<a href="https://www.codecademy.com/resources/blog/what-is-information-technology/">Information technology (IT)</a> is a broad field that encompasses all of the technologies used to communicate and store and process information. It's all around us — from laptops and smartphones to servers and self-driving cars.

What does an IT Specialist do?

IT Specialists help businesses build and maintain their systems and networks. Their work can involve setting up and configuring servers and databases, as well as ensuring compliance with cybersecurity measures and resolving their teams' IT issues.

What industries employ IT Specialists?

IT Specialists are in demand in every industry since most companies rely on IT systems and devices to conduct their business. If a company uses computers as a major aspect of their work, they will need IT support of some kind.

What are the advantages of an IT career?

Competitive salaries and job security are usually touted as the biggest advantages of working in IT, but there are other benefits as well. Remote work opportunities are great for those who like flexibility, and since tech is constantly evolving, IT professionals need to keep up with the latest in their fields.

Can I get into IT without a degree?

Absolutely! <a href="https://www.codecademy.com/resources/blog/why-more-tech-companies-are-dropping-degree-requirements-when-hiring/">Companies have been dropping degree requirements</a> over the past few years to help draw more people into the field and make tech more equitable and inclusive (though earning certifications can help you stand out as a strong candidate).

Free

Course

Introduction to IT

Take your first steps into the world of IT, or Information Technology! Introduction to IT will teach you about core IT subjects.

This course includes

33,295 learners enrolled

This course includes

Skill level
Beginner
Time to complete
Average based on combined completion rates — individual pacing in lessons, projects, and quizzes may vary

3 hours
Projects
1
Prerequisites
None

About this course

Information Technology, commonly referred to as IT, refers to the use of technology to organize, store, share, and process information. The IT industry is growing quickly as companies become more technology-based and the need to manage information becomes increasingly vital. Introduction to IT is geared towards complete beginners looking to take their first steps into the world of Information Technology.

Syllabus

6 lessons • 1 projects • 7 quizzes

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Hands-on learning

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An AI-generated hint within the instructions of a Codecademy project

Animated GIF of Codecademy's Job Readiness Checker tool generating a compatibility report for a senior software engineer role

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Explore features

Projects in this course

practice Project
Decrypt Secret Messages
Practice decrypting intercepted data using the command line to thwart Evil Corp.

Meet the creator of the course

Meet the full team

Alex DiStasi

Curriculum Developer

Alex is a curriculum developer within the computer science domain, helping create courses like Introduction to IT, Introduction to Operating Systems, Computer Architecture, Java for Programmers, Learn Swift, and more.

Meet the full team

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