Professionals who have information communications technology (ICT) specialist positions are responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing all operations related to computer software, hardware, and telecommunications devices. These individuals design solutions and network architecture with which organizations store, access, and share information. To become an ICT specialist, you first should earn an undergraduate degree in field such as computer science or computer engineering. In most cases, it is best if you concentrate on studying information systems, particularly how they can be used in specific organizational contexts. For instance, people who are interested in working in the financial industry might study systems that currently are being used to analyze markets.
While it may not be necessary to earn a graduate degree, a person who wants to become an ICT specialist certainly can benefit from having this kind of credential. It is a good idea to have a graduate education specific to a field in which you would like to work. For example, if you would like to become an ICT specialist in the medical field, it is important that you get experience analyzing systems and databases that are used in medical contexts. Taking medical administration courses can also be a good idea.
To become an ICT specialist, it often is essential to have years of experience working in ICT departments. You should plan on starting off in entry level positions. You might first perform maintenance tasks and troubleshooting. It is also common for entry level professionals to assist more established professionals by gathering data and participating in research. Many people take these positions as interns while they are still in school.
Aside from having a deep understanding of the ways in which ICT systems are used in a particular field, it is also important to have excellent leadership skills. To become an ICT specialist, you must be able to lead teams and guide strategic planning initiatives. It is important that you are able to inspire confidence in your colleagues and employees. People in these roles often are at the tops of their fields and already have demonstrated their ability to lead large scale projects that help to drive an organization's long term goals.
If you want to become an ICT specialist, you should consistently look for opportunities to learn new skills and to take on new responsibilities. On your resume, you should highlight your ability to think about big picture issues while understanding the importance of accurate and detailed work. It can also be a good idea to join relevant professional organizations and attend trade shows where you can learn about new kinds of software and intelligence systems being used in your field. These are great ways to demonstrate your engagement and to prove that you are aware of the most current trends.
