Online IT courses
Organizations depend on information technology to keep their data secure, systems online, and operations running smoothly. Learn how to manage IT teams, make technical decisions that align with business goals, and more with IT short courses.
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In today’s digital world, IT is essential in almost every industry, from healthcare to finance to entertainment. At its core, IT helps organizations and individuals solve problems, improve efficiency, and make data-driven decisions.
What is information technology?
Information technology (IT) is the use of computers, software, networks, and other technology to manage, process, store, and communicate electronic information.1
Harvard Business Review coined the term in 1958, stating that IT comprises three basic parts: computational data processing, application of statistical and mathematical methods to decision-making, and simulation of higher-order thinking through programming.2
Information technology plays a vital role in keeping organizations’ data secure and their systems operational, from the laptops employees use to protecting customer data from bad actors. Some of an IT’s departments key responsibilities often include:3
- Hardware deployment: IT professionals are often responsible for procuring laptops, monitors, keyboards and more for employee use. They will also manage inventory, device bug fixes, and provisions.
- Application management: Information technology departments will manage use of apps critical to an organization’s workflow. Email, video conferencing, and messaging systems are a few examples of applications that IT ensures are reliable and secure.
- Cybersecurity: IT maintains security of an organization’s network through things like software, penetration testing, and employee training. These professionals also manage access to a company’s internal and customer data.
Types of IT jobs
The IT field offers a variety of career paths, each with unique opportunities and skills. Some examples of IT-related jobs include:
- Information security analyst: Plans and executes security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. These professionals monitor and investigate security breaches, protect sensitive information, and check for vulnerabilities.4
- Systems administrator: Installs, configures, and maintains an organization’s data communication networks, operating systems, and servers. These professionals help inform hardware purchasing decisions, help maintain security, and evaluate system performance.5
- Quality assurance analyst: Designs and executes tests to find problems and explore how the software works. These professionals create test plans, identify software risks, and document defects.6
- Help desk technician: Provides technical help to non-IT computer users. These professionals analyze and diagnose computer problems, guide customers through problem-solving steps, and train users on new software.7
Skills needed for IT careers
Even with a wide variety of career opportunities in IT, there are some core skills that are foundational to the field.
Technical skills like programming and networking knowledge are vital to being able to execute on IT tasks. Some IT professionals may find that their job requires detailed knowledge of a specific programming language, such as Python, Java, or SQL. There are also database management tools like Oracle and SQL Server, and cloud computing platforms like AWS or GCP, that will be necessary to understand depending on the industry or specific company.8 A strong understanding of network systems and cybersecurity could also be useful for someone working in IT.
Soft skills such as communication and a strong attention to detail can also be important in the IT field. For example, IT professionals are often the technical medium between employees and systems. A successful IT team member can help explain how apps and networks are deployed, their limitations, and problem solve with non-technical employees.9
If you are interested in developing these skills via IT short courses, online options on GetSmarter can provide a flexible, collaborative learning environment.
Sources
1Yasar, K. (May, 2024). ‘Information technology (IT)’. Retrieved from TechTaregt.
2Leavitt, H & Whisler, T. (Nov, 1958). ‘Management in the 1980’s’. Retrieved from Harvard Business Review.
3(Feb, 2025). ‘The ultimate guide to IT department structure & responsibilities’. Retrieved from Electric.
4(Aug, 2024). ‘What information security analysts do’. Retrieved from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
5(Aug, 2024). ‘What network and computer systems administrators do’. Retrieved from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
6(Aug, 2024). ‘What software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers do’. Retrieved from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
7(Aug, 2024). ‘What computer support specialists do’. Retrieved from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
8Matzelle, E. (Feb, 2024). ‘Top IT skills in demand in 2024’. Retrieved from CompTIA.
9(Mar, 2025). ‘17 skills you need for an IT job’. Retrieved from Indeed.
Register for IT online courses
In today’s digital world, IT is essential in almost every industry, from healthcare to finance to entertainment. At its core, IT helps organizations and individuals solve problems, improve efficiency, and make data-driven decisions.
What is information technology?
Information technology (IT) is the use of computers, software, networks, and other technology to manage, process, store, and communicate electronic information.1
Harvard Business Review coined the term in 1958, stating that IT comprises three basic parts: computational data processing, application of statistical and mathematical methods to decision-making, and simulation of higher-order thinking through programming.2
Information technology plays a vital role in keeping organizations’ data secure and their systems operational, from the laptops employees use to protecting customer data from bad actors. Some of an IT’s departments key responsibilities often include:3
- Hardware deployment: IT professionals are often responsible for procuring laptops, monitors, keyboards and more for employee use. They will also manage inventory, device bug fixes, and provisions.
- Application management: Information technology departments will manage use of apps critical to an organization’s workflow. Email, video conferencing, and messaging systems are a few examples of applications that IT ensures are reliable and secure.
- Cybersecurity: IT maintains security of an organization’s network through things like software, penetration testing, and employee training. These professionals also manage access to a company’s internal and customer data.
Types of IT jobs
The IT field offers a variety of career paths, each with unique opportunities and skills. Some examples of IT-related jobs include:
- Information security analyst: Plans and executes security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. These professionals monitor and investigate security breaches, protect sensitive information, and check for vulnerabilities.4
- Systems administrator: Installs, configures, and maintains an organization’s data communication networks, operating systems, and servers. These professionals help inform hardware purchasing decisions, help maintain security, and evaluate system performance.5
- Quality assurance analyst: Designs and executes tests to find problems and explore how the software works. These professionals create test plans, identify software risks, and document defects.6
- Help desk technician: Provides technical help to non-IT computer users. These professionals analyze and diagnose computer problems, guide customers through problem-solving steps, and train users on new software.7
Skills needed for IT careers
Even with a wide variety of career opportunities in IT, there are some core skills that are foundational to the field.
Technical skills like programming and networking knowledge are vital to being able to execute on IT tasks. Some IT professionals may find that their job requires detailed knowledge of a specific programming language, such as Python, Java, or SQL. There are also database management tools like Oracle and SQL Server, and cloud computing platforms like AWS or GCP, that will be necessary to understand depending on the industry or specific company.8 A strong understanding of network systems and cybersecurity could also be useful for someone working in IT.
Soft skills such as communication and a strong attention to detail can also be important in the IT field. For example, IT professionals are often the technical medium between employees and systems. A successful IT team member can help explain how apps and networks are deployed, their limitations, and problem solve with non-technical employees.9
If you are interested in developing these skills via IT short courses, online options on GetSmarter can provide a flexible, collaborative learning environment.
Sources
1Yasar, K. (May, 2024). ‘Information technology (IT)’. Retrieved from TechTaregt.
2Leavitt, H & Whisler, T. (Nov, 1958). ‘Management in the 1980’s’. Retrieved from Harvard Business Review.
3(Feb, 2025). ‘The ultimate guide to IT department structure & responsibilities’. Retrieved from Electric.
4(Aug, 2024). ‘What information security analysts do’. Retrieved from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
5(Aug, 2024). ‘What network and computer systems administrators do’. Retrieved from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
6(Aug, 2024). ‘What software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers do’. Retrieved from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
7(Aug, 2024). ‘What computer support specialists do’. Retrieved from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
8Matzelle, E. (Feb, 2024). ‘Top IT skills in demand in 2024’. Retrieved from CompTIA.
9(Mar, 2025). ‘17 skills you need for an IT job’. Retrieved from Indeed.
