what problem solving skills are needed in the field of information technology

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Critical thinking and problem solving with technology.

Brief Summary: Critical thinking and problem solving is a crucial skill in a technical world that can immediately be applied to academics and careers. A highly skilled individual in this competency can choose the appropriate tool to accomplish a task, easily switch between tools, has a basic understanding of different file types, and can troubleshoot technology when it’s not working properly. They can also differentiate between true information and falsified information online and has basic proficiency in data gathering, processing and interpretation. 

Learners with proficient skills in critical thinking and problem solving should be able to: 

• Troubleshoot computers and mobile devices when issues arise, like restarting the device and checking if it requires a software or operating system update 
• Move across tools to complete a task (for example, adding PowerPoint slides into a note taking app for annotation) 
• Differentiate between legitimate and falsified information online 
• Understand basic file types and know when to use them (for example, the difference between .doc and .pdf files) 

Market/Employer Trends: Employers indicate value in employee ability to problem solve using technology, particularly related to drawing information from data to identify and solve challenges. Further, knowing how to leverage technology tools to see a problem, break it down into manageable pieces, and work toward solving is of important value. Employers expect new employees to be able to navigate across common toolsets, making decisions to use the right tool for the right task.  

Self-Evaluation: 

Key questions for reflection: 

• How comfortable are you when technology doesn’t work the way you expect?  
• Do you know basic troubleshooting skills to solve tech issues?  
• Do you know the key indicators of whether information you read online is reliable? 

Strong digital skills in this area could appear as: 

• Updating your computer after encountering a problem and resolving the issue 
• Discerning legitimate news sources from illegitimate ones to successfully meet goals 
• Converting a PowerPoint presentation into a PDF for easy access for peers who can’t use PowerPoint 
• Taking notes on a phone and seamlessly completing them on a computer

Ways to Upskill: 

Ready to grow your strength in this competency? Try: 

• Reviewing University Libraries’ resources on research and information literacy  
• Read about troubleshooting in college in the Learner Technology Handbook 
• Registering for ESEPSY 1359: Critical Thinking and Collaboration in Online Learning  

Educator Tips to Support Digital Skills: 

• Create an assignment in Carmen prompting students to find legitimate peer-reviewed research  
• Provide links to information literacy resources on research-related assignments or projects for student review 
• Develop assignments that require using more than one tech tool to accomplish a single task 

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5 Skills That All IT Jobs Require

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The IT field is flush with diverse roles marked by distinct responsibilities. Cybersecurity engineers keep pace with cyberattackers. Mobile developers write lines of code to build apps from the ground up. Data scientists gather and analyze data to help companies make sound business decisions. Each of these IT jobs requires specific knowledge and experience.

But all this job-specific know-how is predicated on fundamental IT skills. Here are some of the foundational skills that nearly every IT position requires.

1. Technical skills.

Although the specific set of requisite technical skills varies by position, every IT job requires some degree of technical proficiency. All IT careers are built upon a basic, foundational understanding of computers, software, and networks. The Balance Careers says that IT professionals need a working knowledge of the basic coding languages like HTML and C++ and have a grasp of areas such as cloud computing, architecture, and software development. Whether IT professionals are developing software or managing systems, they need these basic skills to succeed.

2. Analytical skills.

Analytical thinking is the basis of troubleshooting, and IT professionals use this skill when they're trying to determine why a line of code isn't working as it should or why a network connection failed. Regardless of role, IT professionals are regularly tasked with gathering information through observation and research, analyzing the information using logic and reasoning, developing ideas or solutions based on this analysis, and testing those ideas through trial and error.

3. Time-Management skills.

LinkedIn lists time management as one of the top skills companies across all industries—not just IT—look for in new hires. But most IT jobs are set in fast-paced environments in which employees juggle multiple responsibilities, so solid time-management and organizational skills are paramount to keeping all the balls in the air. A help desk employee might have a half dozen open support tickets to clear; a server administrator might have some security updates to perform, some network privileges to grant, and a new server to configure. The ability to budget time wisely is critical to keeping projects on track.

4. Problem-Solving skills.

IT employees are frequently called upon to solve problems, whether it's fixing a malfunctioning piece of equipment or figuring out how to improve efficiency through the use of technology. Effective problem-solving requires sharp analytical skills, as well as creativity, perseverance, and resourcefulness.

Highly skilled problem-solvers must be ready to innovate approaches to solve complex problems. They must be willing to work on problems even after others have given up, and they must be able to call upon outside assistance when an issue outstrips their ability.

5. Communication skills.

Communication is a critical skill for any job in any industry. But it's especially important for IT professionals, who work with many different professionals, including coworkers, tech vendors, teammates, and C-suite executives. Since communication styles can differ from one professional to another, IT professionals need strong oral and written communication skills to express technical and nontechnical concepts to other professionals and colleagues.

Gaining the right skills.

Many of these critical skills can be learned on the job—and they're also transferable to a wide range of careers. The best way to acquire technical skills, though, is to enroll in a certification or degree program . An industry certification or degree proves to employers that you possess the required technical skills. And if you choose the right IT degree program, you'll also learn essential nontechnical skills, such as communication, analytical thinking, and problem-solving.

If you choose a degree program that combines technical acumen and soft skill development , you'll be well-positioned for success in any IT career.

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What Is Problem Solving? How Software Engineers Approach Complex Challenges

From debugging an existing system to designing an entirely new software application, a day in the life of a software engineer is filled with various challenges and complexities. The one skill that glues these disparate tasks together and makes them manageable? Problem solving . 

Throughout this blog post, we’ll explore why problem-solving skills are so critical for software engineers, delve into the techniques they use to address complex challenges, and discuss how hiring managers can identify these skills during the hiring process. 

What Is Problem Solving?

But what exactly is problem solving in the context of software engineering? How does it work, and why is it so important?

Problem solving, in the simplest terms, is the process of identifying a problem, analyzing it, and finding the most effective solution to overcome it. For software engineers, this process is deeply embedded in their daily workflow. It could be something as simple as figuring out why a piece of code isn’t working as expected, or something as complex as designing the architecture for a new software system. 

In a world where technology is evolving at a blistering pace, the complexity and volume of problems that software engineers face are also growing. As such, the ability to tackle these issues head-on and find innovative solutions is not only a handy skill — it’s a necessity. 

The Importance of Problem-Solving Skills for Software Engineers

Problem-solving isn’t just another ability that software engineers pull out of their toolkits when they encounter a bug or a system failure. It’s a constant, ongoing process that’s intrinsic to every aspect of their work. Let’s break down why this skill is so critical.

Driving Development Forward

Without problem solving, software development would hit a standstill. Every new feature, every optimization, and every bug fix is a problem that needs solving. Whether it’s a performance issue that needs diagnosing or a user interface that needs improving, the capacity to tackle and solve these problems is what keeps the wheels of development turning.

It’s estimated that 60% of software development lifecycle costs are related to maintenance tasks, including debugging and problem solving. This highlights how pivotal this skill is to the everyday functioning and advancement of software systems.

Innovation and Optimization

The importance of problem solving isn’t confined to reactive scenarios; it also plays a major role in proactive, innovative initiatives . Software engineers often need to think outside the box to come up with creative solutions, whether it’s optimizing an algorithm to run faster or designing a new feature to meet customer needs. These are all forms of problem solving.

Consider the development of the modern smartphone. It wasn’t born out of a pre-existing issue but was a solution to a problem people didn’t realize they had — a device that combined communication, entertainment, and productivity into one handheld tool.

Increasing Efficiency and Productivity

Good problem-solving skills can save a lot of time and resources. Effective problem-solvers are adept at dissecting an issue to understand its root cause, thus reducing the time spent on trial and error. This efficiency means projects move faster, releases happen sooner, and businesses stay ahead of their competition.

Improving Software Quality

Problem solving also plays a significant role in enhancing the quality of the end product. By tackling the root causes of bugs and system failures, software engineers can deliver reliable, high-performing software. This is critical because, according to the Consortium for Information and Software Quality, poor quality software in the U.S. in 2022 cost at least $2.41 trillion in operational issues, wasted developer time, and other related problems.

Problem-Solving Techniques in Software Engineering

So how do software engineers go about tackling these complex challenges? Let’s explore some of the key problem-solving techniques, theories, and processes they commonly use.

Decomposition

Breaking down a problem into smaller, manageable parts is one of the first steps in the problem-solving process. It’s like dealing with a complicated puzzle. You don’t try to solve it all at once. Instead, you separate the pieces, group them based on similarities, and then start working on the smaller sets. This method allows software engineers to handle complex issues without being overwhelmed and makes it easier to identify where things might be going wrong.

Abstraction

In the realm of software engineering, abstraction means focusing on the necessary information only and ignoring irrelevant details. It is a way of simplifying complex systems to make them easier to understand and manage. For instance, a software engineer might ignore the details of how a database works to focus on the information it holds and how to retrieve or modify that information.

Algorithmic Thinking

At its core, software engineering is about creating algorithms — step-by-step procedures to solve a problem or accomplish a goal. Algorithmic thinking involves conceiving and expressing these procedures clearly and accurately and viewing every problem through an algorithmic lens. A well-designed algorithm not only solves the problem at hand but also does so efficiently, saving computational resources.

Parallel Thinking

Parallel thinking is a structured process where team members think in the same direction at the same time, allowing for more organized discussion and collaboration. It’s an approach popularized by Edward de Bono with the “ Six Thinking Hats ” technique, where each “hat” represents a different style of thinking.

In the context of software engineering, parallel thinking can be highly effective for problem solving. For instance, when dealing with a complex issue, the team can use the “White Hat” to focus solely on the data and facts about the problem, then the “Black Hat” to consider potential problems with a proposed solution, and so on. This structured approach can lead to more comprehensive analysis and more effective solutions, and it ensures that everyone’s perspectives are considered.

This is the process of identifying and fixing errors in code . Debugging involves carefully reviewing the code, reproducing and analyzing the error, and then making necessary modifications to rectify the problem. It’s a key part of maintaining and improving software quality.

Testing and Validation

Testing is an essential part of problem solving in software engineering. Engineers use a variety of tests to verify that their code works as expected and to uncover any potential issues. These range from unit tests that check individual components of the code to integration tests that ensure the pieces work well together. Validation, on the other hand, ensures that the solution not only works but also fulfills the intended requirements and objectives.

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Evaluating Problem-Solving Skills

We’ve examined the importance of problem-solving in the work of a software engineer and explored various techniques software engineers employ to approach complex challenges. Now, let’s delve into how hiring teams can identify and evaluate problem-solving skills during the hiring process.

Recognizing Problem-Solving Skills in Candidates

How can you tell if a candidate is a good problem solver? Look for these indicators:

• Previous Experience: A history of dealing with complex, challenging projects is often a good sign. Ask the candidate to discuss a difficult problem they faced in a previous role and how they solved it.
• Problem-Solving Questions: During interviews, pose hypothetical scenarios or present real problems your company has faced. Ask candidates to explain how they would tackle these issues. You’re not just looking for a correct solution but the thought process that led them there.
• Technical Tests: Coding challenges and other technical tests can provide insight into a candidate’s problem-solving abilities. Consider leveraging a platform for assessing these skills in a realistic, job-related context.

Assessing Problem-Solving Skills

Once you’ve identified potential problem solvers, here are a few ways you can assess their skills:

• Solution Effectiveness: Did the candidate solve the problem? How efficient and effective is their solution?
• Approach and Process: Go beyond whether or not they solved the problem and examine how they arrived at their solution. Did they break the problem down into manageable parts? Did they consider different perspectives and possibilities?
• Communication: A good problem solver can explain their thought process clearly. Can the candidate effectively communicate how they arrived at their solution and why they chose it?
• Adaptability: Problem-solving often involves a degree of trial and error. How does the candidate handle roadblocks? Do they adapt their approach based on new information or feedback?

Hiring managers play a crucial role in identifying and fostering problem-solving skills within their teams. By focusing on these abilities during the hiring process, companies can build teams that are more capable, innovative, and resilient.

Key Takeaways

As you can see, problem solving plays a pivotal role in software engineering. Far from being an occasional requirement, it is the lifeblood that drives development forward, catalyzes innovation, and delivers of quality software. 

By leveraging problem-solving techniques, software engineers employ a powerful suite of strategies to overcome complex challenges. But mastering these techniques isn’t simple feat. It requires a learning mindset, regular practice, collaboration, reflective thinking, resilience, and a commitment to staying updated with industry trends. 

For hiring managers and team leads, recognizing these skills and fostering a culture that values and nurtures problem solving is key. It’s this emphasis on problem solving that can differentiate an average team from a high-performing one and an ordinary product from an industry-leading one.

At the end of the day, software engineering is fundamentally about solving problems — problems that matter to businesses, to users, and to the wider society. And it’s the proficient problem solvers who stand at the forefront of this dynamic field, turning challenges into opportunities, and ideas into reality.

This article was written with the help of AI. Can you tell which parts?

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Essential Problem-solving Skills for IT Managers

The role of an IT manager has many facets and responsibilities. Not only do you have to maintain databases and technology, you also have to manage other IT staff. Both of these things can pose different problems at different times.

Solving a problem, and solving a problem efficiently without repeated issues, are two entirely different things. Successful leaders and teams need to think critically about problems and apply long-term solutions, not just temporary fixes.

Ultimately, the way to measure the success of any manager is through the success of their team. You can improve your team’s success by honing your leadership skills and establishing a critical ability to solve problems.

Maintain a Strong IT Background

Keeping your knowledge of the field of IT fresh is important for any IT manager. This will help you identify potential issues and recognize what to do when problems do eventually occur. Additionally, the world of IT is incredibly fast-paced, so it’s important to continually develop your skills as processes and industry standards change.

Pursuing an IT degree can give you a firm IT foundation on which to build leadership skills. Even if you already have an IT degree, pursuing an advanced degree such as a master’s or enrolling in professional development courses is a great idea to keep both your technical and interpersonal skills sharp.

Improve Cybersecurity Awareness

One of the quickest ways to solve a problem is to anticipate them before they occur. There are several ways that IT managers can intercept problems and set up security nets to prevent them from happening. For example, sending out newsletters or holding workshops for team members can help keep everyone informed.

Holding cybersecurity awareness events such as seminars or webinars can also help you improve leadership skills, such as public speaking, and help inspire feelings of confidence in your team.

Know Your Team

Every good manager needs to know their team. This is crucial to smart delegation, which is challenging but incredibly valuable for organizational growth. Knowing your team’s strengths, weaknesses, and skills helps you create better processes and solve problems more effectively. Ways you can get to know your team as a manager include:

• Paying attention to how they take feedback;
• Observing their time-management skills;
• Measuring output time against quality over extended periods;
• Soliciting direct feedback from team members.

Knowing your team’s skills can also help you identify areas for improvement, whether through training or expanding the team. Additionally, keeping in touch with past coworkers can help grow your professional network and open the door for new opportunities.

Communication Skills

Communication skills are just as important as technical skills for IT managers. Keeping in touch with your team, clearly explaining expectations, describing issues, and performing administrative reviews are all essential parts of an IT manager’s role. These skills, however, don’t necessarily mean you should know how to hold lectures with your team. Instead, you should be able to hold productive conversations where your team members feel heard and valued.

Joining a professional association, holding routine meetings, and soliciting feedback from your team are all ways you can improve your communication skills on the job.

