You’ll have a range of responsibilities if you work in IT. On a daily basis, you might help protect your company’s networks, build hardware or software programs or train new employees in data security best practices.

The need for qualified IT specialists has grown exponentially in recent years, with employment growth rates as high as 21% for select IT professionals.

It’s the perfect time for you to break into the industry — as long as you have the right skills. Master top IT skills in fields like programming, networking and cybersecurity to make yourself indispensable in an IT role.

What are the best IT skills?

Six IT skills — programming, cybersecurity, data operations, system networking, UX/UI and mobile application development — can help you succeed in an IT role from day one.

1. Programming

If you’re looking for an IT position that includes tasks in software development or website operations, you’ll need skills in programming. Depending on your individual job responsibilities, you might need to learn programming languages like Python, C, JavaScript and C++.

Even if you’re looking for a non-traditional IT career, programming skills can still help you succeed in your role. Even a basic knowledge of common programming languages can help you better understand your team’s tasks, roadblocks and potential project delivery dates.

2. Cybersecurity

Data has become more available and accessible than ever. As a result, the need for IT specialists who are fluent in cybersecurity is at an all-time high. Even if you don’t plan on specializing in this field, cybersecurity is a vital skill for every IT team. Familiarizing yourself with foundational cyber skills will make you an even greater asset to future employers hiring IT roles.

Some of the most essential skills for IT cybersecurity positions include data encryption, ethical hacking, installing firewalls and navigating compliance regulations and standards.

3. Data operations

If you plan on working in IT, you’ll need to be able to work with data. Data operations — designing and maintaining a data architecture that can scale as your company scales — is essential for growth.

The most common data operations include data visualization, data administration, data analysis and data engineering. Data can be complex to understand without proper training. When you’re equipped with the right tools and training, you’ve already put yourself on the fast track to a successful career in Information Technology.

4. System networking

System networking — connecting computer devices that exchange data across a network — is also an important skill for new and seasoned IT professionals. All IT professionals need the ability to understand, troubleshoot and problem-solve computer networks and systems, particularly when your company depends on those systems to run smoothly.

Skills in system networking are diverse, and largely depend on the responsibilities your company is asking you to handle. Depending on your role, you might handle system networking tasks like administering diverse operating systems, cloud applications, configuring software and maintaining different kinds of networks.

5. UX/UI

User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) aren’t the most recognizable IT skills. However, both fields are becoming incredibly vital as IT landscapes shift toward a smooth user experience. Your skills in UI and UX will come in handy in virtually any IT role, as you create networks — both customer and employee-facing — that are easy to understand and navigate.

6. Mobile applications

It’s no secret — many customers prefer the mobile experience. IT companies are now building programs to run primarily on mobile phones, through apps that provide unique digital solutions.

While application programming interface (API) development and cross-platform app development frameworks aren’t yet required in IT, it’s on the horizon. Skills in mobile applications can give you an edge over your competition in the IT space.

Advance your IT career today

As one of the most popular alternatives to expensive traditional education models or unpaid internships, Pace’s IT Helpdesk Bootcamp is designed to equip you with essential IT skills, such as network architecture, programming and computer system management.

Connect with our Solutions team today to learn the IT skills you need to level up your IT career.