Get the Skills to Be an IT Professional

Take Online IT Courses to Start Your New Career in Just 70 Weeks

IT Professionals with desktop and networking skills are versatile and valuable members of any IT support system. Take online IT courses with the Centre for Distance Education (CD-ED) to earn a diploma that also prepares you to earn four industry standard certifications, helping to make you in demand with employers from small businesses to large corporations. You’ll have the skills to troubleshoot desktop hardware and software issues as well as support the underlying network infrastructure.

If you are detail-oriented, technical-minded and are interested in getting established in a professional IT career, you could be well-suited to succeed as a Desktop & Network Support Specialist.

Becoming a Qualified Professional with Online IT Courses at CD-ED

CD-ED offers an IT Professional diploma program that allows you to gain the fundamental skills you need to pursue a successful career. Graduates of this program enter the professional world with confidence after gaining hands-on training in the following seven areas:

1. 1. Discovering Computers
      This module teaches digital literacy.  Because technology changes, this module presents the knowledge students need to be digitally literate today, developing current knowledge and understanding of computers, mobile devices, the web and related technologies.
   2. Operating Systems Fundamentals
      This module teaches the student the fundamental technology concepts of Windows Operating Systems with a foundation for a career as well as the confidence they need to succeed in advanced studies. The student learns the key concepts of Understanding Operating System Configurations, Managing Applications, Managing Files and Folders, Managing Devices, and Understanding Operating System Maintenance. Successful candidates are prepared and supplied with a voucher for the MTA certificate as part of their tuition.
   3. Desktop Support
      This module teaches the student the fundamentals of computer technology, installation and configuration of PCs, laptops and related hardware, and basic networking. The student will cover the skills required to install and configure PC operating systems, as well as configuring common features (e.g. network connectivity and email) for mobile operating systems. Completion of this module will prepare the student for the CompTIA A+ certification.
   4. IT Communications
      This module teaches the Soft skills needed in the information technology world. Real life skills of interacting with customers, working with professionals, using proper phone techniques, security in communication, workplace communication and practices, leadership in IT, and communication in the real world will be taught through scenario depicting typical workplace situations.
   5. Network Fundamentals
      This module teaches the student the fundamental technology concepts of networking with a foundation for a career, as well as the confidence they need to succeed in advanced studies. The student learns the key concepts of understanding Local Area Networking, defining networks with the OSI Model, understanding wired and wireless networks, understanding Internet protocol, implementing TCP/IP in the command line, working with networking services, understanding Wide Area Networks, and defining network infrastructures and network security. Successful candidates are prepared for the MTA certificate.
   6. Network Support
      This module covers network technologies, installation and configuration, media and topologies, management, and security. Candidate job roles include network administrator, network technician, network installer, help desk technician and IT cable installer.  Completion of this module will prepare the student for the Network+ certification.
   7. Occupational Health & Safety
      The student will be given an introductory course in Occupational Health & Safety, covering the need for OHS in the workplace, workplace hazards and processes, and ergonomics specifically for the modern office.

In addition to getting a diploma from Canada’s leading distance education school, graduates of this challenging program also have the potential to earn the following certifications:

1. 1. • MTA Configuring Windows Devices
      • MTA Networking Fundamentals
      • CompTIA A+
      • CompTIA Network+

Working in Information Technology

Like any IT professional, your day-to-day duties will vary depending on what type of company you work for. Primarily, you will provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment.

IT Professionals play an important role in the daily upkeep of their organization’s networks and computer systems by finding solutions to problems as they occur. Solving an IT problem in a timely manner is important because organizations depend on their computer systems. IT Professionals may provide assistance to the organization’s computer users through phone, email, or in-person visits.

Help Desk Technicians, also called Computer User Support Specialists, usually provide technical help to non-IT computer users. They respond to phone and email requests for help; sometimes they make site visits so that they can solve a problem in person.

Take a look at some of the typical duties in this career field:

1. 1. • Test and evaluate existing network systems
      • Perform regular maintenance to ensure that networks operate correctly
      • Troubleshoot local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Internet systems
      • Pay attention to customers when they describe their computer problems
      • Ask customers questions in order to properly diagnose the problem
      • Walk customers through the problem-solving steps
      • Set up or repair computer equipment and related devices
      • Train users to utilize new computer hardware or software, including printing, installation, word processing, and email
      • Give information to others in the organization about what gives customers the most trouble and other concerns customers have

Career Opportunities for IT Professionals

Career opportunities exist in a variety of settings. Almost all businesses, small to large, require technical help. Career paths include helpdesk support, network support, field technician, IT consultant to computer repair technician. With experience you can be a self-employed independent contractor.

As a qualified IT Professional you can pursue a variety of positions, including:

1. 1. • Helpdesk Support
      • Network Support
      • Field Technician
      • IT Consultant
      • Computer Repair Technician

Some IT Professionals even choose to start their own businesses as independent contractors.