Developing a career that involves your passions and offers opportunities for growth is the ultimate goal of any professional. It takes a lot of work to build your career, especially when you work remotely as there are additional factors to consider.

Some people believe that working online puts them at a disadvantage when advancing their career. It’s difficult to read social signals in a remote setting plus there are no after-work activities for establishing bonds. When you’re a virtual IT specialist, it’s hard to even do your job.

This mustn’t put you off a remote IT specialist career though. There are plenty of benefits to working in the IT industry.

Why work as a remote IT specialist

People are growing more and more reliant on technology. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that information technology jobs are expected to grow due to the demand for software upgrades and support services.

The 2020 Emerging Jobs Report Philippines by LinkedIn also states that tech-related jobs are the most in-demand. This includes customer success specialists who are responsible for understanding the technology and managing customer relationships.

Another perk is that the average salary for an IT support specialist in the Philippines is PHP 222,641 per year, according to PayScale. SalaryExpert also reports that a remote technical support specialist in the Philippines makes around PHP 359,551 annually.

Being a remote support specialist means you may work in different environments and locations. Plus, since every industry uses computers these days, you may change industries or specialisations with your skill set. Not to mention you’re spared the long and expensive commutes.

How to work as a remote IT specialist

Now that you’re aware of the advantages of a remote IT specialist career, here are tips for building it.

1. Get yourself educated

Search for open IT roles in your city and find out what level of education you need for them. Typically, you need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field as a minimum. Management-level positions may require a master’s degree.

Aim to get the level of education necessary for your goal. If you’re still in high school, enter the STEM strand where they focus on mathematics and computer classes. Doing so builds the foundation necessary for your college education.

2. Obtain certifications

They aren’t required but they give you an edge over other applicants for IT positions. They enable you to prove to employers that you have the necessary skills, knowledge, and experience to complete tasks as a remote IT specialist.

There are plenty of certifications that are suitable for entry-level and mid-level specialists who are aiming to advance their careers, including:

• Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) – evaluates your skill in diagnosing, repairing, restoring, and replacing Cisco systems and networking devices
• CompTIA IT Fundamentals+ (ITF+) – validates your foundational knowledge in information technology
• Microsoft 365 Fundamentals – covers the basics and fundamentals of the Microsoft 365 suite of services and products
• PMI Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) – covers project management skills required in overseeing technical projects
• Systems Security Certified Practitioner – certifies your skills in administering, monitoring, and implementing IT infrastructures following (ISC)² best practices
• AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional – focuses on your ability in designing and deploying scalable systems on AWS
• Salesforce Certified Development Lifecycle and Deployment Designer – certifies your ability to implement and assess architecture environment and management solutions on Salesforce
• Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) – covers IP services, IP connectivity, automation and programmability, network access, network fundamentals, and security fundamentals

3. Gain relevant experience

Many companies prefer to hire a remote support specialist with experience. An easy way to obtain experience is through on-the-job training (OJT) in school. In most cases, the organisation you work for as a trainee will absorb you as a regular employee once you graduate.

There’s also the option to work as an intern, all so you may gain experience and get connected with others in the industry. You might not get paid a proper salary but the knowledge you glean and the skills you hone are worth the effort.

4. Update your resume

Make sure that your resume is up-to-date with details on the latest certifications and experiences you’ve obtained. It’s a good idea to keep a digital copy, even if only on LinkedIn, so it’s easy for potential employers to view your work history and other information.

For each entry on your resume, include the name of the company, your title and the tasks you performed within your role. Highlight the responsibilities that are related to the position you are currently applying for. If you’re shifting industries, emphasise the IT-specific duties.

5. Start applying

Look for openings for a remote IT specialist and identify the opportunities for which you’re most qualified. If you lack the relevant experience, go for roles in smaller companies as they often require fewer years of experience, if any at all.

Connect with people in the same or a related field and enquire if they have any vacancies in their team. Ask for recommendations from your mentors or referrals from your previous employers. Join groups on social media or industry forums to build your network.

An easier way to apply as a remote IT specialist

Do you find the application process for a virtual IT job too complicated? We at Remote Workmate are here to connect you with prospective employers. We work with companies from around the globe to cater to their recruitment needs.