Top 5 Certificates To Get You Started In The Tech Industry

The tech industry is booming, and large IT companies are actively working to attract and hire the best of the best. Naturally, the IT job market is highly competitive, which can make finding a high-paying job difficult when starting out. 

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to break into the tech industry and work your way up. With some know-how and willingness to learn new things, you can pursue IT certificates that give you the skills and experience you'll need to apply for in-demand tech jobs.  

Here are some of the top technology degrees you can obtain before applying for a job.

1. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA is a non-profit organization that almost all tech industry employers know about. Most companies hold this certification in high regard. Once you pass the exam and earn your certification, you will be able to work with a wide variety of technologies.

The CompTIA A+ certification includes the basics of maintenance for laptops, desktop computers, operating systems, office equipment, and information related to virtualization, cloud computing, network troubleshooting, and installing or deleting software using the command line terminal.

The certification itself covers the maintenance of these systems and the configuration and setup processes for each of them. If you have never worked in the tech industry and don't know where to get started, an A+ certification is a good place for most basic IT positions.

2. IT Programming Essentials

You can enroll in courses to earn an IT programming essentials certificate regardless of education level or age. A basic programming course can make getting junior jobs in the IT industry easier. It can even pave the way toward eventually earning undergraduate certificates, bachelor's degrees, or post-graduate degrees.

A programming essentials certificate, for instance, takes you through all of the basics of programming. You don't need any previous experience to join the program. You will learn about how information systems work, how to write and debug code, and how to install and configure operating systems using the Command Line Interface. Programming courses also allow you to study concepts that are important for app development and IoT networking.

3. Entry Network Technician Certification

If you're not interested in maintenance or software development, there is also the possibility of becoming a network technician. This certificate helps you understand how complex devices connect and how networks are set up and maintained. All companies have an internal network that enables employees to work as a whole. As a network technician, you will be tasked with integrating new computers and office equipment into the network, maintaining the existing ones, and performing software and hardware upgrades.

4. Microsoft Technology Associate Infrastructure Certificate

The Microsoft Technology Associate certificate is designed primarily for beginners. However, the course does offer information that will prove helpful for obtaining more advanced degrees or certificates down the road. The MTA Infrastructure Certificate will allow you to set up and maintain server infrastructure and cloud computing systems.

Cloud computing companies are constantly growing, which means they always need new specialists to maintain their systems. With an infrastructure certificate, you can gain entry to a position that can jumpstart your IT career.

5. Certified Information Systems Security Professional

Cybersecurity is one of the world's biggest concerns. Companies are constantly looking for new ways to keep their data safe and protect their clients' privacy. As an IT security professional, you will be tasked with protecting this data. However, you will also have to perform risk management tasks and test your employer's security measures.

As with most online technology degrees, you can start from scratch and learn everything you need to know as you go, but keep in mind that employers may also want you to have prior experience. An internship at a cybersecurity company is a great way to gain experience and depending on the internship, you'll have one or more individuals that will act as both teachers as well as overseers. Furthermore, internships are great ways to get first-hand experience of how cybersecurity specialists work alongside the various departments of a company.

Experience Is Everything

Countless technology programs can give you the information and certification needed to start your tech career. However, the ones above are the programs that all tech companies look for.

Keep in mind that most employers also favor candidates that have experience working in the field. If you want to get ahead of the curve, apply the information from the courses as you're learning it. Do this by starting personal projects and using them as a portfolio.

Starting personal projects that you can show future clients will give you a headstart and make it easier to show potential employers what you can do. In most cases, adding these projects to a resume can make the difference between getting hired immediately and being placed on a future candidate list.