How to Get Into IT With a Bachelor’s Degree

Information technology (IT) shapes and influences society, from business operations to the exchange of ideas and personal interactions. From a business and industrial perspective, IT allows enterprises to operate and grow with greater efficiency, helping them remain at the forefront of their field.

This means that the IT job market offers a wide range of opportunities for anyone considering an undergraduate degree in IT . However, earning a degree is just the first step when considering how to get into IT.

A Look at the IT Landscape

IT broadly describes the use of computer systems or networks to gather, process, manipulate, and produce any type of data. Unlike computer science , which tends to deal with the theory behind technology, IT focuses on its application. Some of the ways IT is applied to business include the following:

Data analytics
Cloud computing
Data management
Communications
Cybersecurity

This versatility means that IT is an integral part of departments across organizations. It plays a part in marketing, helping teams gain insights on consumer data and trends. It’s key to business automation , which can improve customer service efficiency. It allows accounting departments to streamline essential but repetitive financial tasks.

IT’s broad application means that there are many ways to get into IT, leading to a range of career paths to consider. Positions include the following:

Information security analyst
Data scientist
Network and computer systems administrator
Software developer
Computer support specialist

How to Get Into IT

IT depends on the professionals who develop, implement, operate, and manage its various systems. The right education and skills demonstrate that applicants have what employers are looking for.

Education

Most IT jobs require a bachelor’s degree, typically in a field such as IT or computer science. Typical coursework in these programs is geared toward helping students develop an understanding of how IT functions in a business context. Common topics include the following:

IT fundamentals
Systems software
Systems analysis
Database management
Computer and business ethics
Cybersecurity
Statistical analysis
Business communication

For some students, a bachelor’s degree can lead to pursuing a graduate-level IT degree. This can help them advance to senior or executive positions.

Experience and Skills Development

Gaining experience through entry-level jobs is a key element of how to get into IT. These roles allow graduates to turn academic knowledge into actionable skills. Entry-level positions include the following:

AI research assistant
User experience designer
Full-stack web developer
Database administrator

Some programs offer internships that allow students to gain experience before joining the workforce. This can also lead to networking opportunities.

Fundamental IT skills that individuals should develop to prepare for an IT career include:

Programming Languages: Knowledge of common computer languages such as Python, Java, HTML, and C++ is critical to IT work.
Networking: Expertise in connecting devices and managing communication properties is fundamental to the exchange of data and information on which IT is based.
Artificial Intelligence: A deep understanding of the mechanics of AI, such as algorithms and generative language, has become increasingly important in the field. In a 2025 McKinsey & Company report, an astonishing 92% of surveyed companies planned on increasing their investment in generative AI within the next three years.

Soft skills such as communication, organization, and problem-solving are also essential for IT careers.

Certifications and Credentials

Certifications demonstrate expertise in different areas, and some positions may require specific credentials. They can also help applicants stand out to prospective employers. Popular certifications include the following:

CompTIA A+: Demonstrates a high level of understanding in essential IT concepts
Certified Data Professional: Showcases expertise in analytics-related IT areas
Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH): Highlights the ability to ethically test networks to detect and resolve cybersecurity system weaknesses
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): Demonstrates advanced knowledge of auditing and upholding the security of an IT system
Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC): Indicates proficiency in IT-related risk management practices

Salary and Job Growth in IT

The median annual salary for computer and IT occupations was $105,990 in 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Factors such as education level, years of experience, and location can affect salaries.

The BLS also projects an average of more than 317,000 job openings in IT each year between 2024 and 2034. One standout area of growth is information security analysis, which the BLS expects to see a 29% increase in jobs between 2024 and 2034, substantially higher than the 3% growth projected for the overall labor market.

Prepare for a Fulfilling Career

After identifying how to get into IT, students can plan their careers. As technology continues to evolve and drive business innovation, professionals with the right knowledge and skills will be poised to lead. An undergraduate degree is the first step.

The online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from NCCU Online is designed to integrate technology and business through a career-focused curriculum, allowing you to cultivate the skills to make an impact. You can also tailor your educational journey with three distinct concentrations: cybersecurity, data analytics, and information and communications technology (ICT). Find out how NCCU Online prepares graduates to succeed.

Recommended Readings

How Long Does It Take to Learn Programming?

How Technology Builds Resilience in Critical Infrastructure

How to Get IT Certifications With a Cybersecurity Degree

Sources:

CompTIA, What Is Information Technology?

Indeed, “Top 17 IT Certifications in Demand”

Indeed, What Is Information Technology? (Importance, Roles and Types)

Investopedia, “Data Analytics: What It Is, How It’s Used, and 4 Basic Techniques”

McKinsey & Co., “Superagency In the Workplace: Empowering People to Unlock AI’s Full Potential”

TechTarget, “10 Best Entry-Level Tech Jobs in 2025”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Computer and Information Technology Occupations