Identifying and Solving Problems

Solving problems begins with identifying problems that need to be, or even can be, solved. There are several ways you can go about problem-solving, though all will involve some of the same general steps:

• Looking for root causes: Some problems have more than one cause. Looking for the root of the problem by tracing back the problem timeline can help you, as an IT manager, ensure you’re addressing the full scale of the problem. Incomplete analysis of a problem can lead to incomplete solutions.
• Communicating the problem: Even if the problem is only affecting a single team, you must communicate any problems, as well as the next steps, to the entire company well in advance. This kind of transparency helps inspire confidence and keeps everyone on the same page.
• Developing solutions: Developing solutions is a great opportunity to outsource to your team or other departments in the company. As the old saying goes, two heads are better than one — and with a large pool of solutions, you can refine them down to something that will work for you.
• Implementing solutions: Implementing solutions can be as simple as changing one step in a process or as complex as overhauling operations. This will be determined by the solution you choose, the scale of the project, and the available resources.
• Measuring the results: Success for every problem or plan won’t be defined in the same way. It’s important to identify what success means to you and your company when you measure the results of your plan.

Some problems are more complex than others, so plan carefully for how much time, energy, and resources you’ll need to fully address all problems.

Monitor Support Tickets

Support tickets are an essential part of IT work and inform you about smaller or more contained problems that need to be addressed. However, recognizing patterns within day-to-day support issues can eventually point to a more widespread problem that needs to be solved. Monitoring support tickets, which tells you when problems occur as well as their source, can help you identify these patterns. For example, if problems always occur during a certain step in a process, then you may need to reroute or adjust that process.

Having an educational background in IT can help you learn how to connect the dots, determine immediate fixes, and ideate long-lasting solutions to these issues when they arise.

Develop a Plan

After determining the source and scope of the issue and your team’s abilities, you should develop a plan. This is important for adequately solving the problem at hand.

To develop a comprehensive plan, though, you’ll need to develop a strong understanding of the issue. This will help you determine how significant the issue is, how many people are needed to address it, and how long it should take to solve. From there, you can delegate teams, resources, and time to implement solutions.

Technology can help you develop and execute a plan by providing visualization tools, organizational tools, and fast team communication.

Take Action

For plans to be successful, they need to be enacted. Acting out plans involves communication skills, leadership skills, an understanding of IT, and an evaluation of the problem. However, you should note that some plans have contingencies that are set in place for events that may never occur. These types of plans are just as important as in-the-moment responses, as they help safeguard the organization’s future.

Before you take action, you must understand your team’s current workload. Overloading your team, even in the name of crucial work, can cause important things to slip through the cracks. Moving around less crucial work to further due dates can be an easy and cost-effective way to let problem-solving take precedence.

Zippia projects that the global IT industry will grow at a rate of 5% through 2024 . This will only increase the demand for trained IT managers to lead teams and solve problems that arise for companies. Working on your leadership and problem-solving skills, at every stage of your IT career, can help you thrive in your current role, make you a more appealing candidate for future employment opportunities, and realize your long-term career aspirations.

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Top 12 Information Technology Technician Skills to Put on Your Resume

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, having a resume that stands out is crucial for information technology technicians aiming for career advancement. Highlighting a well-rounded set of skills that goes beyond technical prowess can significantly increase your marketability and demonstrate your comprehensive expertise in the field.

Information Technology Technician Skills

• Active Directory

Python is a high-level, interpreted programming language known for its simplicity, readability, and versatility, widely used in software development, automation, data analysis, and web development.

Why It's Important

Python is important for an Information Technology Technician because it provides a simple, versatile, and powerful scripting language for automating tasks, managing systems, analyzing data, and developing applications, enhancing efficiency and productivity in IT operations.

How to Improve Python Skills

Improving your Python skills as an IT Technician involves a combination of practice, learning from more experienced developers, and staying updated with the latest trends and technologies. Here's a concise guide:

Practice Regularly: Engage in coding challenges and projects. LeetCode, HackerRank , and Project Euler are excellent platforms for honing your problem-solving skills.

Read Effective Python: Improve coding style and efficiency by reading " Effective Python: 59 Specific Ways to Write Better Python " by Brett Slatkin.

Contribute to Open Source: Gain real-world experience by contributing to open-source projects on GitHub . It's a great way to learn from more experienced programmers and get feedback on your code.

Follow Python Enhancement Proposals (PEPs): Stay informed about the best practices and the evolution of Python by reading PEPs , especially PEP 8 for style guide.

Use Python Libraries: Familiarize yourself with Python's extensive standard library and third-party libraries. Libraries like Requests for HTTP requests, Pandas for data analysis, and Flask or Django for web development can boost your productivity.

Learn Asynchronous Programming: Understand asynchronous programming in Python to write more efficient applications. Asyncio is a library to write concurrent code using the async/await syntax.

Online Courses and Tutorials: Platforms like Coursera , Udemy, and Codecademy offer courses tailored to all levels of expertise.

Join Python Communities: Participate in communities like Stack Overflow , Reddit’s r/Python , or Python.org Community for support, news, and discussions.

By integrating these resources and strategies into your learning plan, you can significantly improve your Python skills and contribute more effectively in your role as an IT Technician.

How to Display Python Skills on Your Resume

Java is a high-level, class-based, object-oriented programming language widely used for developing platform-independent applications, ranging from mobile apps to large enterprise systems. It is designed to run on the Java Virtual Machine (JVM), enabling Java applications to operate on any device or operating system supporting the JVM, thereby adhering to the write-once, run-anywhere (WORA) principle.

Java is important for an Information Technology Technician because it is a versatile, platform-independent programming language widely used for developing a range of applications, from desktop to web and mobile applications, ensuring a broad scope of work and opportunities in the IT field.

How to Improve Java Skills

Improving your Java skills involves a combination of learning new concepts, practicing coding, understanding design patterns, and staying updated with the latest developments. Here's a concise guide:

Master the Basics : Ensure a solid understanding of Java fundamentals. Oracle’s Java Tutorials offer comprehensive guidance.

Practice Coding Regularly : Enhance your problem-solving skills by practicing on platforms like LeetCode or HackerRank.

Understand Design Patterns : Familiarize yourself with common design patterns to write more efficient and reusable code. Refactoring.Guru is a great resource.

Learn Frameworks : Frameworks can significantly increase productivity. Start with Spring by exploring its official documentation .

Stay Updated : Java is continuously evolving. Follow the Oracle Java Magazine and attend webinars or conferences.

Contribute to Open Source : Apply your skills to real-world projects and collaborate with other developers on platforms like GitHub .

Seek Feedback : Join Java communities on Stack Overflow or Reddit to get feedback on your code and discuss best practices.

Commit to continuous learning and practical application to steadily improve your Java development skills.

How to Display Java Skills on Your Resume

SQL (Structured Query Language) is a standardized programming language used for managing and manipulating relational databases, allowing for data querying, updating, and administration.

SQL is crucial for Information Technology Technicians because it enables efficient management, retrieval, and manipulation of data stored in relational databases, essential for maintaining and optimizing an organization's information systems.

How to Improve SQL Skills

Improving your SQL skills involves a combination of understanding foundational concepts, practicing regularly, optimizing queries, and staying updated with the latest features and best practices. Here's a concise guide for enhancing your SQL capabilities:

Learn the Basics : Ensure a solid understanding of SQL fundamentals like SELECT statements, JOINs, GROUP BY, and ORDER BY. W3Schools SQL Tutorial offers a comprehensive starting point.

Practice Regularly : Apply your knowledge through exercises. SQLZoo and LeetCode provide a variety of problems to solve, enhancing your problem-solving skills.

Understand Query Optimization : Learn how to write efficient queries to improve performance. This includes indexing, avoiding subqueries when possible, and using EXPLAIN plans to understand query execution. Use The Index, Luke is a great resource for learning about indexing and query optimization.

Explore Advanced Topics : Delve into complex SQL topics like window functions, CTEs (Common Table Expressions), and dynamic SQL for more sophisticated data manipulation. PostgreSQL’s Documentation covers advanced topics extensively, applicable to many SQL dialects.

Stay Updated : SQL standards and database features evolve, so follow blogs, forums, and official documentation of your preferred SQL database(s) to stay informed. DB-Engines Blog is a good source for staying up-to-date with database technologies.

Join a Community : Engage with other SQL users to share knowledge and solve problems together. Stack Overflow and Reddit’s r/SQL are active communities for getting help and discussing SQL queries and best practices.

By focusing on these areas, you'll gradually improve your SQL skills, leading to more efficient database management and data analysis capabilities.

How to Display SQL Skills on Your Resume

Linux is an open-source, Unix-like operating system kernel used in a variety of computing environments, from embedded systems to servers and desktops, known for its stability, security, and flexibility in supporting diverse software and hardware platforms.

Linux is important for an IT technician because it offers a stable, secure, and customizable operating system that is widely used in servers, networking, and development environments, enhancing skills in system administration, troubleshooting, and cybersecurity.

How to Improve Linux Skills

Improving Linux, especially from an Information Technology Technician's perspective, revolves around enhancing system performance, security, and usability. Here are concise strategies:

System Performance :

• Kernel Tuning : Adjust kernel parameters via /etc/sysctl.conf to optimize for specific workloads. Reference: Kernel Parameters .
• I/O Scheduler : Choose the appropriate I/O scheduler (e.g., noop , deadline , cfq ) based on your system's role. Guide: Choosing an I/O Scheduler.
• System Monitoring : Use tools like htop , iotop , or nmon for real-time monitoring and identifying bottlenecks. Tools: Performance Monitoring Tools .
• Firewall Configuration : Implement and configure firewalls using iptables or firewalld . Tutorial: FirewallD Basics .
• Regular Updates : Keep the system and applications updated to patch vulnerabilities. Command: sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade for Debian-based systems.
• Use SELinux/AppArmor : Enforce security policies and access controls. Overview: SELinux vs. AppArmor.

Usability :

• Shell Customization : Utilize tools like zsh with frameworks like oh-my-zsh for a more efficient and pleasant terminal experience. Guide: Oh My Zsh .
• Desktop Environment : Choose a lightweight and efficient desktop environment like XFCE or LXDE for better system performance. Comparison: Desktop Environments.
• Automation : Employ scripts and tools like Ansible for automating system updates and configuration tasks. Introduction: Ansible for Beginners .

Each of these strategies can significantly enhance the Linux experience, making systems more robust, secure, and enjoyable to use. Keep in mind that the specific implementations can vary based on the Linux distribution and the underlying hardware.

How to Display Linux Skills on Your Resume

AWS (Amazon Web Services) is a comprehensive cloud computing platform provided by Amazon, offering scalable and cost-effective cloud computing solutions including computing power, storage options, and networking capabilities to IT professionals and businesses.

AWS (Amazon Web Services) is crucial for Information Technology Technicians as it provides scalable, reliable, and secure cloud computing resources, enabling efficient deployment, management, and operation of applications and infrastructure with reduced hardware costs and increased flexibility.

How to Improve AWS Skills

To improve your AWS skills as an Information Technology Technician, follow these concise steps:

Educate Yourself : Start with AWS Training and Certification to understand the fundamentals and advance your knowledge.

Hands-On Practice : Utilize the AWS Free Tier to gain hands-on experience with AWS services.

Read AWS Whitepapers : Enhance your knowledge on best practices and technical strategies by reading AWS Whitepapers .

Join AWS Communities : Engage with the AWS Community to exchange ideas and get answers to your questions.

Experiment with Projects : Apply your skills on real-world projects or through scenarios on platforms like Qwiklabs.

Follow AWS Blogs : Stay updated with the latest trends and announcements by following the AWS News Blog .

Use AWS Documentation : Refer to AWS Documentation for in-depth understanding of services and features.

By following these steps, you'll progressively improve your AWS skills and stay relevant in the ever-evolving cloud computing landscape.

How to Display AWS Skills on Your Resume

6. PowerShell

PowerShell is a task automation and configuration management framework from Microsoft, consisting of a command-line shell and scripting language built on the .NET framework, designed for system administration, automation, and batch processing.

PowerShell is crucial for IT Technicians because it allows for the automation of administrative tasks, efficient system management, and the ability to configure system settings and manage files across a network, enhancing productivity and ensuring consistent system configurations.

How to Improve PowerShell Skills

To improve your PowerShell skills as an Information Technology Technician, focus on the following concise steps:

Learn the Basics : Start with the fundamentals of PowerShell commands, syntax, and scripting. Microsoft’s official documentation is an excellent resource.

Practice Scripting : Regularly write scripts to automate your daily tasks. Use GitHub to find and contribute to PowerShell projects for real-world experience.

Use the Help System : Master the Get-Help command to understand cmdlets, syntax, and usage directly within PowerShell.

Explore Modules : Utilize built-in and community modules for specific tasks. Discover modules on the PowerShell Gallery .

Join the Community : Engage with PowerShell communities on Reddit or Stack Overflow to learn from others and get your questions answered.

Stay Updated : Follow PowerShell blogs and Microsoft’s PowerShell Team Blog for the latest updates, tips, and techniques.

Set Up a Lab Environment : Use virtual machines or containers to create a safe environment for experimentation and learning.

By following these steps and consistently practicing, you'll significantly improve your PowerShell capabilities.

How to Display PowerShell Skills on Your Resume

Cisco is a multinational technology conglomerate that specializes in networking hardware, software, and telecommunications equipment. It provides products and services used to create internet solutions that enable individuals and companies to connect, communicate, and collaborate effectively.

Cisco is a pivotal player in networking and communications, offering essential hardware, software, and services that enable secure and efficient data transmission across global networks. For an Information Technology Technician, Cisco's solutions are critical for building, managing, and safeguarding modern IT infrastructures, ensuring reliable connectivity and cybersecurity.

How to Improve Cisco Skills

Improving your Cisco skills as an Information Technology Technician involves continuous learning and practice. Here are concise steps to enhance your expertise:

Get Certified : Start with Cisco's Entry-Level Certifications like CCNA and work your way up. Certifications validate your skills and knowledge.

Practical Experience : Apply your knowledge in real-world scenarios. Use Cisco's Packet Tracer for simulation and hands-on practice.

Stay Updated : Follow Cisco Blogs and Cisco Learning Network for the latest trends, technologies, and best practices.

Join Forums and Groups : Engage in communities like the Cisco Community to exchange knowledge, solve problems, and network with professionals.

Online Courses and Tutorials : Utilize platforms like Udemy or Coursera for structured learning paths beyond certifications.

By following these steps and dedicating time to both theoretical study and practical application, you can significantly improve your Cisco skill set.

How to Display Cisco Skills on Your Resume

VMware is a leading software company that provides cloud computing and virtualization technology, enabling IT technicians to create and manage virtual machines (VMs) on a single physical server, improving resource efficiency, scalability, and system management.

VMware is important because it allows IT technicians to create and manage virtual machines, enabling efficient resource utilization, simplified disaster recovery, and streamlined deployment and testing of applications and operating systems within a secure and isolated environment.

How to Improve VMware Skills

Improving VMware performance and efficiency involves optimizing various aspects of the virtual environment, from hardware allocation to software settings. Here are concise strategies tailored for an IT Technician:

Allocate Resources Wisely : Ensure VMs have appropriate resources (CPU, memory, and storage) based on their workload. Avoid overprovisioning.

VMware Tools : Keep VMware Tools updated across all VMs for enhanced performance and driver compatibility.

Storage Performance : Use VMware vSAN for optimized storage solutions and consider SSDs for high-performance needs.

Network Optimization : Leverage VMXNET3 network adapters and adjust bandwidth settings according to your network workload.

