If you’ve ever thought about getting into tech, IT support is one of the best places to start. It’s practical, in-demand, and doesn't require a computer science degree to get your foot in the door. In fact, with just the right training, mindset, and a few key skills, you can start building a successful career in IT support in 2025.

Whether you're a student, a career switcher, or someone who’s always been the "techie" friend, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started.

Why IT Support is a Smart Career Choice

IT support is more than just fixing computers or rebooting routers. It’s about solving real problems, helping people stay productive, and keeping systems up and running. It's the frontline of tech and often the heartbeat of any business.

There’s also a strong sense of job security in this path. Every business, whether small or large, needs someone to keep their tech working. That means job opportunities are everywhere. On top of that, the role gives you the perfect foundation to move into other areas of IT, like cybersecurity, cloud computing, or networking.

What You’ll Be Doing in an IT Support Role

As an IT support professional, your daily tasks can vary, but some common responsibilities include helping users with technical issues, resetting passwords, setting up devices, troubleshooting network problems, and managing software installations. You might be the person who jumps on Zoom to help someone figure out why their sound isn’t working, or the one behind the scenes ensuring updates are installed and systems are secure.

You’ll also spend time documenting what you do. Writing clear notes in support tickets, following up with users, and keeping track of recurring issues are a big part of the job.

Skills That Make You Stand Out

To succeed in IT support, you’ll need a mix of technical knowledge and people skills.

On the technical side, it helps to know your way around Windows and macOS, understand basic networking concepts, and be comfortable installing and troubleshooting common software. Learning some scripting with PowerShell or Bash is a great bonus too.

But just as important are your soft skills. Can you stay calm under pressure? Can you explain complex things in a way non-tech people understand? Can you listen patiently and ask the right questions? These human skills often matter just as much as your technical know-how.

Certifications That Can Give You an Edge

Certifications can help boost your resume, especially if you’re just starting out and don’t have work experience yet. Some of the best ones to consider in 2025 include:

The Google IT Support Certificate, which is beginner-friendly and hands-on.
CompTIA A+, which is widely recognized and covers both hardware and software basics.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals, which is great if you’re interested in cloud-related roles.
Cisco’s CCST, if you’re leaning toward networking.

All of these are doable with consistent study and practice, and many come with free or low-cost learning resources.

Where and How to Learn IT Support Skills

You don’t need to enroll in a university program to learn IT support. In fact, most successful IT professionals are self-taught or learned through online platforms and home labs.

Some great places to start learning include YouTube, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and sites like TryHackMe or CBT Nuggets. You can also join Discord communities, Reddit forums, or online study groups where people share tips, job opportunities, and feedback.

If you really want to accelerate your learning, set up a home lab. You can install VirtualBox and run virtual machines to practice installing operating systems, configuring networks, and simulating common support tasks. It’s one of the best ways to get hands-on experience without needing access to a real company network.

The Tools of the Trade

In your role as an IT support professional, you’ll eventually use tools like TeamViewer, AnyDesk, or Remote Desktop to assist users remotely. You’ll work with helpdesk software like Zendesk or Jira Service Management to track issues and communicate with users.

If you’re supporting a business using Microsoft tools, you’ll also get familiar with the Microsoft 365 Admin Center and Active Directory to manage users and devices.

The more you practice using these tools, even just through demos and tutorials, the more confident you’ll become during interviews and on the job.

Gaining Experience Before You Get the Job

One of the biggest challenges beginners face is getting real experience. The good news is, you don’t have to wait for a job offer to start building it.

Offer to help friends and family with tech issues and keep a record of the problems you solved. Volunteer for a local NGO or school that needs IT support. Take on freelance gigs through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. You can even build your own portfolio by documenting the practice work you do in your home lab or by writing blog posts about what you’re learning.

Where IT Support Can Take You

Many people who start in IT support go on to specialize in areas like systems administration, cybersecurity, DevOps, or cloud infrastructure. The skills you gain from helping users, troubleshooting problems, and managing devices will give you a strong foundation for just about any path in tech.

You’ll also get a better sense of what you enjoy. Some people love the fast-paced nature of support and choose to grow into senior support roles or management. Others use it as a springboard into more technical roles.

Final Thoughts

Starting a career in IT support is one of the smartest moves you can make in 2025. It’s a practical way to enter the tech industry, build valuable skills, and make a real impact whether you're helping one person fix their laptop or supporting an entire company.

If you're ready to learn, stay curious, and keep showing up, you'll do just fine. This is just the beginning, and where you go from here is entirely up to you.

Have any questions or want help choosing your first certification? Drop a comment, I’m here to support your journey.

The Ultimate Guide to Starting a Career in IT Support In 2025