Strengthen your IT capabilities with focused training in data-driven decision-making and system management.
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Learn to extract information from databases by writing SQL queries, joining tables, aggregating data, and filtering results. You'll learn PostgreSQL in this class, but the concepts apply equally to other databases such as SQL Server and MySQL.
Unlock the power of Python for data-driven decision-making as you master Python programming fundamentals and dive into data analysis. Acquire essential skills to clean and manipulate data, create insightful visualizations, and perform statistical analysis, all through hands-on projects with real-world datasets.
Learn how to use Tableau, a powerful data visualization tool, to create interactive and aesthetically pleasing charts, graphs, and maps. This course will teach you how to connect to datasets, analyze and structure data, customize visualizations, and publish your work.
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Learn Python, SQL, automation, and machine learning to become a Data Scientist. Gain Python programming, data analysis, SQL querying, and predictive modeling skills. Perfect for beginners, this program prepares you for entry-level data science and Python engineering roles. Unlock high-paying job opportunities in the field of data science.
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Learn front-end development with HTML & CSS, JavaScript, and React, and back-end development with Python, Django, and Node.js. Get 1-on-1 mentoring and a structured curriculum to become a skilled Software Engineer or Full Stack Developer.
Begin your journey as a professional graphic designer by learning the essential skills and tools used by industry experts. Gain hands-on experience in Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator, and create a stunning portfolio to showcase your talent to potential employers or clients.
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The field of information technology (commonly referred to as IT) involves working with the computer systems, hardware, software, and networks related to the processing and distribution of data. The umbrella of IT also encompasses things like networking hardware (servers and routers) and applications that allow communication over a variety of networks and the internet.
The term “information technology” was first used in a 1958 publication of the Harvard Business Review, which divided IT into the following three categories: techniques for processing, the use of statistical and mathematical methods to make decisions, and the simulation of higher-order thinking through computer programs. Businesses devote entire departments to information technology, assembling teams to handle these tasks.
Data processing plays a significant role in a variety of business practices, including product development and design, marketing and market research, sales and invoicing, customer development and retention, accounting and taxes, human resources and payroll, and regulatory compliance. IT has become an essential part of nearly every modern industry, so it is a wise choice to become an expert in information technology.
Becoming certified in information technology has several benefits. An IT certification is a recognized benchmark within the field of IT, as it showcases your dedication, motivation, and proficiency in the subject matter. Preparations for certification exams, training, and fees cost time and money, further confirming your commitment to the field.
Being able to prove your dedication and proficiency can help you stand out from other job seekers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there will be around 377,500 job openings in IT each year from now until 2032. And with the median salary sitting well above the national average at $100,000, you can expect a healthy salary in most of these open roles.
It is fairly common for companies to require ongoing certifications, especially within the field of information technology. This means that, if you currently work in IT and want a promotion, attending a certification course can be a great way to prove you deserve that higher-paying, higher-ranking job. Cisco’s recertification requirements, for example, include earning continuing education credits, taking an exam, or attending training during each three-year cycle. If your employer requires ongoing training, there’s a high probability they will help pay for your certification, so make sure to check with them before enrolling.
IT professionals often have the added benefit of being able to work from wherever they choose. Remote work offers more flexibility for IT experts, allowing you to assist fellow employees or clients via email, video chat, or by taking over their desktops. You’re no longer tied to cities with high costs of living and are often only required to work within a specific time zone.
High pay, numerous career opportunities, and the ability to choose where you work are only a few of the perks of working in information technology. Getting certified in IT is the quickest way to make your dream career a reality. Keep reading to discover more about what you’ll learn in a training program and how to choose the right certification for you.
What You’ll Learn While Becoming IT Certified
Information technology is a multifaceted field and requires professionals who are adept in a variety of tools and techniques. Below is a list of the most common skills you’ll master in a certificate course, so that you know what to look for when you’re researching potential training programs. It’s important to note that there are many other hard and soft skills that you’ll want to master, especially soft skills like collaboration, effective communication, and problem-solving skills. (And if you’ve already mastered some of the below, consider yourself ahead of the game.)
Security is an essential element of an IT department. Starting in a help desk, networking, or system administration role can introduce you to concepts that are helpful to know for security purposes, but most training programs will cover the basics of security. These can include familiarity with physical, network, and software security, installing firewalls and routers, data encryption, risk mitigation strategy and threat analysis, knowledge of compliance regulations and standards like PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and CCPA, and ethical hacking and penetration testing.
If you want to develop software, web applications, and websites, knowing how to program will be extremely important. Commonly used languages are Python, C++, JavaScript, Ruby, and PowerShell. Being familiar with at least two is recommended, so that you can adequately troubleshoot any errors you may encounter on the job.
Troubleshooting problems and improving systems and networks means you’ll need to know how to properly dissect and analyze data. Monitoring performance data can help you find security threats or coding errors or see where inefficiencies exist in the overall operation. Having a basic understanding of SQL and statistics will go a long way when analyzing data.
