Discover the Best IT Career Path for You

Getting into tech can feel a bit like navigating a maze, full of unfamiliar turns, overlapping paths, and the occasional dead end. But the truth is, most people don’t start with a clear map. They begin with the basics and gradually carve out an IT career path that works for them. You don’t need to have it all figured out today. This guide will help you understand your options, build essential skills, and give you a clearer view of the path ahead, like stepping back and seeing the maze from above.

What You’ll Learn

In this guide, you’ll get a better understanding of:

• Where to start if you're new to IT

• How to build a strong technical foundation

• Common IT career paths you can grow into

• Entry-level job titles for each specialization

• How to choose a path that fits your interests and goals

Start with the Basics: The First Step in Your IT Career Path

Before you decide you want to be a networking master, it’s important to learn the core skills that power all areas of IT. These include:

• Understanding how computers and operating systems work

• Learning how to troubleshoot basic technical issues

• Getting comfortable with hardware, software, and networking basics

• Knowing how to follow IT processes and support users

The best way to build this foundation is through CompTIA A+ training. This cert is a widely recognized starting point for new IT professionals. It covers everything from managing devices and networks to understanding cybersecurity and troubleshooting problems. It prepares you for roles like:

• Help Desk Technician

• IT Support Specialist

• Desktop Support Technician

These roles are often the first step in a tech career, and from there, the rest of the maze lays open to explore.

If you want to start with the basics, our IT Support Specialist program covers all the content in CompTIA A+, getting you through the content and building your confidence through instructor mentor support, peer discussion and skill labs.

Choose Your Specialization Path

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to start shaping your IT career path. These are just a few of the possible specializations to help inspire you as you think about how you want to navigate your career journey.

1. Systems Support

If you enjoy solving problems, working with users, and improving systems, a career as an IT generalist, or IT support, might be the right fit. You’ll build on your foundational skills by learning how to:

• Monitor system performance

• Support business applications

• Troubleshoot escalated issues

• Manage IT projects

Here are some entry-level job titles to look for in this specialization. Looking up posted job listings online under these titles may help you determine whether this is the route for you:

• Junior IT Analyst

• Technical Support Specialist

• IT Operations Associate

Helpful Certifications and programs for this path: CompTIA Network+,ITIL® 4 Foundation, CompTIA A+

Our Computer User Support Specialist program covers the preparation for Comptia A+, Security+, Network+ and ITIL® 4 Foundation, which makes it a great starting point for most beginners in the IT space before they truly specialize. Because this program includes A+, you could consider this more robust program as a first step in your IT career journey if you want to start strong.

2. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing fields in tech. If you’re detail-oriented and like the idea of protecting data, systems, and people, this path might be for you.

In cybersecurity roles, you could be:

• Monitoring for threats

• Responding to incidents

• Helping an organization stay secure and compliant

Here are some entry-level job titles to look for in this specialization. Looking up posted job listings online under these titles may help you determine whether this is the route for you:

• Cybersecurity Analyst

• Junior Penetration Tester

• Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst – Tier 1

Helpful Certifications and programs for this path: CompTIA Security+, Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+), CompTIA PenTest+

Our Cyber Security Analyst program is designed to get you ready to take the Security+, CySA+, and PenTest+ exams with structured guidance every step of the way. With expert instructors, hands-on labs and targeted feedback, you'll build real-world skills and the confidence to take on your first role.

3. Networking

Networking is the backbone of every organization’s tech infrastructure. If you’re interested in how computers connect and communicate, a career in networking might be a great match.

You’ll work with:

• Routers, switches, and firewalls

• Network design and troubleshooting
  Cloud-based and hybrid environments

Helpful Certifications and programs for this path: CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Security+

Here are some entry-level job titles to look for in this specialization. Looking up posted job listings online under these titles may help you determine whether this is the route for you:

• Network Support Specialist

• Junior Network Administrator

• IT Infrastructure Technician

4. Cloud and Virtualization

Cloud technology is changing the way businesses operate. If you’re drawn to scalability, automation, and virtual systems, you might thrive in a cloud-focused role.

You’ll explore:

• Amazon Web Services (AWS)

• Microsoft Azure

• Virtual machines and storage

Here are some entry-level job titles to look for in this specialization. Looking up posted job listings online under these titles may help you determine whether this is the route for you:

• Cloud Support Associate

• Junior Systems Administrator

• IT Technician – Cloud Services

Helpful Certifications and programs for this path: AWS Cloud Practitioner, Azure Fundamentals, CompTIA Cloud+

How to Choose the Right Path

Still not sure which direction is right for you? As you learn, pay attention to what sticks. Which lessons make you perk up a little? Which labs do you fly through without realizing time has passed? That’s your curiosity pointing you somewhere.

Also, think about the kind of work that feels energizing to you. Do you like digging into problems until something clicks? Cybersecurity might scratch that itch. Do you like helping people feel less overwhelmed by technology? There's huge value in support and systems roles, especially early in your career.

Keep in mind that your first job doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to get you in the door. It’s okay to learn what isn’t a fit as much as what is. And you don’t have to figure this out alone. The instructors and career services team at ACI Tech Academy are here to help you explore options, build confidence and carve out a path that actually works for you.

Getting Started

No matter where you start, remember you don’t need to have it all figured out right away. The hardest part is getting started at all and not letting fear get between you and your new career. The key is to start learning, get certified, and gain real experience. From there, you can pivot, specialize and grow your career in the direction that works for you. The world of IT is full of possibilities, and this guide was just the tip of the iceberg.

Ready to get started? Take the first step and contact one of our advisers. They’ll reach out to talk through your learning and career goals and get you information on a program that is best for you.

Key Takeaways

• Most IT professionals start with foundational training like CompTIA A+ before specializing.

• Career paths in IT include roles in cybersecurity, networking, support, and more.

• Entry-level certifications can lead to jobs like Help Desk Technician, SOC Analyst, or Network Support Tech.

• You don’t need to have it all figured out on day one—your IT career path can grow and evolve with you.

• With the right training and support, you can turn curiosity into a career in tech.