Learn about IT Careers in CT
Connecticut has one of the fastest-growing information technology (IT) industries in the nation. Our innovation corridor stretches along the shore from Stamford to New Haven to New London, and up the Connecticut River to Hartford.
You may recognize big names such as Charter Communications, Gartner Group, Pratt & Whitney, SS&C, and Xerox. There are hundreds more on their way up! People like you are getting jobs at these emerging and established firms in many sectors, including green energy, defense, insurance, and financial services.
Learn about tech careers and IT training and education programs from these organizations:
- AdvanceCT Tech Sector profile: Our state’s tech sector is diverse and thriving. Discover tech initiatives and opportunities right here in Connecticut.
- Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT): CCAT is an applied technology demonstration and training center that validates, demonstrates, and assists with the adoption of leading-edge technologies.
- Synchrony Skills Academy: Opportunities for high school, community college, and adult education students to learn in-demand skills and receive guidance and mentoring from experts.
- DAE (formerly District Arts + Education): Young adult, adult, and master's programs teach high-demand digital and tech skills that help students gain entry to premier schools and jobs.
- CT State Community College Engineering and Technology programs: These programs help students quickly transition into entry-level jobs or transition to earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering or technology.
Explore details about typical jobs in the IT industry:
- Computer User Support Specialist
- Customer Network Support Specialist
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Web and Digital Interface Designers
- Web Developer
Computer User Support Specialist
The job: Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone, or electronically. May help with the use of computer hardware and software, including installation, electronic mail, and operating systems.
Common job titles: Computer Support Specialist, Computer Tech, Desktop Support Technician, Help Desk Analyst, Help Desk Technician, Information Support (IS) Tech, IT Specialist, IT Support Specialist, IT Tech, Technical Support Specialist
Training and education: Most employers require a certificate or an associate degree.
- Career ConneCT: You can get started with free short-term training.
- Certificate programs: IT Support Certificate
- Associate degree programs: IT Support
Certificates: Many companies offer certificates, too. Popular certificates include:
- Citrix: Certified Expert in Virtualization or Certified Professional in Virtualization
- Apple: Apple Certified Support Professional (ACSP) 10.15
- Dell: Specialist - Implementation Engineer, Campus Networking Version 1.0
- Microsoft: Dynamics 365 Customer Service Functional Consultant Associate
Customer Network Support Specialist
The job: Analyze, test, troubleshoot, and evaluate existing network systems. These include local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), cloud networks, servers, and other data communications networks. Perform network maintenance to ensure networks operate correctly with minimal interruption.
Common job titles: Computer Network Specialist, IT Consultant, Network Specialist, Network Support Specialist, Network Technical Analyst, Network Technician, Personal Computer Network Analyst, Systems Specialist
Education and Training: Most employers require an associate or bachelor's degree, or work experience and certification.
- Certificate programs: Computer Networking Certificate, Networking Technology Certificate
- Associate degree: Networking
Certificates: Certificates can help you get or keep a job requiring certain skills. These organizations offer several popular certificate programs:
- Connecticut Technical Education and Careers System has certificate programs for high school students and adults. These include Microsoft Office Specialist, Net+ and Information Technology Fundamentals, Adobe Certified Associate – Creative Cloud, Amazon Web Services (AWS) Cloud Certification
- Cisco Systems has certificate programs, including: CCIE Enterprise Wireless, CCNP Service Provider, CCIE Service Provider, CCT Data Center, and CCIE Enterprise Infrastructure
Computer Systems Analyst
The job: Analyze data processing problems to develop and implement solutions for applications, system administration, or networks. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.
Common job titles: Applications Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, Computer Analyst, Computer Systems Analyst, Computer Systems Consultant, Information Systems Analyst (ISA), IT Analyst, IT Systems Analyst, Programmer Analyst, Systems Analyst
Education and Training: Most employers require an associate or bachelor's degree in computer science.
Certificates: Many companies offer certificates. Popular certificates include:
- Microsoft: Azure Data Engineer Associate
- Oracle: Oracle Data Integrator 12c Essentials
- Red Hat: Certified Engineer
- Amazon: AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate
- Cisco: CCT Data Center
Web Designers and Digital Interface Designers
The job: Design websites or digital interfaces. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure they work across browsers or devices. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards. May design and test interfaces for using digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.
Common job titles: Front-End Web Developer, Full-Stack Developer, Technical Consultant, Technology Applications Engineer, Web Analyst, UX Designer/Developer, Web Architect, Web Design Specialist, Web Designer, Web Developer, Webmaster, WordPress or Shopify Developer
Training and education: Employers have a wide range of education requirements based on the job.
- Career ConneCT: You can get started with free short-term training.
- Find a school program
Certificates: Certificates may be required or preferred for new web and digital interface designers and people who are already in the job. Here are popular certifications for this job:
- Cisco Certified DevNet Associate
- Dreamweaver Certification - Adobe Certified Professional
- SAP Certified Application Associate - SAP Business One Release 10.0
- SAP Certified Application Associate - SAP Lumira Designer 2.4
Web Developer
The job: Develop and implement websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. Evaluate code to ensure that it is properly structured, meets industry standards, and is compatible with browsers and devices. Optimize website performance, scalability, and server-side code and processes. May develop website infrastructure and integrate websites with other computer applications.
Common job titles: Technology Applications Engineer, Web Architect, Web Design Specialist, Web Designer, Web Developer, Webmaster
Education: Most employers require an associate or bachelor's degree. Some require work certification and work experience.
Certificates: Certificates may be required or preferred for new web developers and people who are already in the job. Here are popular certifications for this job:
- Adobe Systems: Adobe Campaign Classic Developer Certification
- Cisco: Cisco Certified DevNet Associate or Cisco Certified DevNet Professional
- Oracle: Oracle Application Express 18: Developing Web Applications
- Human Factors International: Certified Usability Analyst