Regular Updates : Keep your VMware environment (ESXi, vCenter) up to date to benefit from the latest features and security patches.

Use VMware's Best Practices : Refer to VMware's performance best practices to ensure your configurations are optimized for the best performance.

Monitor and Analyze : Utilize tools like vRealize Operations for comprehensive monitoring and to identify inefficiencies or potential improvements.

Power Settings : Adjust the power settings within ESXi and your VMs to ensure they're set for maximum performance, not power savings.

Balanced Resource Utilization : Employ DRS (Distributed Resource Scheduler) to automatically balance workloads across hosts in a cluster for optimal performance.

Antivirus Exclusions : Set antivirus exclusions for VMware processes and directories to prevent scanning overhead, following VMware's guidelines.

By applying these strategies, you can enhance the performance, efficiency, and reliability of your VMware environment.

How to Display VMware Skills on Your Resume

9. Active Directory

Active Directory (AD) is a Microsoft technology used for network management. It facilitates the centralized management and storage of information related to network resources, user accounts, and security attributes, allowing for efficient access control and authentication services across a Windows-based network environment.

Active Directory (AD) is crucial for an IT Technician as it centralizes and streamlines user and resource management, enhances security through centralized authentication and authorization, and simplifies network administration tasks across an organization.

How to Improve Active Directory Skills

Improving Active Directory (AD) involves enhancing its security, performance, and manageability. Here are concise strategies tailored for an IT Technician:

Update Regularly : Ensure AD and server operating systems are up-to-date to mitigate vulnerabilities. Use Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) for centralized updates.

Implement Strong Password Policies : Enforce complex passwords through Group Policy Objects (GPOs) to improve security. Microsoft's guide on password policies can help set this up.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) : Add an extra layer of security by implementing MFA. Azure MFA is a good option for AD environments.

Limit Privileged Accounts : Minimize the use of accounts with high-level privileges and regularly review permissions. The Principle of Least Privilege (PoLP) is crucial here.

Monitor and Audit AD Activities : Regularly monitor and audit AD for unusual activities to detect potential breaches early. Utilize Advanced Threat Analytics (ATA) for suspicious activity alerts.

Backup and Disaster Recovery Plan : Ensure you have a robust backup and disaster recovery plan. Microsoft's guidelines on AD forest recovery are essential.

Educate Users : Conduct regular security awareness training to prevent phishing and social engineering attacks. Resources at Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are helpful.

Regularly Clean Up and Optimize AD : Remove old user accounts and unnecessary groups. Use tools like AD Tidy for clean-up operations.

Enable LDAP Signing and SMB Signing : Increase the security of network communications. Guidance can be found in Microsoft's documentation on LDAP signing and SMB signing.

Implement a Centralized Management Solution : Use tools like Microsoft Endpoint Manager for centralized AD management and policy enforcement.

By following these strategies, an IT Technician can significantly improve the security, performance, and manageability of Active Directory.

How to Display Active Directory Skills on Your Resume

10. JavaScript

JavaScript is a scripting language used to create and control dynamic website content, such as interactive forms, animations, and complex user interfaces, enabling enhanced user experiences on web pages.

JavaScript is essential for Information Technology Technicians because it enables the creation of dynamic and interactive web applications, enhancing user experience and functionality across websites and web-based systems.

How to Improve JavaScript Skills

Improving your JavaScript skills as an Information Technology Technician involves both understanding core concepts deeply and practicing coding extensively. Here are concise steps and resources to guide you:

Master the Fundamentals : Ensure you have a solid grasp of JavaScript basics like variables, data types, functions, and control structures.

• MDN Web Docs: JavaScript Guide

Understand Asynchronous JavaScript : Learn about callbacks, promises, async/await for managing asynchronous operations.

• JavaScript.info: Asynchronous Programming

Learn About JavaScript ES6 and Beyond : Familiarize yourself with modern JavaScript features like arrow functions, template literals, destructuring, and more.

• JavaScript.info: The Modern JavaScript Tutorial

Practice Coding Regularly : Use platforms like Codecademy or freeCodeCamp to practice and apply your JavaScript knowledge through projects.

• Codecademy: JavaScript Course
• freeCodeCamp: JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures

Read Quality Code : Study open-source projects on GitHub and understand how experienced developers structure their code and solve problems.

• GitHub: Explore JavaScript Projects

Use JavaScript Tools and Libraries : Learn to use tools like NPM, Webpack, and libraries/frameworks like React or Vue.js to manage projects and build complex applications.

• NPM: Getting Started Guide
• React Official Documentation
• Vue.js Guide

Stay Updated and Connected : Follow JavaScript blogs, participate in forums, and attend meetups or webinars to stay current with trends and connect with other developers.

• JavaScript Weekly: A Weekly Newsletter
• Stack Overflow: JavaScript Questions

Improving your JavaScript skills is a continuous process. Regular practice, staying updated with the latest developments, and engaging with the community are key to becoming proficient.

How to Display JavaScript Skills on Your Resume

HTML5 is the fifth and latest major version of HTML, the standard markup language for creating and structuring web pages and applications. It introduces new elements, attributes, and APIs to enhance multimedia, graphical content, and interactivity without requiring proprietary plugins and APIs.

HTML5 is essential for Information Technology Technicians as it allows the creation of modern, interactive, and responsive web applications compatible across various devices and browsers, facilitating better user experiences and accessibility.

How to Improve HTML5 Skills

Improving your HTML5 skills involves understanding its core principles and staying updated with the latest web standards. Here are concise steps tailored for an Information Technology Technician:

Master the Basics : Ensure you're solid on the foundational elements and attributes. W3Schools offers a comprehensive starting point.

Embrace Semantic HTML : Use semantic elements ( <article> , <section> , <nav> , etc.) for better accessibility and SEO. MDN Web Docs provides an excellent reference.

Stay Updated : HTML5 is continuously evolving. Follow the WHATWG Blog for the latest updates and features.

Practice Accessibility : Learn to make your web pages accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. The Web Accessibility Initiative offers guidelines and resources.

Experiment with APIs : HTML5 comes with a rich set of APIs (e.g., Geolocation, Drag and Drop, Local Storage). Experiment with these to enhance your web applications. Tutorials and documentation on HTML5 Rocks can be very helpful.

Use Validation Tools : Regularly validate your HTML5 code using the W3C Markup Validation Service to ensure it complies with web standards.

Engage with Communities : Join forums like Stack Overflow or Reddit’s webdev community to stay informed, share knowledge, and solve problems.

Build Projects : Apply what you've learned in real-world projects. This hands-on experience is invaluable.

By following these steps and utilizing the linked resources, you can significantly enhance your HTML5 skills.

How to Display HTML5 Skills on Your Resume

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is a stylesheet language used in web development to control the layout and presentation of HTML documents, enabling the separation of content from design.

CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) is crucial for defining the presentation of web pages, enabling consistent styling, layout, and design across different browsers and devices, thus improving user experience and interface design efficiency.

How to Improve CSS Skills

Improving your CSS skills can significantly enhance the design and responsiveness of web projects. Here are concise steps to get better:

Understand the Basics : Master CSS fundamentals, from selectors to box model. MDN Web Docs on CSS is an excellent starting point.

Practice Regularly : Apply your knowledge by coding. Websites like CodePen provide a platform to experiment with CSS in real-time.

Learn CSS Layouts : Grasp different layout techniques like Flexbox and Grid. A great resource is CSS Tricks for Flexbox and CSS Grid Guide for Grid.

Responsive Design : Understand how to make designs that work on all screen sizes using media queries. Responsive Web Design Basics offers a solid introduction.

Utilize Preprocessors : Learn CSS preprocessors like Sass or LESS to write more maintainable code. Sass Guide is a good start.

Stay Updated : Follow CSS updates and best practices. CSS Weekly is a newsletter that curates the latest in CSS.

Join Communities : Engage with other developers through forums like Stack Overflow or Reddit's r/css , to exchange knowledge and stay motivated.

By following these steps and continuously exploring, you'll see significant improvement in your CSS skills, contributing to better, more efficient web design and development.

How to Display CSS Skills on Your Resume

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IT Specialist: Job Description, Salary, and Skills for 2024

In today’s digital age, Information Technology (IT) has become an integral part of every business. The demand for IT Specialists has increased exponentially, leading to a surge in job opportunities and career growth in this field.

An IT Specialist is an expert in the use and implementation of technology in various industries. They are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining computer systems and networks, providing technical support, and ensuring the security of digital information.

The importance of IT Specialists cannot be overstated. With the rapid advancements in technology, businesses must have the right IT infrastructure and support to remain competitive. The role of an IT Specialist is critical to the success of any organization.

This article will explore the job description, salary, and skills required for IT Specialists. We will delve into the various types of IT Specialist roles, the educational qualifications needed to become an IT Specialist, and the average salaries of IT Specialists across industries.

Job Description

As an IT specialist, you are responsible for maintaining the technological infrastructure of an organization. You must have a deep understanding of hardware and software systems and be able to diagnose and fix issues as they arise. In addition, you will be responsible for ensuring that systems are secure and that data is protected from theft or loss.

Overview of Roles and Responsibilities

In general, an IT specialist is responsible for:

• Maintaining the organization’s technological infrastructure
• Troubleshooting and fixing issues with hardware and software systems
• Ensuring that systems are up-to-date and secure
• Providing technical support to other employees
• Creating and implementing IT policies and procedures
• Conducting trainings on new technology and software

Key Duties and Tasks

Your key duties and tasks as an IT specialist include but are not limited to:

• Installing and configuring hardware and software systems
• Diagnosing and fixing issues with hardware and software systems
• Managing user accounts and access to systems
• Performing data backups and disaster recovery procedures
• Conducting regular security audits and ensuring that systems are up-to-date with security patches
• Developing and implementing IT policies and procedures
• Providing technical support to users and troubleshooting issues as they arise

Importance of Communication, Problem-Solving, and Critical Thinking Skills

In addition to technical knowledge, you must possess excellent communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills to succeed as an IT specialist. You will often be a liaison between technical and non-technical staff, so you need to be able to explain technical concepts to people of varying technical abilities. You will also be required to think on your feet and solve problems as they arise. Additionally, you must possess strong critical thinking skills to evaluate systems and solutions and make decisions based on data and analysis.

Examples of Specific IT Specialist Roles

Depending on the organization, there may be specific IT specialist roles that you can pursue. Some examples of these roles include:

• System Administrator: responsible for managing servers and maintaining the infrastructure of an organization’s computer network
• Network Engineer: responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining an organization’s computer network
• Security Analyst: responsible for analyzing and identifying risks to an organization’s computer systems and developing strategies to prevent attacks
• Web Developer: responsible for designing and maintaining an organization’s website

If you possess technical knowledge and excellent communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, a career as an IT specialist may be a good fit for you. IT specialist roles are constantly evolving due to continued advancements in technology and companies’ growing reliance on digital systems, resulting in a stable and lucrative job market.

IT Specialist Salary

As an IT Specialist, your earning potential can be affected by a variety of factors, including your level of experience, education, certifications, and location. Understanding these factors can help you negotiate your salary and ensure you are fairly compensated for your skills and expertise.

The average salary for an IT Specialist in the United States is $75,000 per year, with a salary range of $49,000 to $116,000. However, this range can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the type of IT specialty, job title, industry, and location.

Factors that can increase an IT Specialist’s earning potential include having specialized skills or certifications, being bilingual, having a graduate degree, or having experience in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity or cloud computing. On the other hand, factors that can decrease an IT Specialist’s earning potential include lack of experience, outdated skills, or working in a lower-paying industry.

Examples of IT Specialist salaries can vary greatly, depending on job title and location. For example, a Senior Network Engineer in San Francisco can earn an average salary of $137,000 per year, compared to an Entry-level System Administrator in New York, who can earn an average salary of $62,000 per year.

Other examples of IT Specialist salaries by job title and location include:

• Software Developer in Seattle, WA – $111,000 per year
• IT Manager in Dallas, TX – $95,000 per year
• Cybersecurity Analyst in Washington, DC – $88,000 per year
• Data Analyst in Chicago, IL – $70,000 per year

It’s important to note that salaries can also be affected by cost of living in different regions, with higher salaries typically being offered in more expensive cities. Therefore, it’s important for IT Specialists to research and negotiate their salaries based on their specific job title, location, and experience level, to ensure they are being fairly compensated for their valuable skills and expertise.

Required Skills

As technology advances and expands, the demand for IT specialists is on the rise. IT Specialists are highly valued for their ability to solve complex technical problems, and their role is critical in ensuring business continuity. Therefore, IT professionals need to have a combination of technical and non-technical skills to excel in their roles. In this section, we will discuss the skills required for IT Specialists.

Technical skills required for an IT Specialist

To become a successful IT Specialist, technical skills are essential. IT professionals must possess a strong foundation in computer hardware and software systems. They must also have a working knowledge of databases, network architecture, programming languages, and cybersecurity technologies.

Furthermore, IT specialists must be adept at configuring and troubleshooting hardware and software problems. They should also be well-versed in Cloud Computing technologies and have experience with virtualization platforms like VMware and Xen.

Non-technical skills required for an IT Specialist

While technical skills are crucial to this role, IT specialists must also have strong non-technical skills. For instance, effective communication is essential in communicating technical information in non-technical terms. Problem-solving abilities, leadership, and time management are also critical for success in this field. IT Specialists must be able to work collaboratively within teams and manage projects efficiently.

Importance of continuous learning and staying up-to-date with industry trends

IT Specialist roles continue to evolve, and as such, IT professionals must adapt to changing roles and technologies. Staying current with current industry trends, emerging technologies, and new tools is critical to remain effective in this rapidly changing industry. Ongoing training and professional development are necessary to maintain the required skill set.

Examples of specific skills needed in different IT Specialist roles

Different IT Specialist roles require different skill sets, and as such, one must have relevant skills to be considered for any position. For instance, web developers need to be proficient in programming languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and PHP.

Network administrators require skills such as network design, architecture, and administration. Cloud Engineers, on the other hand, require specialist skills, including knowledge of containerization technologies, DevOps practices, and deployment automation.

IT Specialists must possess a combination of technical and non-technical skills to excel in their roles. Staying up-to-date with ever-changing technologies is critical in this industry, necessitating continuous learning and development. Aspiring IT professionals must, therefore, be willing to invest time and resources in acquiring new skills and staying current with emerging trends.

Education and Certifications

As technology continues to advance, the need for skilled IT Specialists is on the rise. Many career paths into this field require a college education, but exactly what level of education is needed depends on the specific job. Generally, most IT Specialist positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. However, some employers will consider candidates with an associate’s degree or relevant work experience.

While education is important, certifications are equally crucial in the IT industry. Certifications help showcase that a candidate has mastered a specific skill or knowledge area. They show that a candidate has an understanding of industry practices and technologies, and can prove to be valuable assets when seeking employment.

One of the main benefits of certifications is that they can be earned without committing to a college degree program. Candidates can attain certifications faster and at a lower cost than a traditional degree. Certifications are also a desirable qualification for employers since they indicate that an individual is knowledgeable about specific technologies and tools.

It is important to differentiate between a college degree and certifications when determining which best fits a candidate’s needs. While a degree program typically focuses on computer science theory and concepts, certifications are often centered more on practical knowledge of specific tools and technologies. Candidates should decide which option best suits their career goals and financial situation.

