How to Transition from Help Desk to IT Specialist

As you develop your IT skills and experience, you might want to transition from a help desk to a specialist role. Taking on new challenges strengthens career satisfaction.

Transitioning from a help desk to an IT specialist role provides additional value to organizations. Driving industry change helps you stay competitive in the job market.

Follow these guidelines to transition from a help desk to an IT specialist role.

How Can You Transition from Help Desk to IT Specialist?

Excel in Your IT Role

Continuously improve your performance in your current IT role. Regularly enhancing your skills, experience, and reputation for excellence builds respect and recognition. These activities create the groundwork for career advancement.

Earn IT Certifications

Pursue relevant IT certifications to demonstrate your skills and enhance your credibility. Examples include Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) A+, Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

Gain IT Experience

Engage in IT workshops, boot camps, and online courses to develop your skills. Also, complete an IT internship, volunteer, or work temporary jobs to gain experience. Use your knowledge and skills to adapt to changing tech environments, understand IT systems, and strengthen your problem-solving skills.

Network

Build relationships with IT professionals, hiring managers, supervisors, HR professionals, and company leaders. You might network with these professionals through IT seminars, conferences, and professional associations. Or, you could participate in IT-focused groups and online forums to gather industry insights, advice, and job referrals.

Find a Mentor

Look for a mentor with an established IT career in your desired path. They can use their knowledge and experience to provide customized guidance, feedback, and support as you develop your career.

Schedule Informational Interviews

Ask employees in the IT jobs and companies you prefer to briefly meet for informational interviews. Ask questions relevant to the company, role, and culture to determine whether they fit your goals, skills, and interests.

If you find a match, ask the employee to serve as a referral. Otherwise, continue scheduling informational interviews to find a better match.

Work with an IT Recruitment Firm

Partner with a recruitment firm that specializes in the IT industry:

  • The firm has a vast network of top employers who need IT professionals.
  • You gain insight into the job market and employer expectations.
  • A recruiter can provide guidance, feedback, and support throughout your job search.
  • You meet with a recruiter to discuss your education, skills, experience, accomplishments, goals, and interests in depth.
  • The recruiter shares relevant job opportunities to determine which are a fit.
  • You decide which jobs to interview for.
  • The recruiter negotiates any job offers on your behalf.
  • The recruiter regularly follows up to ensure your complete satisfaction with the job.

Partner with THE RIGHT STAFF

THE RIGHT STAFF can help you transition from a help desk to an IT specialist role. Visit our job board to apply for a role today.

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