Information technology powers our modern, deeply connected way of life. It drives every computerized solution we take for granted, like the smartphones that help us message loved ones, the fitness trackers that keep us physically active and increasingly, the cloud platforms that help us access photos and documents on the go.[1]
As the scope of these technologies continues to expand, however, so does the need for support and oversight. From cybersecurity to everyday troubleshooting, humans remain critical, and their tech-focused contributions are highly sought after.
Although promising, IT can be highly competitive. Breaking into this field is not possible without a deeply technical, yet well-rounded skill set that includes training in diverse areas such as networking, operating systems and cybersecurity.[2]
Aspiring IT professionals can shore up these skills with SJVC’s online Certificate in Information Technology.[3] Spanning 31 weeks, this program promotes fundamental IT skills through theoretical study, lab work and simulations. Keep reading to learn how this certificate works and which information technology skills it promotes.
What Is an Information Technology Program?
An Information Technology program uses college-level coursework to introduce students to diverse technical concepts: hardware, software, networking, cloud computing and security. This provides a theoretical introduction to core IT topics but also demonstrates how core skills are applied to solve a range of tech-related problems. Labs and simulations are prioritized, encouraging students to practice troubleshooting during realistic scenarios that reflect actual tech-driven challenges.
At SJVC, there are multiple ways to study IT. Many students begin with the 31-week certificate program, although SJVC also provides the opportunity to earn an Associate of Science in Information Technology. Either program will provide well-rounded technical and analytical skill development, promoting competencies of great value in the fast-paced IT field.
Core Technical Skills You’ll Build in an IT Program
Information Technology programs prioritize technical skills, addressing the wide range of systems, solutions and components that keep today’s advanced technologies running smoothly. IT coursework also emphasizes soft skill development, detailing the interpersonal and problem-solving abilities that translate technical knowledge into real-world action.
A Strong Technical Foundation Across Hardware, Software and Systems
While knowledge in any one area of IT can be helpful, the most effective professionals understand how these components interact. After all, hardware, software and operating systems do not function in isolation. They rely on one another to promote efficient and highly secure computing environments.
For this reason, SJVC’s Information Technology courses prioritize all three areas, demonstrating how they’re related and using realistic scenarios and applied experiences to bring these interconnected areas to life.
Hardware & Software Skills
As the foundation of all things IT, hardware and software should be prioritized in any Information Technology program. These abilities influence both physical devices and the applications that run on them. SJVC introduces these essentials through foundational coursework that provides a solid grounding in the most fundamental components of the modern computing environment.
Installing, Maintaining and Supporting Computer Hardware
Hardware forms the critical structure behind every computing system. It’s what allows software to run and systems to operate effectively.[4] SJVC coursework not only introduces aspiring IT professionals to hardware components, but also offers hands-on opportunities to get comfortable working with diverse hardware. This means learning to assemble components and perform routine maintenance.
Understanding and Managing Software Applications
Software tells devices how to perform tasks. It works like a set of instructions. In the context of the workplace, these instructions support everything from basic productivity tools to specialized industry-focused applications.[5] SJVC’s software-focused Information Technology course emphasizes command-line and graphical user interface tools and also provides opportunities to practice these skills while using simulated software.
Operating System Fundamentals
Operating systems form the crucial link between users and hardware, coordinating resources so that devices can efficiently perform a wide range of tasks.[6] SJVC dedicates an entire IT course to operating system fundamentals, clarifying how operating systems manage hardware, memory and processes.
While this class covers many operating systems, it provides an especially thorough overview of Windows, revealing how to install, deploy and configure it using command-line methods and the graphical user interface. Again, simulated software is a central part of this learning experience, offering opportunities to experiment and take risks within low-stakes simulated environments.
Networking & Cloud Computing Skills
Networking determines how individual devices are linked within the broad IT environment, ensuring that various computers, mobile devices and servers can easily share information. At SJVC, networking and cloud computing are core IT topics, with classes revealing the many technologies that drive today’s highly-connected world.
Designing and Managing Basic Networks
Today’s organizations rely on stable networks to communicate with numerous clients and partners, so network design plays heavily into business operations. SJVC’s networking-focused course covers fundamental techniques for installing and securing network devices and protocols.
Implementing Cloud Computing Concepts
The cloud dominates the modern digital landscape, allowing us to access many tools and documents from afar.[7] These days, IT professionals are increasingly expected to provide support for cloud systems, but this calls for an in-depth understanding of concepts such as virtualization, which involves simulated versions of servers and networks. SJVC’s introductory coursework explores virtualization along with the cloud models that provide varying levels of control.
Cybersecurity & System Protection Skills
Much of the current appeal for IT expertise is driven by rapid scaling in the cybersecurity field. This has been prompted by escalating threats, with organizations relying on IT professionals to help them avoid devastating breaches and attacks. SJVC covers cybersecurity principles, helping future IT professionals develop and implement layered defenses that keep sensitive systems and information safe.
Understanding Basic Security Principles
Threats and security solutions may be evolving at a rapid pace, but the foundations of digital security remain consistent: access control, encryption and authentication. SJVC’s coursework highlights these essentials, along with various types of risks that today’s digital systems encounter.