There are numerous certifications available for IT professionals, and the relevant ones depend on the particular job. For example, the CompTIA A+ certification is well-suited for help desk technicians. This certification showcases a candidate’s knowledge of installing, configuring, and troubleshooting computer hardware and operating systems. The CCNA certification, on the other hand, demonstrates a candidate’s abilities in designing, implementing, and configuring Cisco networks, and is particularly relevant for network engineers.

Education and certifications are essential aspects of the IT industry, and candidates should consider both depending on their situation. While education can provide a solid foundation in computer science principles, certifications can demonstrate practical knowledge of specific technologies and tools. Ultimately, the right combination of education, certification, and work experience can lead to a successful career as an IT Specialist.

Career Paths

Once you have established yourself as an IT Specialist, there are many different directions you can go within the field. Some possible career paths for IT Specialists include cybersecurity analyst, cloud architect, and IT manager.

Overview of Potential Career Paths

As an IT Specialist, there are many potential career paths you can pursue. Some possible directions include:

Cybersecurity Analyst – In this position, you would work to protect your organization’s computer systems and networks from cyber threats. You would be responsible for identifying potential vulnerabilities and developing strategies to mitigate them.

Cloud Architect – As a cloud architect, you would design and manage cloud-based solutions for your organization. You would be responsible for ensuring that these solutions are secure, reliable, and efficient.

IT Manager – In this role, you would oversee the IT department of your organization. You would be responsible for managing projects, supervising staff, and ensuring that the department is functioning smoothly.

Possibilities for Advancement

As an IT Specialist, there are many opportunities for advancement within the field. Some ways to advance include:

• Specializing in a particular area, such as cybersecurity or cloud computing.
• Obtaining advanced certifications, such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification for cybersecurity professionals.
• Pursuing a higher degree, such as a Master’s in Computer Science or Information Technology Management.

Differences between Management and Technical Tracks

There are two main tracks you can pursue as an IT Specialist – management and technical. Management positions involve overseeing the IT department and ensuring that it is functioning smoothly. Technical positions involve working directly with computer systems and networks to identify and solve problems.

Examples of Career Paths

Here are a few examples of career paths for IT Specialists with different skillsets:

Cybersecurity Analyst – As a cybersecurity analyst, you would be responsible for identifying potential vulnerabilities in your organization’s computer systems and networks. You would need to be proficient in a variety of cybersecurity tools and techniques, and would need to stay up-to-date on the latest threats and trends.

Cloud Architect – As a cloud architect, you would be responsible for designing and managing cloud-based solutions for your organization. You would need to be proficient in a variety of cloud technologies, and would need to understand how to design solutions that are secure, reliable, and efficient.

IT Manager – As an IT manager, you would be responsible for overseeing the IT department of your organization. This would involve managing projects, supervising staff, and ensuring that the department is functioning smoothly. You would need to have strong leadership and management skills, as well as a deep understanding of IT operations.

There are many different career paths you can pursue as an IT Specialist, and many opportunities for advancement within the field.

Industries and Employers

As the demand for technology continues to rise, so does the need for IT specialists. IT Specialists are highly skilled individuals that can work in a wide array of industries and for various employers. Here is an overview of different industries that hire IT Specialists and types of employers that typically employ them.

Industries that Hire IT Specialists

• Large tech companies like Google, Apple, and Amazon have a constant need for IT Specialists to develop, maintain, and update their products.
• The financial industry relies heavily on technology infrastructure, therefore, requires IT Specialists to maintain that infrastructure.
• Healthcare providers rely on IT Specialists to manage and maintain their electronic health record systems and other technology-related equipment.
• Retail companies often have extensive technology systems, such as inventory management, point of sale systems, and e-commerce websites that require IT Specialists.
• Telecommunication providers require IT Specialists to maintain, repair, and upgrade their networks or other communication-related equipment.

Types of Employers that Typically Hire IT Specialists

• IT Specialists play a crucial role in large corporations, providing support to both employees and customers.
• Startups rely on IT Specialists to build their technological infrastructure from the ground up.
• Federal, state, and local government agencies require IT Specialists to manage and maintain their technological infrastructure.

Examples of Specific Companies That Hire IT Specialists in Different Industries

• Google is a leader in the technology sector, requiring IT Specialists for various roles in software development, networking, and security.
• Healthcare software company, Epic, employs IT Specialists to maintain their electronic health record system.
• Walmart is a massive retail corporation that heavily relies on IT Specialists to manage their technology systems and infrastructure.
• Telecommunication provider, Verizon, hires IT Specialists to support their network operations and customer support.

IT Specialists can play an integral role in various industries and for a range of employers. The demand for IT Specialists continues to grow as technology becomes more advanced, making it an excellent field with job security and potentially high salaries.

Challenges and Opportunities

As with any career, IT specialists face their fair share of challenges, but also have opportunities for growth and development. Here are some of the common challenges faced by IT specialists in their jobs, as well as opportunities for career advancement:

Common challenges faced by IT specialists

Navigating the ever-changing technology landscape.

One of the biggest challenges faced by IT specialists is the constant evolution of technology. Keeping up with the latest trends and tools can be daunting, but it is necessary to stay relevant in the field. This means investing time in learning new skills and staying up-to-date with emerging technologies.

Managing data and security

As companies increasingly rely on technology to store and process data, IT specialists must ensure that this data is secure and protected. This can be a complex and challenging task, especially given the constantly evolving nature of cyber threats.

Balancing competing priorities

IT specialists are often tasked with balancing competing priorities, such as maintaining existing systems while also implementing new ones. This requires strong project management skills and the ability to prioritize tasks based on their importance and impact on the business.

Managing user expectations

IT specialists often work closely with non-technical staff who may not have a clear understanding of the limitations and capabilities of technology. Managing user expectations and helping them to understand what is possible, and what is not, can be a significant challenge.

Opportunities for growth and career advancement

Despite the challenges faced by IT specialists, there are also many opportunities for growth and career advancement. Here are some of the most promising opportunities in the field:

Specialization

As technology becomes more complex, there is an increasing demand for specialists with deep expertise in specific fields. IT specialists who develop specialized skills in areas such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, or artificial intelligence, can command higher salaries and more challenging roles.

Leadership positions

IT specialists who demonstrate strong leadership skills and strategic thinking can advance into management and executive positions. This can include roles such as Chief Information Officer (CIO) or Chief Technology Officer (CTO), where they are responsible for shaping the company’s overall technology strategy.

Entrepreneurship

For IT specialists who want to take their careers in a different direction, entrepreneurship can offer a wealth of opportunities. By leveraging their technical expertise, IT specialists can start their own companies and develop innovative new technologies or services.

Examples of successful IT professionals

Here are some examples of successful IT professionals who have overcome challenges and capitalized on opportunities:

Satya Nadella

Satya Nadella is the CEO of Microsoft, one of the largest technology companies in the world. Nadella joined Microsoft in 1992 and rose through the ranks to become CEO in 2014. He is credited with leading Microsoft’s successful transition from a focus on traditional software to cloud-based services.

Angela Ahrendts

Angela Ahrendts is the former Senior Vice President of Retail at Apple.

Tips for Success

As an IT Specialist, there are certain skills and habits that can help you excel in your career. Here are some tips for success:

Communication tips for IT Specialists

Effective communication is a key aspect of any successful IT team. To improve your communication skills:

• Use straightforward language that is easy for non-technical colleagues to understand.
• Listen actively and attentively to ensure that you fully understand the needs and concerns of others.
• Use collaboration tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams to facilitate communication and teamwork.

Problem-solving strategies for common IT issues

IT Specialists are often called upon to troubleshoot and solve problems. To improve your problem-solving skills:

• Break down complex issues into smaller components to make them easier to analyze and solve.
• Use a systematic approach to problem-solving, such as the 5 Whys method or the fishbone diagram.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest technology and best practices to prevent and solve common IT issues.

Time management tips for IT Specialists

With numerous tasks and projects to manage, effective time management is crucial for IT Specialists. To make the most of your time:

• Prioritize your tasks and projects based on importance and urgency.
• Use time-tracking tools like Toggl or RescueTime to help you identify time-wasting activities and improve your productivity.
• Take breaks and refresh your mind to avoid burnout and improve focus.

Examples of

When writing articles, it can be a challenge to stay within a certain word count. Here are some examples of how to use 500 words effectively:

• Provide a clear introduction that summarizes the main points of the article and engages the reader.
• Divide the article into clear sections with subheadings for easy navigation and comprehension.
• Use data, statistics, and real-life examples to support your arguments and make them more compelling.
• Provide practical tips and actionable advice that readers can implement in their own lives or work.
• End with a strong conclusion that summarizes the main points and leaves the reader with a clear takeaway.

By following these tips for success, you can develop the skills and habits needed to excel as an IT Specialist, increase your earning potential, and take your career to the next level.

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An effective problem solving process for IT professionals

1. what is the actual problem.

This should be the first question an IT professional should ask when it comes to troubleshooting various IT related issues – even if only to verify the information that has already been provided. Typically this will mean having a conversation with the individual or group of individuals that reported the problem in the first place. It’s certainly not unheard of for the reported problem to get muddied or distorted when going through multiple people or channels before you first hear of it.

People often rephrase things when dictating what someone else previously said, so it’s quite possible for the original complaint to turn into something completely different as it passes through different people:

“The Amazon website tends to lock up my web browser whenever I add items into my Cart.” Mary, Sales Department.

“Helpdesk? Mary’s internet isn’t working when she’s online shopping.” CASE STUDY This Wisconsin manufacturer needed to modernize its IT infrastructure to support rapid business growth. Discover what they did Mary’s Boss

“Please help Mary so she can browse shopping sites. I think the internet filter is probably blocking that category.” John, creating Helpdesk ticket

We’ve all encountered these types of scenarios in the past and they can be really frustrating, even more so when the issues are much more important than whether a single employee is capable of adding items to their Amazon shopping cart.

The point here being,  don’t take what’s being told to you for granted . Spend the time necessary to verify that what is being reported to you is actually what’s occurring and the original reason the issue was raised in the first place. Furthermore, taking the time to speak with the source, in this case, Mary, allows you to ask important follow-up questions that can further aid in diagnosing the problem as its being reported.

2. Who is experiencing the problem?

Without knowledge of who is experiencing the problem, your ability to focus your troubleshooting efforts into a precise area will be diminished and you might wind up going off in a direction that’s not even necessary or even remotely related to the source of the problem. One of the questions that should be asked is, who exactly is experiencing the problem?

Is it (for example):

• A single user
• A group/department of users
• The entire remote branch office location
• The entire main office location –and- remote branch offices

Every organization is different as it relates to the “Who”, but there are stark differences in the following scenario and what could be the underlying issue relating to the company’s IP Phones when the IT professional called in to solve the problem has a clearer understanding of “Who” is actually affected:

Single User

• Jerry’s IP phone isn’t working
• This is likely an issue with Jerry’s phone specifically

A group/dept. of users

• The entire 2nd floor is having problems with IP phones
• This might be an issue specific to a network switch/VLAN on the 2nd floor

Remote/branch office

• All users in the remote/branch office are having problems with IP phones
• This might be an issue specific to the VPN connection between offices

Main and remote offices

• All users in the main and remote offices are having problems with IP phones
• This might be an issue specific to the core switch or IP Phone System itself

The point here is, when the IT professional starts to  understand “Who” is really affected , they can eliminate having to navigate down unnecessary paths while troubleshooting and can instead work towards narrowing down their troubleshooting efforts to a more specific and concise area. In the case of the single user above, why waste time troubleshooting the VPN tunnel when only Jerry is affected by the issue? This is why  knowing the “Who” is extremely important.

Here’s another example of something an IT Professional or Wireless Engineer hears from time to time.   “Help!  Wireless is completely down in the entire building.  Everyone is reporting problems” .   In these situations, do yourself a favor and pay special attention to words or phrases such as “entire”, “everyone”, and “completely down” when problems are reported.  These “all-inclusive” phraseologies tend to exaggerate what’s really happening and have the potential to lead you astray.

It’s not uncommon that while investigating the problem, the IT Professional or Wireless Engineers quickly learns that the “entire” building, or “everyone”, or that the wireless network being “completely down” (which, for example, in a school, might affect 3,000+ users) turns out to be a single wireless Access Point being down in one small office that is affecting 5 actual users (not, 3,000+ users as “everyone” seems to imply).

Bear in mind,  problems can sometimes be overblown and overstated , especially when a user, or group of users, is regularly frustrated with or intimated by technology (any IT professional has likely experienced those high-maintenance users that cry wolf over just about anything!).

3. When did the problem start?

Knowing when the problem actually started (with attention to finite details such as the exact day and exact time) can often provide a better understanding of the problem and help trigger more definitive ideas and potential solutions relating to the underlying root cause that a given IT professional is expected to solve. Imagine being brought into a new customer to resolve critical problems with their Internet Services and being told,

“The internet pipe is a problem. People are randomly seeing spotty performance and oddball issues whenever web surfing and we don’t know why.”

Now, a less-experienced IT professional might just start diving headfirst into firewall logs, bandwidth monitoring, opening up a trouble-ticket directly with the ISP and trying to figure out what is going on, but someone with more experience will first pause to ask additional questions , wanting more specifics as to “When” the problem started happening.

• Has this ALWAYS been a problem?
• WHEN were these random internet browsing issues first reported?

Certainly looking back into firewall logs and bandwidth utilization metrics over the last 2 week period makes sense knowing the issue presented itself within the last 10 days, but it hardly warrants spending much time at all looking back at logs and bandwidth utilization metrics from 3+ months ago. That being said, once again, try to VERIFY the information being told to you . Perhaps the person giving you the answer vaguely remembers that it was 10 days ago, but in truth, it’s only been 3 days!

In this particular situation where the internet is being reported as sporadic, it’s altogether possible that roughly 11 days ago, another on-site computer technician decided to enable the UTM (Unified Threat Management) functionality within their firewall to allow for additional Antivirus inspection, IDS (Intrusion Detection Services), Geo-IP Filtering, and a plethora of other goodies typically included in UTM feature-sets.

Unfortunately, as a direct result, the firewall’s processors/CPUs have become overloaded and cannot move traffic through it quickly enough to keep up with the additional processing demands required when the firewall’s UTM feature-set was enabled.

4. Is the problem intermittent or constant?

Another key element to an effective problem solving process is finding out if the reported issue is occurring constantly or whether it’s only occurring intermittently? Problems that are constant, or fixed , are generally (though not always) easier to troubleshoot . Whereas problems that are intermittent and seemingly random, are generally more difficult to troubleshoot.

How many times have we as IT professionals been called in to troubleshoot a problem, only to find that upon our arrival, the issue suddenly doesn’t seem to exist anymore yet no one did anything specific to actually resolve the problem!? Those situations can be really frustrating, not only for the IT professional but for the end-user as well because the likelihood of the issue reappearing is rather high (and most likely reappears just a few short moments after the IT professional has left!)

The best thing to do in these scenarios is document WHEN the issue occurred and how LONG it lasted before it miraculously “fixed itself”, so the next time that same problem is reported, you might be able to piece together some crude and basic assumptions or theories based on WHEN it happened previously and how LONG it lasted each time.

Wireless chaos only at lunchtime?!

5. What changed recently?

This is one question that is unfortunately not asked often enough, is just plain overlooked, or in other cases is just completely disregarded (shame on you if you fall into that category!). Technology is a very touchy and hypersensitive beast , and more often than not, it doesn’t take too kindly to introducing changes. Even the changes that are supposed to solve and prevent other known problems, often result in the introduction of new and unexpected problems.

