Editor's Note: This post was originally published September 2018 and has recently been updated and revised for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Editor's Note: This post was originally published September 2018 and has recently been updated and revised for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Editor's Note: This post was originally published October 2016 and has recently been updated and revised for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
The world of IT is a constantly shifting landscape. Technologies and the companies that provide them come and go, but there are few powerhouses quite like Microsoft. This organization has survived crashes and tech bubbles for one main reason: They make quality products.
Editor's Note: This post was originally published August 2017 and has recently been updated and revised for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Individuals within the IT field have a number of expectations placed on their shoulders, including managing and securing systems effectively. Employers are increasingly looking for IT experts with the skills to maximize technology benefits and are willing to pay for these capabilities. Many jobs now require certain certifications, alongside other extensive experience and knowledge, in order to be considered. As the demand for IT applicants continues to rise, many might wonder why certifications continue to be necessary. IT certifications are still worth it to modern professionals for a few key reasons:
Editor's Note: This post was originally published June 2015 and has recently been updated and revised for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
The loud chatter of a team of IT security professionals seated at a long table filled the room at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County, California. In a day’s work of responding to red flags at the seven Marine bases under their purview, it’s not out of the ordinary for that chatter to turn to yelling. Rarely does a day go by when cybersecurity specialist Ralph Lazaro and the rest of his team are not putting out fires. Sometimes it’s because someone less-than-tech savvy has plugged in his phone at one of the bases, not realizing that smartphones are data storage devices with the potential to carry malware. Other times it’s because a patch or update needs to be installed at a remote base to make sure systems aren’t left vulnerable. The stakes are always high when working in cybersecurity at Camp Pendleton, even when the tasks are routine.
Editor's Note: This post was originally published April 2017 and has recently been updated and revised for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Demand for tech professionals continues to climb. New technologies, emerging cyber threats and other trends are providing more opportunities than ever for applicants to demonstrate their expertise and prove why they would be the best fit for a particular position. However, staying stagnant too long in the tech industry can negatively impact your appeal to employers.