Two common job titles for an IT professional are System Administrator and Network Administrator. Managing and improving computer systems and networks is central to the work of an IT team. Mastering networks and systems may require you to administer diverse operating systems like Windows, Linux, or Mac, install and configure computer hardware and software, cloud administration and applications, maintain local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), storage area networks (SAN) and virtual private networks (VPNs), and troubleshooting and helping employees with technical issues.
Cloud computing skills are in-demand within the IT industry. Through delivery of on-demand computing resources like hardware, storage, databases, networking, and software, cloud computing lets companies access and store information without managing their own physical devices or IT infrastructure. Its scalability, flexibility, and cost savings have helped it grow in popularity across a variety of industries.
Long Island is known for its vibrant and diverse culture, impeccable food, and cozy neighborhoods. Of course, nearby New York City is an international hub for everything from art to business, so it comes as no surprise that many who live on Long Island head to The Big Apple to find work in one of the many thriving industries, each with an ongoing need for top-quality IT professionals.
These industries, and countless others, rely on IT professionals to maintain their systems and networks on hard drives, remote servers, and the cloud. Information technology experts are also needed to help troubleshoot issues both on the back-end and with employees or other personnel. With such high need across a variety of enterprises, there are numerous roles for you to pursue, several of which are covered below.
There are several potential job titles for someone certified in information technology. You could become a Systems Architect and be responsible for devising, configuring, operating, and maintaining both computer and networking systems. You would analyze desired processes and outcomes and advise on the right pathway to achieve specific business, department, team, or functional goals. In Long Island, you can expect to make $106,000 to $134,000 as a Systems Architect.
You could also become a Computer and Information Systems Manager, overseeing the computer and data-related infrastructure for the organization. You would be in charge of running an entire information technology department or, in some cases, a specified department like cybersecurity. The median salary for this role in Long Island is around $121,000.
Another option is to become a Cloud Security Engineer. These professionals plan, implement, upgrade, and monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. You’d also lead system assessments for vulnerabilities, monitor for and protect against security risks, and ensure appropriate security controls are in place to safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. Salaries for this role in Long Island range between $75,000 and $158,000.
As you can see, there are many roles you can pursue within IT depending on your interests. With salaries well above the U.S. average of $66,000, you can have a successful and lucrative career in IT no matter your job title.
While these two terms might seem interchangeable, they are quite different when referring to training programs. Earned through an assessment or a professional training program, a certification is a professional credential that shows the holder has passed a third-party examination in their area of study. Many jobs require specific certifications for promotions and career advancement. They can also lead to increased pay, promotions, and enhanced professional expertise. Several professions require certifications to be renewed at regular intervals. Some companies may even cover the cost of certification, as these credentials can bring value to the workplace.
Often considered continuing education, a certificate is given to signify your successful completion of a course or training. Mid-career professionals pursue certificates to enhance or develop high-demand skills in their industry, while beginners use them to carve out new career paths. These courses are noncredit programs sponsored by educational institutions, so you won’t earn an associate’s or bachelor’s degree by completing them. A certificate can certainly add value to your resume, but it’s important to note that it doesn’t carry the same weight as a degree, which is commonly required for many jobs.
If your goal is to change career fields entirely or learn as much about a new industry as possible, then a certificate could be the right choice. A certification course is likely the best route if you are already established in your career and looking to gain a new title or increase your pay.
You’ll also want to consider the amount of time and money you can commit to your training. If your company requires a certification for you to advance in your career, they might either pay in full or offer assistance for your training. If they don’t, you’ll want to be mindful of your budget, as these training programs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Certificate and certification programs vary in length, from a few days to several months, so it’s important to consider how long the program will take to complete and how much time you can commit daily and throughout the duration of the program.
Regardless of which route you choose, both can give you an upper hand in your professional development and expand your skill set, making you highly desirable within your current field or a new one.
New York’s various thriving industries and ever-growing economy make it the perfect place to study information technology. Below are some of the top training programs available, both online and in-person in New York, that can help you launch your next career and prepare for various certificate exams.
To begin your IT journey, consider software engineering. Noble Desktopoffers a Software Engineering Certificate that can take your programming and development skills to the next level. You will learn both front and back-end tools, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React as well as Python, Django, and Node.js respectiveful. You will also learn to build applications with databases, version control, and deployment. Through hands-on projects and one-on-one mentoring, you're sure to pick up these skills in no time.
It may also benefit you to check out the SQL Bootcamp from NYC Career Centers. This course offers training in SQL querying, diving right into managing, extracting, and filtering data. You'll learn to apply aggregate functions and work with stored procedures. The course offers bonus training and a free retake within a year, so you can really absorb the material. Plus you earn a verified digital certificate of completion once the bootcamp has ended.