It’s not unheard of that sometimes even routine maintenance on equipment can cause problems .

Take for example, updating firmware on a network switch . This should be a relatively trouble-free routine operation, but suddenly users are reporting that they’re occasionally having problems logging into their desktops. It’s happening to more than one user, in fact, it’s being reported sporadically throughout the building early in the morning hours when most employees arrive for the start of their shift.

“What Changed” recently? Over the weekend you decided to update the firmware on your edge switches and now the port security that was set up on the switches using AAA authentication with Radius, isn’t behaving as expected. Unfortunately, it looks like the new firmware update might have introduced a random bug! What’s the solution? Back rev your switches , or look for ever newer firmware code that might resolve the problem.

You haven’t changed anything with the VMWare software itself, still running on the same trusted vSphere 6.0 Update 1 release that has been rock solid and problem-free in your environment. So “What Changed” recently? Wait a minute, come to think of it, the host server that is regularly crashing recently had an additional 64GB of memory added to it one week ago! Might be worth removing that extra 64GB of memory and seeing if the problem goes away. Certainly wouldn’t be the first time new or additional hardware was the result of the underlying issue .

6. Can the problem be recreated?

Another helpful step for effective problem solving is trying to recreate the actual problem. As discussed before, reported problems can either be of a constant or intermittent nature. Taking the time to re-create the problem can be beneficial and especially helpful in cases where you might need to break out tools such as Wireshark to capture packets and network traffic for future analysis and evaluation. IT professionals have to make use of such tools in more complex technical support issues especially when the flow of network traffic is in question or when there’s a need to examine whether the traffic is making it from the source to destination devices.

If possible, take advantage of any sandbox or test environments that are available. Having these environments gives you the flexibility to recreate the issue and effectively “break” things on purpose, without putting your production network or systems at risk and without interrupting services that end-users are relying on during standard business hours.

Recreating the problem is also advantageous in situations where the IT professional may need to involve 3rd party technical support from a vendor as well. Often, these vendors will have the means to establish remote sessions to take control of your desktop (or the machine in which you’ve successfully recreated the problem on), which gives the vendor the ability to actually see the issue while it’s occurring to further help diagnose what is happening.

7. Are benchmarks and logs available?

Having some kind of benchmarking tool available to track and record network and server performance is beyond measure in terms of its overall value when helping an IT professional track down challenging technical issues. One of the key areas worth checking when problems are being reported is looking at the actual METRICS over a historical period of time. Metrics can prove to be invaluable when trying to figure out: Whether the problem reported actually exists or is a false positive

Maybe you’ve been in a situation where someone reports, “The file server is really slow today!” Without historical benchmarks available, taking a look at the current server performance may not yield any fruitful results because the CPU, disk, network, and memory counters all SEEM to be operating at a reasonable level, but based on and compared to what exactly?

With historical benchmarks available, there is a foundation to actually compare today’s performance on the server as it relates to the CPU, Disk, Network, and Memory (and any other metric/counter you want) VERSUS what the server has been utilizing for the past days, weeks, or months prior.

What historical benchmarks might help you discover is, that according to the historical data, perhaps there is absolutely NO difference in the server performance today versus previous days, weeks, or months? The complaint of “The file server is really slow today” turns out to be a false positive in that case, proven by the metrics an historical benchmarks. Finding the real cause and resolution to the user’s complaint is going to require you to start looking into other areas aside from the server itself. Perhaps it’s a client-side issue or networking issue.

Having benchmarks available is crucial in taking out illogical guess-work and assumptions, and replacing them with hard evidence and facts to back up your problem solving process. There are countless software options available that will give you the data you need for metrics, though we often recommend using PRTG from Paessler, which is a wonderful utility for acquiring benchmarks on your network and servers.

Logs are another important thing to consider during the troubleshooting process. Going back into log history can give a stumped IT Professional some additional clues as to what is going on, especially in cases where the question of “ When did the problem start?” remains unanswered.

Having network devices (switches, routers, firewalls, wireless, etc.) sending their log information to a dedicated syslog server (for example, Kiwi Syslog Server from SolarWinds) gives someone the opportunity to search for entries related to particular devices (by IP address) for specific warning messages or error messages.

Syslog messages and the historical information gathered here can sometimes help point the IT Professional in the right direction, not to mention, the logs themselves can be extremely valuable to the vendor of the product as well when they are involved in troubleshooting what is happening.

8. I’m officially stuck – now what?

Alright, so you find yourself in one of those rather unpleasant circumstances where you’ve asked all the right questions, dug into your resourceful bag of tricks, and find that you’ve exhausted all your technical knowledge and ability to track down the source of the problem. What do you do now? The first step is DON’T PANIC . Effective problem solving is, more often than not, substantially reduced when the IT professional is stressed out and under pressure (although in some rare cases, people tend to flourish under these “trial by fire” scenarios). Keeping panic at bay will help a person to remain calm, focused, and continue to allow them to logically walk through the problem solving process.

This is however, easier said than done, when there are countless emails and phone calls coming in demanding an update as to when the source of the problem will be fixed (and let’s not forget, potentially angry bosses that might be clueless as to why the problem is taking more than 10 minutes to resolve!).

The second step is just that, call in the cavalry! Let’s face it, there will always be instances where even the most seasoned IT professional needs assistance from peers, vendors or other resources . None of us are capable of knowing absolutely everything. When you find yourself struggling, don’t be afraid to reach out for help! What does that mean?

• Open a case with, for example, Cisco TAC support
• Open a case with, for example, Microsoft PSS support
• Involve a co-worker, professional colleague, or peer
• Partner with a local and trusted IT vendor
• Google can be your friend (be careful of “quick-fix” solutions you find)
• Look into vendor specific forums (most large-vendors have them)

The problem solving process in summary

Be sure to give yourself the absolute best chance to combat those dreaded technical support issues. The next time someone contacts you and yells in a panic, “Email is broken!” understand that you can more quickly deduct what is actually going on and help minimize the amount of time necessary to resolve the problem by simply asking the right questions :

• What is the Actual Problem?
• Who is Experiencing the Problem?
• When did the Problem Start?
• Is the Problem Intermittent or Constant?
• What Recently Changed?
• Can the Problem be Recreated?
• Are Benchmarks and Logs Available?
• I’m Officially Stuck – Now What?

Keep in mind, however, that not only do you need answers to those questions, but you need answers that are accurate .

As stated earlier, this means the IT professional may need to take the necessary time to validate the answers being provided to them. Inaccurate answers and misinformed facts will send you down the wrong troubleshooting path and unnecessarily prolong the amount of time necessary to resolve complex technical support issues. So get your facts straight!

Having the answers to these questions will allow you to immediately narrow down the scope of the problem and the potential areas at fault, conduct tests, formulate conclusions, and resolve problems even faster than you may have anticipated.

You should also read:

5 practical steps to avoid a cyber attack

Understanding the e-rate process [download primer].

Jesse is the owner of Source One Technology and has been providing IT consulting services to Enterprises , SMBs , schools , and nonprofits in Waukesha , Milwaukee , Dane , Washington , Jefferson , Ozaukee , Kenosha , Racine counties and across Wisconsin for over 18 years.

Is application virtualization now a necessity?

Microsoft deployment toolkit and windows deployment services, 2 thoughts on “an effective problem solving process for it professionals”.

Found your article very interesting. I can definitely identify with all of the points you made, especially troubleshooting. Either you can or cant troubleshoot and think logically through an issue or problem. You are right in mentioning that its something you really cannot teach. One other thing that helps with a logically stepping through the process is documentation. There should always be a repository where network diagrams, server builds, OS versions etc., are kept. I understand that a lot of times these documents cannot be relied upon due to being out of date and it seems most people scoff at the idea of keeping good documentation. But I believe it to be important to help with any troubleshooting. You also mentioned the question, Did anything change? or What changed? A big issue when attempting to troubleshoot. Every place I have worked at, always used a change management process that documented every single change, no matter how small. Of course these places had to by law (SOX audits) because they were publicly traded companies. Just wanted to say, good article!

That is a great article with some excellent questions. Working with students and teachers, I’d throw in a few extra suggestions.

1. What is a reasonable timeline for solving the problem? Often times a lack of communication to this question leads to frustration and long term mistrust regarding the reliability of technology. Asking what needs to be done from the end user’s perspective, and knowing their timeline for completion is helpful. Giving them a reasonable amount of time in which they can expect the issue to be resolved sets everybody up for success around reasonable expectations.

2. Suggest potential work-arounds when necessary — Standing in front of a group of adults and attempting to present when the technology is not working is overwhelming and frustrating. The same tech failure when you are working with a group of students and you start to lose their attention — it’s a nightmare! Knowing what tools your district provides for staff and their general purpose may allow you to offer some potential work-around ideas until the problem is resolved. There is not a fix for everything, but when you can suggest a reasonable alternative in the moment, you offer more than just tech support — you offer customer service.

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Communication in IT: Why Soft Skills Matter

If you’re working toward a job writing code or managing cybersecurity for an organization, you’ve likely explored the technical skills you’ll need to succeed. But while tech skills are essential, there’s also a growing focus on the value of soft skills, such as communication, to break into the tech field .

“Not only are soft skills important , I think they’re more important than technical skills,” said Laurel Schneider , an adjunct information technology (IT) instructor at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). “I’ve hired and managed hundreds of people over my career. The technical skills may get you the interview, but it is the soft skills that get you the job.”

Schneider is not alone. Employers across many industries named soft skills such as dependability, collaboration, flexibility and problem-solving as the top skills they want in employees, according to a report from Monster .

These skills have become increasingly necessary in the field of IT, which has become a more integral part of strategic business planning and operations in recent years.

Are you considering a career in IT ? Explore some of the top soft skills IT professionals need to succeed in the workforce as well as discover what soft skills really are.

What Are Soft Skills in the IT World?

Soft skills are the non-technical human skills needed in every job across every industry. Communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, analysis, perseverance and creativity are all considered soft skills.

Technical skills like coding and programming  are critical to success in IT roles. But without strong soft skills, even highly skilled workers can struggle in today’s workforce, said Schneider.

“You can be the best coder in the world, but if you can’t get on (a) call or be in a meeting with a customer and work through an issue and not lose your temper or sound condescending, then you’re not going to do well on a team,” she said.

What is the Role of Communication in IT?

While entry-level jobs may focus more on administrative tasks like managing passwords, supporting technological infrastructure or fixing computers, IT employees play a strategic role in business everywhere.

IT positions can be viewed as vital business partners and have been in higher organizational conversations. In order for IT roles to have those conversations, they need to have the soft skills to explain how technological solutions bring value to an organization.

Soft skills are critical to pursuing leadership roles in an IT department or company, said Daniel Hawkins , an adjunct IT instructor at SNHU. IT leaders often spend a lot more time collaborating with multiple departments and with other business leaders than sitting behind a computer.

“Moving away from the keyboard means that the IT professional starts having people work for them,” said Hawkins. “It also means working in teams, which is very collaborative. As the IT professional grows, that team collaboration evolves into leadership roles, which guides the teams to where they need to be.”

Learn how to become an IT manager .

What Soft Skills Are Needed in IT?

So, what soft skills do you need to work in today’s evolving IT environment? While communication in IT is one of the most commonly sought-after, the list of must-have soft skills is long.

Here are eight of the soft skills you'll use in an IT career.

1. Communication

When you work in IT, it’s not enough to simply understand and use your technical skills to solve problems or create opportunities for your company. You also need to be able to communicate those efforts to key stakeholders.

Depending on the project you’re working on or the role you play in the business, those stakeholders could be anyone from an end-user to a company leader.

You'll need to adapt your communication for a variety of different audiences. You can be an extremely skilled IT professional who does great work, but if you aren't able to communicate your ideas effectively to others, then your ideas may have diminished value.

2. Collaboration

When you work in IT, you may find yourself working in a team of other technology professionals. You might also have consistent contact with customers, other departments or even top executives.

Being able to work well with a variety of people from different professional experiences is key to success in this environment, said Schneider.

“It doesn’t matter where you work or if your job is customer-facing,” she said. “If you work in IT, you interface with everybody.”

3. Organization

IT professionals can end up managing many projects, tasks and problems all at once. Because of all of this multitasking, good organizational skills are valuable soft skills for IT workers.

Being organized can make you more efficient and productive at work and help you prioritize your daily tasks better, according to global tech association CompTIA .

4. Problem-solving

So much of the work done by IT departments is problem-solving. Whether you're integrating new code to fix a bug in software, creating a new cybersecurity program or responding to a hack, you'll have to utilize problem-solving skills to find innovative salutations to your issue.

These problem-solving skills are valuable and can tie in with other soft skills such as collaboration and communication, as you may have to work with others to receive their input, brainstorm and problem-solve together.

5. Analytical Thinking

Before you can successfully solve a problem, you need to analyze it from all angles and diagnose any technology issues. IT professionals with strong analytical skills can do this work more easily, even spotting potential problems before they arise.

"Being analytical gives you a major edge in IT, where you're expected to find logical solutions to problems frequently," according to CompTIA.

6. Creativity

IT may not be commonly considered an art, but solving IT problems often requires a lot of creativity, said Schneider. With a job in IT, you'll be challenged to come up with creative solutions, workarounds and fixes to keep business moving forward in the face of technical challenges.

“I can’t think of another field that uses creativity more,” Schneider said. “Without creativity, there is no innovation. And what is IT? It’s innovation.”

7. Perseverance

Just like creativity is required to solve IT problems, perseverance is another soft skill you’ll need to leverage often to be successful in this field. When you’re troubleshooting an IT issue, it’s not uncommon to have to rule out many potential causes before fixing a problem.

“The answer is almost never the first thing you tried,” said Schneider. “You have no choice but to persevere until you do have the answer.”

8. Resourcefulness

Resourcefulness is almost as important as communication in IT. You will need to be resourceful to solve new problems and learn new skills throughout your career.

IT professionals who know how to use available resources and seek out new ones are typically the most successful, according to CompTIA. Resourcefulness ensures that even if you don't know the answer to a problem, you do know how to find it.

How to Build Soft Skills in IT

Building soft skills starts during your IT degree program. While many IT degrees focus most of their coursework on building technical skills, some programs do put a lot of emphasis on soft skills development as well, said Schneider.

At SNHU, for example, an IT bachelor's degree program includes classes dedicated to communication in STEM professions, as well as courses related to project management, leadership and more.

Degree programs can also provide other natural opportunities for soft skills development. Assignments such as class discussions, group projects and peer review opportunities are all great ways to learn how to communicate complex ideas, work collaboratively and even disagree respectfully.

But while building soft skills during a degree program is important, Hawkins said, a lot of soft skill development happens on the job — and continues throughout your career.

“I believe that soft skills are actually something that you grow into as you work in the profession and learn more about yourself and how to communicate with others,” he said. “Soft skills get better with age and a lot of bumps along the way.”

How to Use Communication in IT to Get a Job

Because communication and other soft skills are in high demand in the IT field, they play an important role in helping you land your dream job.

Schneider said it starts by using soft skills to stand out during the application and interview process . Make sure that your resume is well-written  and that any written communication you have with company representatives is professional and clear. Then, prepare to discuss examples of your soft skills during the interview.

“The best way to demonstrate soft skills is to just be really prepared for the interview. That’s where you’re going to shine,” Schneider said. “Everybody in the waiting room has the technical skills. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be sitting there. What will distinguish you from someone else is the soft skills.”

