Going Back to College to be an IT Professional

Technology careers are experiencing resurgence. In the tech bubble burst of early 2000s, many IT Support and other IT Professionals lost their jobs. In the years since then, as more and more companies rely heavily on technology daily, the market for new hires has exploded. What is different in today's IT arena is that companies are seeking people with more specific skills and a more focused education. Technology trained individuals who concentrate on specific newer technologies; wireless networking, cloud computing, and managed services are finding it easier to get and hold onto good paying careers in IT.

If you are seeking a new career, or wanting to expand your skills in IT, and you are interested in going back to college to gain the knowledge needed to meet your goals, now is a great time to do so.There are many areas that you can specialize in including web development, network management, software development, IT support, educational technology, medical technology, and many more.If you love computer graphics and digital photography there are college level classes to help shape this love into marketable skills.

Being able to troubleshoot problems with desktop computers and printers requires you to get trained and be willing to keep abreast of the latest hardware and software available and in use. This is exciting to some, and going back to college to get trained in this area can lead to a rewarding career as an IT support specialist.

Another high demand area sure to grow is network and internet security. With the multitude of risks to securing their data that businesses can face, this is another IT area sure to grow in the future.

In today's world of high speed internet access, you are able to go back to college without leaving your home, and take classes at any time of the day or night, 24/7. You can start with an online program to get your certificate in a Microsoft or Linux system, then move on to a degree program that grants an Associate's Degree or a full Bachelor's Degree in your chosen field.

If you are choosing to go back to college and do it online, there are many IT programs to choose from.

some of these online universities offer degree programs for IT Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, and Masters. These can be as diverse as Computer Forensics, Project Management, Educational Technology, Network One There are more than 30 programs in IT that you can earn degrees in. These include Oracle, Linux, Cisco, and Microsoft certification programs. You can get an array of highly specialized training, get certified and have a lot to offer prospective employers.

Earning a degree online, can open doors to many employment possibilities for you.If you are employed now, you can keep your present job while going back to college to advance your future. Study as little or as much as will fit into your present lifestyle. Take the course load that you can benefit from and do the work when it is convenient for you. In 12 months you can have a new degree and the skills to earn a new job.

There are other universities online that offer 64 credit hour program leading to an Associate's Degree, as well as programs leading to even higher level degrees. If you have college credits from another school you can transfer the credits to help get a jump on the program you choose. Don't discount older credits you may have earned, as they could still be viable.

There are many programs to help you with the cost of tuition and other related expenses. The colleges have financial specialists who can walk you through the steps necessary to secure the best financial aid option for you. Present and formerly enrolled military personnel have many benefits for education under the GI Bill, and these can be put to use towards your IT career education.

Men and women are going back to college today in record numbers, to seek the education they need. An online college can be more comfortable for those who have had real world responsibilities and understand the benefits that education can bring them.

Think about your goals and where you want to be in the coming years. If having some other options is attractive to you and you have the motivation, then going back to college to be an IT Professional can be a great step into a new future.