Maintaining Device and Network Security
Familiarity with cyber threats may be important, but this should be accompanied by actionable skills that allow IT professionals to safeguard vulnerable systems and sensitive data. SJVC empowers students to address risks through layered strategies involving security protocols and software updates.
Help Desk & Technical Support Skills
There are many ways to get a strong start in the IT field, but help desk and technical support roles are among the most accessible and meaningful entry-level opportunities. These roles require not only technical knowledge, but also strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
Troubleshooting Across Devices and Systems
Troubleshooting brings a systematic approach to diagnosing and resolving a wide range of technical issues. This ultimately leads to improved performance and reduced downtime. SJVC’s immersive coursework emphasizes both extensive technical skills and strong problem-solving abilities, which are essential for effective troubleshooting.
Customer Service and User Support
Customer service skills help IT professionals provide genuinely helpful recommendations to those in need of troubleshooting or other forms of support. IT professionals with strong customer service skills answer questions patiently, offering step-by-step feedback using clear and concise language.
A SJVC course covering help desk fundamentals uses simulation software to walk students through common challenges and scenarios. What’s more, a capstone involving help desk support provides additional chances to apply IT skills while actively helping fellow SJVC students.
Real-World Experience Through Externship
Externships bring IT concepts to life. These real-world experiences show how various tools and systems are installed, maintained or optimized within various settings or industries.
SJVC encourages IT students to participate in externships that take place in professional environments, under direct supervision. This familiarizes future IT professionals with the intricacies of this field and can inspire confidence as newly developed skills are put into action. Other perks include networking and resume enhancement, which could make it easier to score entry-level work following program completion.
Digital, Analytical & Professional Skills
There’s far more to IT than components and configurations. Interpersonal abilities (often referred to as soft skills) are also important, as these enable IT professionals to work collaboratively to solve complex problems. For this reason, soft skill development is purposefully built into SJVC’s Information Technology courses, and can be gained through projects, written reflections and class discussions.
Technical Communication
The language of IT includes many technical terms and commands that may initially feel confusing but ultimately allow for precise troubleshooting and documentation. SJVC introduces students to these crucial terms, demonstrating how they’re used in the workplace and how complex concepts can be simplified to spark understanding in those outside the field.
Critical Thinking and Ethical Decision-Making
Critical thinking spells the difference between following procedures and actively solving complex IT problems.[8] This is what allowed IT professionals to move beyond surface-level concerns and diagnose root causes. Ethical considerations must be built into this effort, including reflections on data privacy, regulatory compliance and the broader implications of advancing technologies.
Digital Literacy and Productivity Tools
Digitally literate professionals can find and evaluate information using technological tools or systems.[9] This is crucial in IT, as it allows professionals to spot misinformation and avoid implementing solutions that might compromise security. SJVC promotes digital literacy through IT coursework, which also provides hands-on opportunities for exploring productivity software.
How These IT Skills Prepare You for Entry-Level Work Environments
Foundational information technology skills support daily tech operations across many industries.[10] In healthcare, for example, IT helps patients keep connected through telehealth, while IT in agriculture allows for continuous equipment monitoring and even data-driven crop management.
By developing broad-based information technology skills and knowledge, you gain versatility, so you can support IT operations in any industry you find compelling.[11] From the office to the clinic, you can feel confident as you troubleshoot technical issues and help people make the most of today’s advanced technological tools.
Explore SJVC’s Information Technology Certificate Online
Prepare for a tech-driven career with a certificate program that will empower you to shape the digital systems of tomorrow. SJVC helps make it possible with practical coursework that emphasizes hands-on IT skills. Learn more about what it takes to earn an Information Technology Certificate online and start building skills and confidence to thrive in IT.
Sources:
[1] Indeed. “What Is Information Technology? (Importance, Roles and Types) What Is Information Technology? (Importance, Roles and Types).” https://sg.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/what-is-information-technology
[2] Indeed. “17 Skills You Need For an IT Job.” https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/skills-needed-for-it-jobs
[3] San Joaquin Valley College. “2025-2026 College Catalog.” https://static.sjvc.edu/_downloads/consumerinfo/SJVC-2025-2026-Catalog-07282026.pdf
[4] IBM. “What is computer hardware?” https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/hardware
[5] TechTarget. “What is software?” https://www.techtarget.com/searchapparchitecture/definition/software
[6] IBM. “What is an operating system?” https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/operating-systems
[7] IBM. “What is cloud computing?” https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/cloud-computing
[8] Edwards, J. “Critical Thinking: The Overlooked IT Management Skill.” Information Week. https://www.informationweek.com/it-leadership/critical-thinking-the-overlooked-it-management-skill
[9] American Institutes for Research. “What Does It Mean to Have Digital Literacy Skills?” https://www.air.org/sites/default/files/TSTMDigitalLiteracyBrief-508.pdf.
[10] Fister, T. “11 Information Technology Skills To Help You Succeed.” Indeed. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/information-tech-skills
[11] Indeed. “Top 26 In-Demand IT Skills for Advancement in Your Field.” https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/top-it-skills