And if a long, successful career in IT is your goal, it’s also important to find a job that makes you happy and fulfilled, said Hawkins. Doing so can also give your soft skills a boost.

“Soft skills come about and improve with practice and making mistakes along the way,” Hawkins said. “It is far easier to develop soft skills when it is something that you like and are motivated by.”

Discover more about SNHU's IT degree online : Find out what courses you'll take, skills you'll learn and how to request information about the program.

Danielle Gagnon is a freelance writer focused on higher education. Connect with her on LinkedIn .

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Top 10 Skills Needed to Work in the IT Sector

You may think you have not joined IT because you do not have the technical skills, but you already have the secret sauce to become an IT rock star. The key components of success in information technology are enthusiasm and a desire to learn. You can teach all the technical skills you need, but without the right software skills you will not be able to rise to the top in technology.

Soft skills are qualities that are inherent in your personality. They often cannot be taught or are a little difficult to teach. They are essential for personal success and often success at work. You may be wondering what jobs you need the skills that come naturally to you. If you are interested in which jobs require communication, problem solving and analytical skills, read on.  To work in the IT sector you need to possess certain niche skills to set you apart from the competition.

Git services offer a wide selection of training courses, designed to help push your career to the next level. Our proven solutions are designed and priced to assist organizations and individuals in achieving success.

What Are Information Technology (IT) Skills?

Commonly referred to as IT, there are many job opportunities in the field of information technology. From programming and database development to providing general technical or help desk support, there are roles for people in various fields of interest and multi-level expertise.

With the wide range of jobs available, employers are looking for a variety of technical skills when hiring. Depending on the role, some employers may specialize in a particular language or program, while others may seek general computer skills.

Working in IT can mean anything from resolving an employee’s wifi issues to programming an organization’s new cloud infrastructure. Because the work is so diverse, the skills you need to know to get a job in the IT field can vary widely depending on your role. Browse a few listings of jobs you’re interested in to see which skills you should focus on acquiring.

Here are the top 10 skills needed to work in the IT sector:

1.Technical Skills:

So, what “tough” skills do you need for an IT career? Technical skills vary from job to job. In many cases, it is a myth that you have to be good at math or science to join ID. Some of the most important qualities that allow you to enter the field of technology are the desire to learn and grow and the urge to try new things.

In most cases, you can acquire technical skills with time and effort through training, certification and experience. You do not need to get that experience from a paid job. This can be achieved in a number of ways, from tinkering with the home computer to doing side work, to volunteering.

It will be easier to learn technical skills than some of the soft skills you need in IT. They are often inherent in individuals most suited to the IT industry. Of course, if you do not have all the soft skills listed below, you should not be discouraged from exploring technical jobs. IT jobs come in many shapes and sizes, and in some you need to use smarter skills than others.

2.Communication Skills

As an IT pro, you need to communicate well with your supervisors and co-workers to help them solve technical problems and make the best use of their technical tools. If you are a developer or IT security professional, you need to work well in teams and communicate your ideas well with colleagues. Almost every IT job requires good communication skills, both verbal and written – email communication will be a huge part of your job. Technology is not a separate field, no matter how often it is portrayed. If you enjoy teaching people about technology and explaining technology lessons in a way that anyone can understand, then a career in IT is ideal for you. For example, CIO Magazine recognizes the need for strong communication skills in the field of information technology. In a recent article in the magazine, James Stanger of CompTIA said that soft skills are one of the seven hot industry trends of the future.

3.Analytical skills

Being analytical gives you an important edge in IT, where you will often find logical solutions to problems. Analytical skills allow you to diagnose technical problems and fix them. They help you do things like find out why the code line does not give the desired result or why the server crashes. If you have an analytical mindset, you may be able to diagnose problems before they arise or you may be forced to extract things to get a better idea of ​​how they work. If so, you may have an ID dependent on the product. Examples of analytical skills include the ability to create and read pivot tables in the spreadsheet, identify trends over time, and identify key performance indicators. It is also important to learn how to detect critical events and how to remove externalities from data sets.

4.Creativity

Not all IT jobs require creativity, but it does have effective efficiency in many. If technologists like Mark Zuckerberg and Steve Jobs had not been creative, they would never have come up with their amazing products and revolutionary ideas. Even if you do not want to be the next Bill Gates, your technical task may be to come up with ideas to help improve processes or products or to find innovative solutions to co-workers’ technical problems. In fact, one of the key requirements in today’s IT work is the ability to creatively use technology to meet a specific business need or to develop a solution that will help the company thrive.

5.Project management

As an IT professional, you will be deceived by many projects and responsibilities, and it is important to meet deadlines and meet criteria. Good project management involves developing professional plans, setting and achieving goals, and working with colleagues to solve project problems. The innate ability to project management will make you more suited to many professions in technology. If you want to move into leadership, refined project management skills also give you an edge. By continuing to execute projects with the help of co-workers, one can receive praise from superiors and be promoted to positions that require more responsibility.

6.Problem-solving

Want to solve puzzles? As mentioned, IT jobs are some of the best jobs for problem-solving. Have you ever spent hours trying to figure out why your personal computer, printer or phone is not doing what you want it to do and having fun doing it? An IT career may be right for your alley. Many of the technical skills required for different businesses in IT can be acquired through tinkering and trial and error, so problem-solving skills are essential for you to enter the field.

7.Resourcefulness

As part of being resourceful in information technology, you can discover technology, software and products that enhance your own productivity and the productivity of others. IT professionals who are well versed in how to utilize available resources tend to shine in their work. And IT workers who are constantly interested in looking for new resources often have an edge. The resource is very easy for those with less technical experience, such as changing the industry. You do not always have to have the answer – you just have to know how to find it.

8.Team Work

Teamwork can be an important part of the life of an information technology professional. They will work within a team, coordinate with senior and junior members of the team, work with commitment to the growth and development of their team, and work with the needs of the business.

9.Leadership

Just as teamwork is a key aspect of an IT industry, leadership is another skill they must have to do it in the industry. They must guide projects, deliver work to their team members, and ensure execution of deadlines without compromising on the quality of the final product.

10.Flexibility

Flexibility is expected of IT professionals as they can be subjected to last-minute modifications or feedback by clients. This is true for other fields as well, but in the IT sector it is more important to adopt flexibility as the suggested changes can mean more work and longer working hours for the professionals.

Why look for a job that matches your soft skills?

If you can find a job that utilises your best software skills, you may feel more satisfied at work. You will be good at what you do, you will be good at what you do. At work, you reach a level where you are challenged to “flow” or at the right level and “in the zone”. If you already know that you are interested in IT or are trying to determine if it is right for you, talk to our experts to help you evaluate how your personal software skills fit.

Essential IT skills

Skills you might consider getting to enhance your IT career include cloud computing, programming, understanding systems and networks, and more.

Security should be foundational to any IT team. Starting out in a help desk, networking, or system administration role can introduce you to concepts that are helpful to know for security purposes. The following skills can help you qualify for IT security positions—like information security analyst—at the entry-level and beyond.

• Familiarity with physical, network, and software security 
• Installing firewalls and routers
• Data encryption
• Risk mitigation strategy and threat analysis
• Knowledge of compliance regulations and standards like PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and CCPA
• Ethical hacking and penetration testing

Read more: Top 10 Cybersecurity Certifications

2.Programming

Being able to program will be a must for those who want to develop software, web applications, and websites. It’ll also be useful for IT workers who want to automate tasks. The languages below are commonly requested of programmers and can be asked of IT professionals as well. You can get started by browsing programming language courses.

Read more: Skills Needed to Work in the IT Sector

3.Systems and networks

Making sure computer systems and networks are operating smoothly is central to the work of an IT team. Typical roles specializing in this skill set include system administrators and network administrators. System and network skills can also be useful for working in cloud administration or security as well. On a basic level, these skills include:

• Administering diverse operating systems like Windows, Linux, or Mac
• Installing and configuring computer hardware and software
• Cloud administration and applications
• Maintaining local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), storage area networks (SAN), and virtual private networks (VPNs)
• Troubleshooting
• Helping employees with technical issues

4.Data analysis

Analyzing data can be useful for a variety of IT tasks. Monitoring performance data helps teams identify security threats or see where incompetence exists in their operations. Database administrators and data engineers are among those who work with data in the field of information technology.

DevOps — A combination of “development” and “functionality” that acts as a bridge between software development and IT teams. Despite being a field in itself, DevOps capabilities can help in the IT and development aspects of running a company. Working on DevOps means becoming a DevOps engineer. You may need the following skills:

• Understanding the theory of continuous distribution
• Container technologies such as Docker or Kubernetes
• Scripting languages ​​such as Python, Ruby and C.
• Familiarity with cloud functions
• Cloud computing

Listed as one of the most needed skills of 2022 by Global Knowledge, cloud computing capabilities include anything from building cloud infrastructure to maintaining them. Working with Cloud Technology will open the door to positions such as Cloud Developer, Cloud Administrator and Cloud Architect. Knowledge of the following cloud operating systems can be useful:

• Google Cloud
• Microsoft Azure

Read more: How to start a career in Cloud Computing?  

7.Machine learning

Useful ability for programmers and data professionals, machine learning, artificial intelligence subcommittee has become one of the most important skills for learning in the field of technology. You can start learning basic skills through an online machine learning course. Specific skills associated with machine learning include:

• Parameter and non-parameter algorithms
• In-depth learning techniques

How to Gain IT Skills

Here are some ways to learn the skills that contribute to a successful career in IT:

Learn for yourself: Many programming languages, data analysis techniques and some IT skills can be self-taught through online courses or home programs. You can find many courses at Coursera, including introductory classes for Python or cybersecurity.

Certifications: A surefire way to ensure that your skills meet professional standards. You usually have to study and pass an exam. See what entry-level certification applies to your interests.

Bootcamps: Usually lasting several weeks or months, boot camps are intensive courses designed to bring you specific skills during that time. Although coded bootcamps are popular, there are also bootcams for topics such as cybersecurity .

Degrees: Graduation in computer science or related field is a structured way to gain the technical skills required to enter the computer world, even if it takes more time than other options. In addition, going to school is associated with higher income.

Getting started

Changing careers or starting a new one can be a daunting task. But gaining skills can be a good place to start. If you are looking for a place to learn the broad basics of IT work, check out Git services IT certifications – Contact Us

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Important Soft Skills for Information Technology (IT) Jobs

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What Are IT Soft Skills?

Types of it soft skills, communication, determination, flexibility, negotiation, presentation, more it soft skills.

Forget the myth of the socially awkward IT professional. Although strong  technical skills  are essential for any information technology position, soft skills are important, too. If you’re interviewing for an IT job, plan to demonstrate interpersonal skills like communication, teamwork, and project management.

Even if you’re highly  introverted  or prefer to work on your own, you probably already have many of these people skills. The key is to recognize their importance and learn how to showcase them in your resume, cover letters, and during job interviews.

Information technology is a  wide field  with diverse job titles requiring very different levels of education and training. Some are engineers with PhDs, and others are tech support specialists with certificate or associate degree. Regardless, those working in IT often forget that it is not enough to have the right technical skills and software proficiencies.

Job descriptions often require IT professionals to interact with others, manage resources, and even lead companies at an executive level.

Even if you've got solid hard skills, employers will evaluate your soft skills as you move through the hiring process. For many roles, you'll  need hybrid skills —a combination of technical and non-technical skills.

With the number of emails, proposals, and design documents an IT professional writes, clear and compelling written communication is essential. Effective verbal communication is equally important.

As an IT employee, you often have to explain technical processes in clear, easy-to-understand terms for customers and employers.

You must also be able to explain your ideas in such a way as to make others want to support and finance your projects.

• Oral Communication
• Written Communication
• Collaboration

IT professionals are constantly looking toward the future, anticipating and developing solutions for potential tech problems and needs. This sort of forward thinking requires a lot of imagination and creative problem-solving. Employers look for tech professionals who are able to conceive unique solutions.

• Imagination
• Forward Thinking
• Problem Solving
• Open-mindedness
• Analytical Skills

IT projects can stall because of a variety of issues: financial problems, issues with vendors, problems with software, hardware or processes, a lack of teamwork, or one of many other reasons.

It is important for an IT professional to stay focused on the ultimate goal and continue to work toward that result.

Beginning a project with a clear and realistic timeline and budget can help you achieve your ultimate goal. Your employer will be impressed with your ability not only to plan a project, but also to see it through to completion.

• Project Management
• Stress Management
• Problem Sensitivity
• Brainstorming
• Troubleshooting
• Restructuring
• Process Improvement

IT professionals often face setbacks or unexpected changes, ranging from a technical problem with their project to a last-minute issue with a vendor. You need to learn to be flexible, accepting these changes and immediately looking for creative solutions. Employers will appreciate this flexibility.

Similarly, you must be open to suggestions and feedback, whether from an employer or a client. Listen attentively to any feedback you receive and be open to making necessary changes to improve satisfaction.

• Fast Learner
• Adaptability
• Prioritizing
• Quick Thinking
• Attention to Detail

Even if you are not in a management position, you will often be asked to manage a project or team, if only for a brief period. Being a project manager requires strong  leadership skills , the ability to delegate tasks, and a constant focus on the end goal.

As an IT professional, you may also be involved in client and vendor management. It is essential that you know how to communicate with clients and vendors effectively to ensure your company's needs are being met efficiently.

• Team Building
• Decision Making
• Encouraging

No matter what your position in IT, you will need some form of negotiation skills, from making hiring decisions to collaborating with vendors or contractors to selling your idea to an organization. Being able to come to an agreement that satisfies both parties is a great soft skill that will make you stand out, particularly if you want to be promoted to a management position.

• Reaching Consensus
• Awareness for Diversity in Religion and Ethnicity
• Conflict Management

A presentation can be anything from a one-on-one conversation to a department meeting or lecture. Whatever the form, you need to be able to articulate your ideas clearly to others. Even if your ideas are great, no one will be able to appreciate them if you cannot convey them effectively. Working on your approachability, verbal communication, and your familiarity with presentation tools will help you to strengthen your presentation skills.

• Public Speaking
• Articulation
• Logical Thinking
• Organization
• Coordination
• Goal Oriented
• Multitasking
• Ongoing Improvement
• Picking Up on Patterns
• Ability to Work Independently
• Follow Directions
• Emotional Intelligence
• Research Solutions
• Optimization
• Integration
• Investigation
• Building and Managing Expectations

How to Make Your Skills Stand Out

ADD SKILLS TO YOUR RESUME: Include some of these skills in your resume, especially in the description of your work history and your resume summary, if you have one.

HIGHLIGHT SKILLS IN YOUR COVER LETTER: Mention one or two of the skills listed above and give specific examples of instances when you demonstrated these traits in prior work.

MENTION SKILLS IN YOUR JOB INTERVIEW: Keep the top skills listed above in mind during your interview and be prepared to give examples of how you've exemplified each.

• Important Skills for Information Technology (IT) Jobs
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• Technology Skills for Resumes and Cover Letters
• Important Business Intelligence Skills With Examples
• Top 10 Soft Skills for Customer Service Jobs
• Ultrasound Technician Resume Example and Skills

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Why Soft Skills in Tech Are More Important Than You Think

By Ashley Brooks on 06/24/2019

You have a natural talent for all things tech. You’re on the fast track to launching a successful technology career, and you don’t need a formal education to slow you down ... or so you think.

Technology is a competitive field, and your natural talent and DIY attitude can only take you so far. Though you might think degree programs are bogged down with courses that don’t add to your technical skills, they offer a boost in soft skills that can be a game changer for your tech career.

