What is information technology?
Learn about information technology, and find the right career for you. Explore how to qualify for a well-paying IT job.
By: Thomas Broderick, Edited by: Rebecca Munday
Published: July 28, 2025
Are you wondering how to break into the IT field? Doing so can help you increase your salary potential, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that IT professionals earned a median salary of $105,990 as of May 2024. Many well-paying positions do not require an advanced degree.
Dive into what information technology is, the required skills, and potential career paths.
Qualifying for an IT position can set you up for career success. Learn information technology today.
What is information technology?
IT professionals manage, store, and protect digital data. They may specialize in hardware, software, networking, or data management. Regardless of specialization, workers need technical knowledge to perform their jobs successfully.
Nearly every industry employs IT workers. The field features many career paths, such as computer network architect and information security analyst.
Skills in information technology
A university certificate program, a professional certification program, or a formal bachelor's degree program can help you master in-demand IT skills.
- Database management: Good database managers standardize processes, troubleshoot problems, and help users retrieve data. They also recommend new software and hardware systems to senior managers.
- Information security: Information security managers protect digital data from hackers and computer viruses. Other responsibilities include training employees in information security best practices.
- Programming languages: IT professionals use C++, Python, and Java to build and maintain databases. Start your journey, and learn computer programming on edX.
- Project management: Workers in mid- or senior-level positions must have project management skills. The ability to project manage is essential when managing long-term objectives, mentoring employees, and reacting to unforeseen circumstances.
Where is information technology used?
IT plays a vital role in nearly every industry.
- Service: The service industry uses IT to process customers' orders, ensure good communication among staff members, and run businesses' point-of-sale systems.
- Healthcare: IT professionals working in healthcare digitize and maintain patient data. Healthcare professionals can access this information from any secure device, reducing the time required to make important healthcare decisions.
- Small businesses: Many small businesses can streamline operations and grow with IT tools. These businesses can hire remote IT professionals to handle data management and other tasks.
Use cases for information technology
Cloud computing
Cloud computing advances mean that businesses and organizations no longer need to house servers on site. Companies offering cloud computing services charge less than businesses would pay for the staff and technology resources required in the past.
Cloud computing companies offer IT infrastructure upgrades. With only a few keystrokes, organizations can rent extra cloud computing space and immediately put new resources to work.
Network security
IT professionals keep information secure by developing security processes and software. On the software side, they build firewalls and password protection systems to prevent hackers from gaining access. Processes include training employees to identify phishing and follow security best practices.
IT network security may go beyond software and best practices. IT workers may work with senior managers to help organizations choose company laptops, cell phones, and other hardware with the latest security features.
Remote device troubleshooting
Also known as remote assistance, remote device troubleshooting can connect IT professionals with devices on the other side of the world. This eliminates travel time and costs, letting IT experts start solving problems live, regardless of an employee's location.
IT professionals can use specialized software to take over a computer or other device. Replicating the screen on their end lets them test potential solutions while the employee, customer, or client watches the process in real time on their device.
IT career paths
Entry-level careers in IT
Some education or training can prepare you for one of many entry-level IT jobs, such as technical support specialist. These IT professionals help troubleshoot users' software and hardware issues. Some companies let specialists work remotely.
Mid-level careers in IT
Popular mid-level careers in IT include IT support analyst. These professionals run their employers' computer networks, test systems for vulnerabilities, and perform maintenance.
Many mid-level careers require at least an associate degree.
Senior-level careers in IT
A bachelor's or master’s degree and significant experience can qualify you to become an IT manager or director. Managers and directors run an organization's IT department. Day-to-day responsibilities include managing teams, preparing budgets, and working with technology vendors.