If you’re exploring entry-level IT (Information Technology) jobs, the right hands-on training can help you build fundamental technical skills, earn respected certifications, and start a career that offers long-term growth.
Below, we break down some of the most in-demand careers you can pursue in the IT field—plus how the Erie Institute of Technology’s tech trade school programs help students build the foundation needed to succeed.
The Rising Demand for Tech Professionals
Nearly every industry relies on technology, which means companies need skilled workers who can install, support, secure, and manage their systems. Entry-level roles such as support specialists, help desk technicians, and cybersecurity analysts remain among the most accessible paths into the field.
Many of these roles do not require a bachelor’s degree. Instead, employers increasingly look for practical skills, hands-on experience, and CompTIA A+ certification training.
If you’re exploring a career in information technology, training at an information technology school, such as the programs offered at the Erie Institute of Technology, can give you a strong head start.
1. IT Support Specialist
An IT Support Specialist is one of the most versatile positions in the tech field—and one of the most common ways to begin a career in IT. These professionals keep businesses running smoothly by supporting computer hardware and software and meeting daily user needs.
Support roles are also ideal for students preparing for CompTIA A+ certification training, because the hands-on troubleshooting directly aligns with what the certification covers.
What They Do
IT Support Specialists handle a wide range of tasks, including:
- Installing and configuring operating systems
- Troubleshooting desktop and laptop performance issues
- Replacing or upgrading hardware components
- Setting up printers, networks, and system permissions
- Helping team members solve everyday technical problems
These tasks form the backbone of most IT departments, giving new technicians valuable experience across multiple systems.
Salary and Outlook
Support specialists typically earn stable starting pay, with wages rising as technicians gain experience or move into areas like system administration or cybersecurity. Workforce studies show consistent employer demand and steady hiring each year.
2. Network Administrator
From switches and routers to cloud-based connectivity, the network is the backbone of any modern workplace—and a Network Administrator is responsible for keeping these systems connected.
Training at EIT introduces students to core networking skills, including routing, switching, TCP/IP concepts, and infrastructure maintenance. This makes the program especially valuable for anyone interested in the Network Administrator career path.
Key Responsibilities
Network Administrators typically:
- Configure routers, switches, and wireless access points
- Monitor network performance and uptime
- Maintain secure and reliable connectivity for all staff
- Troubleshoot outages and diagnose performance bottlenecks
- Support cloud-based tools and remote connections
Why It’s In-Demand
As more businesses rely on cloud services and remote access, network infrastructure has become more complex. Companies need trained professionals who understand how to manage both on-site and cloud-connected systems. This growing demand keeps networking roles strong year after year.
3. Help Desk Technician
Help Desk Technicians are the first line of support when employees run into technical issues. This role blends customer service with technical knowledge, making it a strong fit for students who enjoy problem-solving and communication.
EIT’s IT Specialist program teaches students essential help desk technician skills, such as troubleshooting, ticketing systems, and working directly with end users.
The Front Line of Tech
Help Desk Technicians often:
- Receive and log support tickets
- Remotely assist users with software or connectivity issues
- Document solutions so future problems can be solved quickly
- Escalate complex issues to senior technicians or administrators
Because they interact with every department, help desk technicians develop a wide understanding of how a business operates and where technology supports daily tasks.
Career Progression
A help desk role is widely considered a launching pad into more specialized paths. This makes it one of the most flexible entry-level IT positions for long-term growth.
With experience, many technicians move into:
- Cybersecurity roles
- Network or systems administration
- Desktop engineering
- IT project support
4. Information Security Analyst
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing areas within the IT industry. As businesses face growing threats from data breaches, organizations rely on trained professionals to protect their networks and information.
Students interested in cybersecurity often begin by learning foundational networking and security concepts before advancing into specialized roles such as network security analyst jobs.
Protecting Vital Data
Information Security Analysts help safeguard company systems by:
- Monitoring networks for unusual or suspicious activity
- Installing and configuring firewalls and intrusion detection tools
- Performing system hardening to reduce vulnerabilities
- Responding to and investigating security incidents
- Updating policies to stay ahead of evolving cybersecurity threats
A Fast-Growing Field
Cybersecurity roles continue to expand faster than many other occupations, driven by rising digital threats and the need for constant system protection. Workforce projections consistently cite cybersecurity as a high-demand career area with strong long-term stability.
5. Database Administrator
Every organization depends on data. From customer information to internal reporting systems, companies need Database Administrators (DBAs) who can store, organize, and secure large amounts of information.
For students who enjoy structure, logic, and problem-solving, data management can be an excellent entry point into IT.
Managing Information Systems
DBAs are responsible for:
- Organizing and maintaining databases so that information is easy to locate
- Ensuring authorized users can access data safely
- Managing security protocols to prevent loss or misuse
- Creating queries to pull the information businesses rely on
- Performing routine backups and recovery processes
Essential Skills
Training in SQL, Microsoft Access, and other database tools forms the foundation of DBA work and supports long-term career advancement. Strong DBAs typically learn to:
- Write and optimize database queries
- Maintain data integrity and security
- Generate reports that support business decisions
These skills are valuable across industries, from healthcare and finance to manufacturing and technology, making DBAs vital to information processing in modern workplaces.
Why Start Your Journey at Erie Institute of Technology?
Getting started in the IT field is easier with the proper training, mentorship, and hands-on experience. The Erie Institute of Technology offers vocational training programs designed to help students build valuable technical skills while preparing for today’s most in-demand jobs.
Through EIT’s IT Specialist Program, students learn the fundamentals of computer hardware, networking, operating systems, and network security in a structured, career-focused environment.
EIT’s approach centers on hands-on learning. Students don’t just read about technology—they work directly with routers, switches, servers, and diagnostic tools used in the field. This real-world experience helps graduates feel confident stepping into professional environments and satisfying employer expectations.
Hands-On Training with Real-World Equipment
One of the biggest advantages of learning at EIT is the emphasis on practical experience. Students work directly with the kinds of systems and equipment used every day in professional IT environments. Instead of relying only on theory, you’ll practice:
- Installing hardware and operating systems
- Configuring routers and switches
- Troubleshooting real network issues
- Setting up secure environments
- Using industry-standard tools to diagnose and repair problems
This hands-on approach helps students build confidence quickly and gives them an edge when applying for entry-level IT jobs after graduation.
EIT also supports students beyond the classroom. With our dedicated career services, learners can receive résumés writing guidance, interview coaching, and job placement assistance.
Certification Preparation (CompTIA A+)
Many employers prefer candidates who have earned certifications, and the CompTIA A+ remains one of the most recognized entry-level credentials in the IT industry.
EIT’s curriculum is built to help students prepare for this certification, making CompTIA A+ certification training a natural part of the learning experience.
Students learn the exact skills covered on the exam, including:
- Hardware installation and configuration
- Operating system fundamentals
- Troubleshooting techniques
- Network connectivity
- Security basics
Start Your IT Career Journey Today
Whether you want to become a support specialist, network administrator, help desk technician, or cybersecurity analyst, the right training can help you take the first step toward a rewarding future in technology. EIT’s IT Specialist Program is designed for students who want a hands-on, career-focused education that supports long-term growth in the IT field.
Start your journey and apply online today.