What are the necessary technology soft skills, and why do they matter to employers? We spoke with tech managers who have spent years working in the field and supervising employees. They’re giving us the lowdown on the importance of soft skills in technology—and how they can impact your career trajectory.

What are soft skills?

Soft skills—sometimes called “transferable skills”—are nontechnical skills that can be useful in a variety of different career paths. Unlike technical skills that are specific to a particular job, like knowing a specific programming language, soft skills come in handy across a variety of job titles and workplaces.

Soft skills are more than learned knowledge. They’re behavior traits that can help you grow in your career as you think outside the box, overcome obstacles and work with others. Communication skills, empathy and problem-solving are just a few examples of soft skills.

Why soft skills matter in technology careers

Managers are always on the lookout for employees who bring transferable skills to the table. Soft skills are considered essential to a workplace, even in the technology industry. Technology is a competitive field. When two or more job applicants are equally talented in technical skills, soft skills can be the difference between landing the job and walking away disappointed.

“Employers highly value hard skills, but in the rapidly growing tech industry, you always need those soft skills to be able to keep up with the industry’s latest demands,” says Armen Saghatelyan, vice president at 10Web . “It would be naive to expect yourself to succeed if you only obtain and develop your hard skills.”

Soft skills are especially important in the tech field, where employees must be careful to focus on the people a piece of technology serves, rather than getting lost in the tech itself. “Soft skills provide critical context to why a technology should be implemented,” says Eric Leland, principal at FivePaths, LLC . “Teams work best when this context is well understood, becoming motivated to meet goals that have a purpose to the end user and client.”

The technology soft skills employers are looking for

Though all soft skills are valuable, there are a few that can make you stand out from the crowd in the tech field. Our experts pointed to these essential technology soft skills that could help you take your career to its furthest potential.

Communication

“Technology, in particular, needs strong and clear communicators,” says Larissa Lowthorp, founder and president of TimeJump Consulting . Technology projects require team members with individual strengths to accomplish a goal, and that means plenty of communication between colleagues and clients.

Lowthorp adds that communication is especially important on Agile teams, where group members work together to quickly solve a problem. “A key strength of Agile is the ability to course-correct issues on the fly, but it doesn’t work well if team members have not cultivated the ability to not only communicate problems, but voice potential solutions,” Lowthorp says.

Approachability

Being friendly and open may not seem like much of a job skill, but this characteristic can go a long way. “Do you vibe with the team? Would you be someone we’d enjoy spending hours a week with?” These are questions Lowthorp considers about each potential employee she interviews. If you’re a nightmare to work with, the value of your overall technical ability plummets—even if you’re an absolute whiz.

Being approachable and willing to help others is a key part of what makes technology teams successful. “Every team member needs approachability to be able to share their skills with each other and feel free to ask for help and advice whenever needed,” Saghatelyan says.

Problem-solving and critical thinking

Technology careers often focus on finding innovative ways to solve problems using technology, or fixing bugs within technology itself. It comes as no surprise that critical thinking and problem-solving are top technology soft skills.

“We value strong critical-thinking skills applied to programming,” Leland says. “Well-rounded and highly valuable technology talent will be able to decipher and critically examine user stories from their source—the user—to get a great understanding of the problem to solve.”

How to develop technology soft skills

You can see that soft skills matter to your future technology career, but how do you go about acquiring these skills that are so valuable to employers? Many people have a natural talent for certain soft skills. However, everyone can improve their soft skills with practice and experience.

“These skills are learnable and teachable, and it’s super important to acknowledge their importance,” Saghatelyan says.

College degree programs are full of opportunities to expand your soft skills. The classroom offers group projects that help you improve your teamwork and leadership abilities, assignments that stretch your creativity and obstacles that will put your problem-solving skills to the test.

Gaining real-world experience through internships or side projects can also help you build your soft skills. Think of these transferable skills as a muscle: The more you use them, the stronger your soft skills will become.

Technology soft skills: setting you apart from the crowd

There’s no doubt about it: Technology soft skills are an important part of landing a job and advancing in your career. Improving your soft skills is a process, and a degree program can help you along the way.

Related Articles:

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• What Is Information Architecture? Providing Structure to the Digital World
• What Is Coding? Exploring the Next Frontier for "Blue-Collar" Workers
• 10 Intriguing Information Technology Courses to Expect
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Four approaches to overcome the it skills gap.

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CTO at Parallels (part of Alludo).

The shortage of IT talent is not a new issue, but it has become more critical in recent years. As the demand for cloud services continues to rise, the shortage of skilled professionals with expertise in cloud technologies poses a significant challenge for organizations. According to a Parallels survey , 62% of respondents see the shortage of cloud management skills as a key obstacle to growth, with this number rising to 72% for mid-size companies .

The root cause of the talent shortage is the complexity and dynamism of cloud computing, which requires constant learning and adaptation. Many IT professionals lack the time, resources, or motivation to acquire the necessary cloud skills and certifications. Additionally, the IT sector faces one of the highest turnover rates, influenced by factors such as low job satisfaction, high stress, poor work-life balance, lack of career advancement opportunities and competitive offers from other employers.

While these challenges are significant, they also present an opportunity for leaders to rethink their strategies and find new ways to overcome the IT skills gap. Here are four recommendations for leaders as they update their approach to this issue.

1. Review your technology.

One obstacle to finding qualified IT talent is the complexity of many tools, often requiring extensive training and expertise. Leaders should adopt solutions that are not only reliable and effective but also easy and intuitive to use and learn. Instead of investing years and months in mastering a new tool, often incurring substantial costs, leaders should choose solutions that can be learned in a short period.

By incorporating user-friendly technologies, leaders can create a flexible environment for their IT teams, helping them learn a new tool without spending too much time and resources on training. It also broadens the pool of potential candidates as they can quickly adapt to the organization’s needs.

2. Leverage the advantages of hybrid cloud solutions.

For businesses of all sizes, the cloud has become an indispensable tool. But the shortage of skilled workers in cloud management is one of the reasons why companies cannot completely shift to the cloud. Hence, the adoption of a hybrid cloud approach is increasing.

Sixty-four percent of IT professionals have already implemented a hybrid model, and 38% of all respondents plan to further embrace it in the next year. The appeal of hybrid cloud solutions lies in their numerous benefits, including flexibility, scalability, security, cost-efficiency and ease of cloud adoption. But how exactly do hybrid cloud solutions bridge the IT skill gap?

Organizations can build hybrid cloud teams that combine the expertise of traditional IT personnel with cloud specialists. This way, they can leverage their existing on-premises infrastructure and gradually transition to the cloud, without requiring a sudden and complete change in skill sets.

Additionally, many hybrid cloud solutions provide centralized management tools allowing IT teams to oversee both on-premises and cloud resources from a single interface. This reduces the complexity and confusion of using multiple tools and platforms and makes it easier for IT professionals to learn and adapt to cloud technologies at their own pace.

3. Make your business appealing to talent.

Retaining IT talent is crucial as it is hard to find. At the same time, workers in IT are among the corporate functions that have the highest turnover rates. One of the main reasons is the lack of work policies that prioritize a healthy work-life balance, such as fewer meetings, flexible hours and remote work options. The solution to retaining valuable talent is, therefore, to embed flexibility into your company culture.

Empower employees with the right tools to take advantage of productivity anywhere and anytime as well as the flexibility to make decisions for themselves. This is the philosophy that guides our culture. In this way, you can attract and retain the best talent in the market, regardless of their location, schedule or preferences.

While remote jobs are in high demand, the number of offerings is declining. Many knowledge workers want to work from anywhere, but few organizations offer that option. And that’s where the opportunity arises. Offering flexibility sets companies apart, drawing from a larger IT talent pool and catering to the diverse needs and preferences of employees in a competitive job market for IT talent.

4. Boost your talent pool by embracing diversity.

To overcome the IT skill gap, leaders can leverage the potential of a diverse workforce. Diversity is not only an ethical responsibility but also a source of competitive advantage in the global IT field.

To leverage this potential, create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all IT professionals, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, age, disability or sexual orientation. This includes providing more flexibility, recognition, feedback, learning opportunities and career development for every professional in the field.

By doing so, organizations can both create a culture of diversity and inclusion and bridge the talent gap by expanding their pool of potential candidates. When organizations hire employees not solely based on their IT skills but also focus on building a diverse team, they create a workforce of people who can learn from each other. This is extremely valuable because the skills needed today might not be the ones required in the future. The IT space is constantly evolving, and the ability to adapt and learn is key.

The shortage of IT talent and the increasing demand for cloud services are challenges that will likely continue into the future. However, by implementing the strategies above, the IT skills gap has the potential to become an opportunity rather than a threat.

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Welcome Students

Meet our Campus Recruiters! 

“As a University Recruiter, everyday you have the chance to unlock students’ potential and shape the future of innovation.”

Our Programs 

Finance/accounting rotational program .

Financial Analysts are placed in a twenty-four-month rotational program completing four, six-month  rotations among various groups in Finance, Accounting, and other related departments.

During the program, the Rotational Analyst will be provided structured training, management  support in career development, and a diverse experience across the Bank to help them succeed.

The Financial Analyst will have the opportunity to explore the following areas:

• Business Finance

• Accounting

• Financial Reporting

• Financial Planning & Analysis

• Investor Relations

• Corporate Treasury

• Capital Management

• Corporate Planning & Development

• Economics

Position Competencies

Successful incumbents possess strong time management skills, good listening skills, strong integrity and  trustworthiness, intellectual horsepower, interpersonal savvy, dependability, and ability to develop positive  peer relationships.

Position Responsibilities

Key responsibilities throughout the rotational program include, but are not limited to:

• Immersing oneself in the work responsibilities of each area, in order to learn the importance of the

area and how it supports the Bank.

• Learning the technology and systems used by each area.

• Gaining an understanding of the organizational structures, general business knowledge and the  analysis of portfolios and financial statements.

• Assisting other analysts in the group in accumulating and reviewing relevant information as it may  pertain to Loan and Deposit balances, net interest margin and spread data, and non-interest  income and expenses.

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, or Finance

• 3.0 (GPA) overall grade point average or better (GPA will be calculated by using grades for  all credit hours/classes that are applied towards degree including transferred credits)

• 3 Accounting classes

10% travel may be required of this position.

Commercial Banking Development Program

The Capital Markets Analyst Development Program – is an accelerated and challenging career path designed to develop Analysts into well-rounded colleagues that exhibit a solid finance and credit  foundation, as well as strong relationship development skills. The program is two years and introduces Analysts to the full scope of Comerica’s capital market product offerings including Debt Capital Markets  (Loan Syndications and Fixed Income), Derivatives and Foreign Exchange trading, and Investment Banking. Depending on individual performance, some analysts are invited to stay for a third year and move into  one of our Capital Markets operations.

• Professional career development through assessments, coaching, team building, and mentoring
• Exposure to senior and executive leadership
• Collaborative and supportive team environment
• Gain in-depth knowledge of Capital Markets products and services including Debt Capital Markets,
• Derivatives, Foreign Exchange and Investment Banking services.
• Lines of Business: Technology Life Sciences, Equity Fund Services, Environmental Services,
• International, National Dealer Services, as well as Large Corporate and Middle Market sectors
• Program Footprint: Dallas, TX, Detroit, MI
• Development program that includes initial classroom training sessions in finance and credit skills

Program Structure and Development Opportunities

• Phase I: Credit Training
• Formal credit training takes place within a Commercial Underwriting Center. During Phase I, Analysts will
• complete classroom training sessions. In this program the Analysts will:
• Receive credit analysis training
• Analyze financial information to identify key strengths, credit risks, and mitigating factors
• Determine appropriate debt structures to meet customer needs

Phase II: Finance Training – “Training the Street”

The finance training portion of the program includes coursework in accounting, communication skills, debt  and equity capital markets, Excel, financial analysis, modeling and valuation primarily taught by Training  the Street. The last week includes preparing for and taking the applicable licensing Series 79 top-up exam.

The program is rigorous and thorough, combining the substance of a much larger investment bank’s  training program with the personal attention found in a seminar.

Program Completion

• Developing an understanding of the full breadth of Comerica’s Capital Markets products and
• services offerings
• Successful completion of all finance and credit training coursework and practical application
• Completion of securities licensing requirements
• Participants will be provided time and support to prepare and take the applicable regulatory examinations they must pass to obtain the necessary securities licensing

Position Qualifications Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, accounting, finance, economics or similar field
• Two (2) accounting courses (6 units) and one course (3 units) in finance, economics or related
• business classes with a minimum 3.4 grade point average
• Experience preparing financial models and forecasts preferred
• 1 year of experience with Microsoft Office Applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Seeking candidates with:

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills
• Exceptional analytical, problem solving, and technical aptitude
• Time management skills, attention to detail and ability to handle multiple assignments
• Strong work ethic, customer-focus, and commitment to the communities we serve

Capital Markets Development Program

The Capital Markets Analyst Development Program – is an accelerated and challenging career path designed to develop Analysts into well-rounded colleagues that exhibit a solid finance and credit foundation, as well as strong relationship development skills. The program is two years and introduces Analysts to the full scope of Comerica’s capital market product offerings including Debt Capital Markets (Loan Syndications and Fixed Income), Derivatives and Foreign Exchange trading, and Investment Banking. Depending on individual performance, some analysts are invited to stay for a third year and move into one of our Capital Markets operations.

The finance training portion of the program includes coursework in accounting, communication skills, debt

and equity capital markets, Excel, financial analysis, modeling and valuation primarily taught by Training

the Street. The last week includes preparing for and taking the applicable licensing Series 79 top-up exam.

The program is rigorous and thorough, combining the substance of a much larger investment bank’s

training program with the personal attention found in a seminar.

Minimum Qualifications

Investment Banking Analyst Program 

The Investment Banking (“IB”) Analyst Program – is a challenging full time role designed to introduce new and recent college graduates to the foundational concepts and processes of investment banking, with a focus on merger, acquisition and divestiture (“M&A”) advisory services and select junior capital/private placement assignments. IB Analysts work closely with other IB professionals to market the firm’s advisory services to prospective investment banking clients, and to execute engaged advisory assignments on behalf of such entities. Prospects include both existing clients of Comerica Bank, as well as corporations or other entities that may not yet be clients of the broader firm; clients include both privately held and publicly listed  companies, active across a range of industries and geographies.

The base Analyst program is two years in length, with the possibility of a third year for select high performers. The program begins with an intensive training program that introduces new Analysts to the fundamental concepts of financial analysis and valuation. New Analysts gain exposure to the full scope of Comerica’s capital markets and other product offerings, including related areas such as Loan Syndications, Fixed Income, Derivatives and Foreign Exchange. In some special cases (and depending on individual performance), direct promotion to Associate at program conclusion is possible without an MBA or similar graduate degree.

