIA Project+; ITIL

a man types on a computer keyboard

Cloud Computing Specialist

Cloud computing refers to the delivery of computational resources, like servers, applications, or data storage, via the internet. Working in cloud computing generally involves building, managing, and maintaining the infrastructure that enables that delivery.

Median Salary: $75,000*

Cloud Computing Specialist Certificate

CompTIA Tech+; CompTIA A+; CompTIA Network+; CompTIA Cloud+

two hands use small tools to work on a circuit board

Data Center Technician

Data center technicians install and maintain data servers and network equipment. Their duties include monitoring the day-to-day performance of servers, maintaining an optimally controlled environment for servers, and troubleshooting network and server problems.

Median Salary: $61,100*

Data Center Technician Certificate

CompTIA Tech+; CompTIA A+; CompTIA Network+; CompTIA Server+

IT Certification Programs

What funding options are available?

Most of the IT Certification programs are FastForward programs and are also eligible for the G3 scholarship. Eligible residents who have been living in Virginia for at least one year may qualify for FastForward funding. Since these are also G3 programs, you may be eligible for last-dollar funding, bringing your total tuition to $0. Please review the G3 information page, which outlines income qualifications and if you think you qualify or if you have any questions, please contact our operations team at 540-868-7021 to get registered.

Learn more about additional financial assistance, grant funding, and Sallie Mae loans that are available for eligible students.

Eligible programs include:

IT Need to Know (ITNTK)

If you are considering an IT career training program, you will want to see our available handbooks to help you prepare for an upcoming course.

Student Success

FREE IT Information Sessions

These FREE information sessions will introduce you to the IT Certifications that we offer. You will have a chance to find out more about what is covered in the classes and how these classes can help boost your career. IT Certification courses include CompTIA Tech+, CompTIA Network+, CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, CompTIA Server+, CompTIA Linux+, CompTIA CySA+, CompTIA SecurityX, ITIL Foundations, and Online Courses in Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Ethical Hacker, CISSP, and more.

* Wage data provided by Chmura Economics & Analytics, sourced from JobsEQ data within the Laurel Ridge Community College service region – October 2024.