• Two-year program that includes formal finance, analysis, valuation and related classroom and
• on-the-job training
• Professional career development through assessments, coaching, team building and mentoring
• Direct exposure to senior and executive leadership through participation on small, project- and
• client-focused deal teams
• Gain in-depth knowledge of Investment Banking and Capital Markets products and services
• including M&A advisory, junior capital raising, Debt Capital Markets and Loan Syndications,
• Derivatives and Foreign Exchange
• Client Sectors: Middle Market businesses across manufacturing, industrials, business services
• and related fields, as well as clients across Comerica’s national specialty groups including
• Technology & Life Sciences, Environmental Services, International, National Dealer Services,
• Food & Beverage, Consumer, Equity Fund Services and Large Corporates
• Location: Dallas, TX, with project-related travel throughout the United States
• Analysts must pass a background check and complete registration with securities industry
• regulator FINRA by passing the Series 7, Series 79 and Series 63 securities exams; individuals
• must maintain active and valid FINRA registrations for the duration of their employment

The finance training portion of the program includes coursework in accounting, debt and equity capital

markets, financial analysis, modeling and valuation, portions of which will be taught by Training the

Street, Wall Street Prep or a similar third party organization. Analysts will also receive self-study

materials to guide their preparation for the applicable licensing exams (Series 7, 79 and 63). The overall

program is rigorous and thorough, combining the substance of a much larger investment bank’s training

program with the personal attention found in a seminar.

Training Program Completion

• Developing an understanding of the full breadth of Comerica’s Investment Banking products and
• Successful completion of all training coursework and practical application
• Participants will be provided time and support to prepare and take the applicable
• regulatory examinations they must pass to obtain the necessary securities licensing
• At least 1 year of experience with Microsoft Office Applications (Microsoft Word, Excel,
• PowerPoint)
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Exceptional analytical, problem solving and technical aptitude
• Absolute commitment to ethics and integrity

Commercial Banking Internship

Comerica Bank is in business to help people be successful. We are committed to delivering the highest quality financial services by providing outstanding value, building enduring customer relationships and demonstrating leadership in our communities. Our promise to both our customers and our colleagues is to raise their expectations of what a bank can be. Comerica provides college interns the opportunity to experience first-hand the relationship banking environment that has defined Comerica’s strong ties to clients, colleagues and communities for over 170 years.

Portfolio Management Support

• Collect and monitor financial information
• Work with Portfolio Manager and Relationship Managers on client support
• Sales Support
• Industry research
• Preparation of marketing materials
• Prospect identification

Project: Prospect Identification and Marketing Plan Development

• Work with the team to understand the target customer profile
• Leverage resources such as LinkedIn, publications, etc. to identify prospects
• Use industry research to develop value proposition and marketing plan with the Relationship Manager
• Create an introductory presentation for the prospect meetings

Commercial Underwriting

• Observe the process for spreading financial statements and underwriting loans
• Complete a special project to refine key Commercial Underwriting resources

Interns will also have opportunities to:

• Have an experienced Relationship Manager as a mentor
• Observe how new business is generated through referrals, prospecting and networking
• Network with executives within the Commercial Bank division
• Meet with leaders within the Credit organization
• Meet with product partners to learn about Treasury Management, Global Capital Markets and International Trade Finance solutions
• Participate in training opportunities offered by Comerica

Qualifications

• Rising College Senior Status
• Accounting, Finance, Business major preferred
• Overall GPA of 3.0 or above
• Two Accounting courses completed with 3.0 average
• Six months experience Microsoft Office products, Word and Excel
• The ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Previous customer service and sales experience preferred

Banking Summer Internship opportunities are located in Southeast Michigan; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; Costa Mesa, CA; and San Jose, CA and extend 8 weeks from June through August.

Capital Markets Internship

Location(s): Detroit, MI

The Capital Markets Internship is tailored to students interested in investment banking and other capital markets products. This 8-week internship program will provide students the opportunity to gain experience in Investment Banking, Debt Capital Markets, derivatives and foreign exchange trading. Comerica's strong ties to clients, colleagues and communities for over 170 years provides us the ability to compete directly with the money center institutions while still maintaining the competitive advantages of a Super Regional Bank.

Investment Banking

• Learn Investment Banking services with focus on M&A services
• Leverage database resources and publications to identify prospects
• Work with the team to understand the target client profile
• Learn business development and marketing strategies

Debt Capital Markets

• Preparation of information memorandums and pitch books
• Meet with industry experts throughout the bank
• Technology and Life Sciences
• Environmental Services
• Real Estate
• Equity Fund Services
• Manufacturing

Derivatives/Foreign Exchange Trading

• Experience what is involved with the trading desk for derivatives and F/X
• Learn different market and commodity trading systems
• Network with executives within the Capital Markets and Lending divisions across
• the country
• Observe how new business is generated through referrals, prospecting and
• College level of Junior or Senior Status
• Accounting, Finance, Business or similar field of study
• Overall GPA of 3.4 or above
• Two Accounting courses completed
• Six months experience Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Time management skills, attention to detail and ability to handle multiple
• assignments
• Strong work ethic, customer-focus, and commitment to the communities

Investment Banking Summer Analyst Program

Location(s): Dallas, TX

The Comerica Securities Investment Banking Summer Analyst program is targeted towards students interested in investment banking, principally mergers & acquisitions advisory. This 10-week summer internship program will provide students the opportunity to gain experience in investment banking M&A advisory, including basic research, financial and valuation analysis, new business development and potentially project/deal execution. Comerica's strong ties to clients, colleagues and communities for over 170 years provides us the ability to compete directly with the money center institutions and regional and smaller specialist/“boutique” advisory firms while still maintaining the competitive advantages of a Super Regional Bank.

• Learn Investment Banking services with focus on M&A advisory

• Work directly with experienced M&A bankers to: o Leverage database resources and publications to identify prospects

• Preparation of financial analyses, profiles, pitch books, information memoranda and other written presentation materials and analyses
• Consumer and food & beverage
• Environmental services

• Network with executives within the Capital Markets and Lending divisions across the country

• Participate in training opportunities offered by Comerica

• Observe how new business is generated through referrals, prospecting and networking

• College level of Junior or Senior status

• Economics, Finance, Business, Accounting or similar field of study preferred

• Overall GPA of 3.4 or above preferred

• One or more accounting courses preferred

• 6 months of experience with Microsoft Office Applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Experience preparing financial models and forecasts not required but helpful

• Strong work ethic, integrity, customer-focus and commitment to the communities we serve

• Demonstrated track record of achievement

• Exceptional analytical, problem solving and technical skills and aptitude

• Time management skills, attention to detail and ability to handle multiple simultaneous assignments

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills

Treasury Management Summer Internship

The goal of this internship is to support the activities of the Treasury Management Sales Officers (TMOs) and assist with the onboarding client experience. This position functions as a partner to the TM Sales Officer by participating in internal line of business meetings, TM Sales meetings and external client meetings .

The Treasury Management intern will assist TMOs in the implementation and coordination of adding new services to new and existing customers.  The internship also includes learning to prepare pricing proformas and building client reviews. 

The TM Internship provides a deeper dive into Comerica’s product offerings which assist clients with their cash flow needs.

Treasury Management is aligned with the following Lines of Business (subject to geographic market):

• Middle Market
• Business Banking
• National Dealer Services
• International
• Commercial Real Estate
• Mortgage Banker Finance
• Entertainment
• Municipalities
• Retail Banking

Orientation

• Introduction to Comerica, Treasury Management, organizational culture
• Meet the Treasury Management team – National TM Sales and Sales Associate teams; Service, Implementations, Product
• Provide context for TM Intern responsibilities

Product Training

• Discuss cash flow benefits to clients utilizing TM Services
• Detailed TM product offering overview, including Commercial Card and Merchant Services
• Discover product features and their value to our clients
• Gain understanding of each products’ pricing
• Understand cost benefit analysis of TM services

Documentation and Risk

• Understand the Client Enrollment Form and how if relates to legal agreements and bank risk
• Process risk approvals for TM services with Relationship Managers

TMSA/TM Officer Partnership

• Prepare pricing proposals for prospects and clients understanding how pricing differs across financial institutions.
• Prepare Client Reviews and Industry research
• Participate in client and prospect meetings with TM Sales Officers, including pre-call plan meetings with the Relationship Management teams

Corporate Tax Internship

The Tax College Intern will learn about the various functions with Corporate Tax, which include compliance, information reporting, and tax accounting. The Tax College Intern will also partner with internal business units, in assisting with Finance Transformation (DigiFi) in addressing impacts on Corporate Tax. This Tax Summer Internship position has no direct reports.

Position Competencies Successful candidates possess problem solving and analytical skills, attention to detail, ability to prioritize, planning and organizational skills, manage time effectively, work effectively with teams and has good verbal and written communication skills.

• Learn corporate tax compliance due dates, prepare quarterly estimates.
• Learn to administer other software programs for the tax department.
• Compile tax workpapers for preparation of federal and applicable state/local returns.
• Collaborate with compliance and audit on various projects and processes.
• Perform necessary research to support understanding of related tax compliance or other technical tax issues.
• Enhance and develop communication and problem-solving skills.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned by Management.

Position Qualifications:

• College level of Junior or Senior Status; expected graduation December 2024 or May 2025
• Accounting major, MST
• Overall GPA of 3.0 or better
• Two Accounting or Tax courses completed
• Six months of word-processing, spreadsheet and database software experience
• Six months of project coordination/participation, multi-tasking experience

Corporate Accounting Internship

Intern will learn about the various functions within Accounting and Financial Reporting, which include SEC and bank regulatory reporting, internal board reporting, contract review for key accounting considerations, research of accounting changes and assist with various accounting tasks.

Complete financial reports and disclosures for the SEC, bank regulators, and internal uses. Learn how to properly document and tie-out disclosures and report workpapers. Perform review on contracts for key accounting considerations. Complete activities related to the bank’s general ledger system. Perform necessary research to support understanding of accounting changes that may impact the bank.

• Complete financial reports and disclosures for the SEC, bank regulators and internal uses.
• Learn how to properly document and tie-out disclosures and report workpapers.
• Perform review on contracts for key accounting considerations.
• Complete activities related to the bank’s general ledger system and perform reconciliations as needed.
• Perform necessary research to support understanding of accounting changes that may impact the bank.

Minimum qualifications

• College level of Junior or Senior Status; expected graduation December 2025 or May 2026 Accounting Major, MST, Overall GPA of 3.0 or better
• College level of Junior or Senior Status; expected graduation December 2025 or May 2026

Economics Internship

About Comerica Economics Comerica Economics produces forecasts of the national economy, interest rates, and its primary business locations of Texas, Michigan, California, Florida, and Arizona. The Economics Department serves as the Bank's spokespeople on the economic outlook and frequently briefs Comerica's executives and clients on the economic outlook. As a recognized authority on the economy, Comerica Economics is regularly quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Washington Post, and other major media outlets.

Internship Description The Economics Department Intern supports the Chief Economist in preparing economic analysis for external publications, internal reports, and for oral presentations to customers and to Comerica colleagues. The Economic Research Intern is also responsible for collecting, analyzing, and preparing economic data for projects, studies, and reports to management.

The position will require 20 hours/week and a commitment through the end of the 2022-23 academic year. The hours can be flexible during Comerica's normal business hours of 8 A.M. to 5 P.M Monday to Friday. The internship is an immediate opening.

Position Competencies Successful candidates possess a good foundation in economics and a strong enthusiasm to learn more about it. They also possess excellent analytical and communication skills, including writing and data analysis. They have a drive for results and can prioritize, manage workloads. They relate well to team members, internal clients, and external customers.

Reporting Information/Location The Economics Research Intern reports to the Chief Economist, SVP. The position is located at our headquarters in Dallas, Texas, with easy access to DART. Comerica's Economics team follows a hybrid work schedule combining in-person and remote work.

• Managing data for the economic modeling systems, including the US Macroeconomic, US Interest Rate, and State Forecast models using EViews statistical software, Python, and Excel.
• Supporting various Comerica economic publications by managing databases, updating charts, providing additional commentary, and proofreading.
• Additional research projects as requested.
• Graduate student in an analytical field
• Enthusiasm for economics, knowledge of statistics, and econometrics preferred
• Working knowledge of Office suite (i.e., Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Power BI)
• Excellent communication skills
• Enjoys working in a collaborative team environment

Model Development Internship

Location(s):  Comerica Bank Headquarters, Dallas TX, or Frisco TX

The Enterprise Risk Quantitative Analytics Graduate-Level College Intern will learn quantitative and financial model development. Position Responsibilities

• Support quantitative and financial model development activities including data manipulation, model building and documentation.
• Multiple projects may be assigned.
• Some projects can be geared towards financial data manipulation while others may be more related to model development and documentation.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned by Enterprise Risk Management.
• Stress Testing and CELC Loss Forecasting
• PPNR and Market Risk Modeling
• Successful incumbents possess intellectual horsepower, time management skills, written communication skills, have process management skills and the ability to prioritize.
• Graduate students (MS or PhD) in the areas of Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Finance or Engineering
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Background in standard statistical and econometrics regression theories such as: OLS (including weighed least square), time series (autoregression and ARIMA), logistic, survival and ML techniques
• Prefer some experience building quantitative models, exposure to banking or financial models
• Experience using SAS, STATA, Python, R software or equivalent software programs Excellent interpersonal skills
• This internship is scheduled for May -- August with potential extension until December 31st

Travel Travel is not required of this position.

Relocation Relocation is not available for this position.

Trust Analyst Internship

The Trust Analyst Internship is a twelve-week program within Comerica's Trust Department. During the program Trust Analyst Interns are provided structured training, management support in career development, and a diverse experience within Trust to help them succeed.

Trust Analyst Interns will have the opportunity to explore the following areas: Institutional Trust, Trust Alliance, Fiduciary Services & Operations, Risk Management and/or Personal Trust.

Successful incumbents possess strong problem solving and analytical skills, strong attention to detail, demonstrate the ability to meet deadlines, strong planning and organizational skills, manage time effectively, strong teamwork and effective verbal and written communication skills.

Key responsibilities throughout the program include, but are not limited to the following:

• Immerse oneself in the work responsibilities of each area of Trust to learn it's importance and how it supports the Bank
• Learn the technology and systems used by each area of Trust
• Monitor and resolve unit and cash variances as reported by the various accounts
• Review and analyze statement impacts such as trade date vs. settlement date accounting, pending trades, effective dating transactions for statement purposes
• Review and analyze the unit's various exception reports such as failed trades, cash overdrafts, cost and market value out of balances and take the necessary action to resolve
• Produce and analyze ad-hoc customer report requests as needed
• Additional responsibilities as assigned by Trust Operations Unit Manager and team
• College level of Junior or Senior
• Working towards a Bachelor's or Master's degree from an accredited University in Business, Finance, Information Technology, Accounting, Trust related major(s)

Audit IT Internship

Location(s): Farmington Hills, MI or Detroit, MI -- Audit Operational/Financial Farmington Hills, MI or Auburn Hills, MI -- Audit IT

The Audit Information Technology intern will learn to analyze and evaluate the adequacy of the design and operational effectiveness of internal controls.

Start Date: January and May 2024 Hybrid/Remote Flexibility

Position Competencies Successful candidates possess strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills as well as strong organization skills with the ability to prioritize tasks.

Position Responsibilities Candidates in this position will learn to:

• Execute and document audit program tests for financial, operational, and/or information technology audits and express an opinion on the adequacy of the design and operational effectiveness of internal controls.
• Develop work papers that support tests performed and conclusions reached.
• Analyze root cause of audit issues and assist in the development and documentation of practical recommendations.
• Practice active listening.
• Interact effectively with client personnel and colleagues (verbal and written communications).
• Maintain appropriate, constructive, and professional relationships with clients and colleagues by building appropriate rapport and using diplomacy and tact.
• Assist with completion of the annual Audit Plan by managing and completing work within budgeted timeframes, dates, and schedules.

Travel  - Travel required between Auburn Hills, Livonia, and Detroit.