Breaking into Tech: How to Choose a Career Path

Explore twenty technology careers, learn how computers really work, and leave with a twelve-month plan.

A foundational university course for complete beginners. You start with the history and architecture of computers, then spend one module on each of the twenty major technology disciplines — from artificial intelligence and cloud computing to networking, robotics and IT support — before building your own twelve-month career roadmap.

60h 2 certificates available

CareerFoundationsComputingTechnology Careers

Curriculum

Two complete tracks. Study either or both — each has its own exam and certificate.

Twenty-two modules covering computing foundations, computer architecture and every major technology discipline, each with a free hands-on mini lab, career exploration exercises and a quiz, finishing with a career comparison project and a twelve-month roadmap.

Defines technology, computing, science and engineering, and shows how life and work changed once computers arrived.

What Is Technology? Lab35 min
What Is Computing? Lab35 min
Science, Technology and Engineering Lab35 min
Life Before Computers Lab35 min
Why Computers Changed Civilization Lab35 min

You will learn to

Explain what technology and computing are, and how a computer processes, stores and outputs information.
Describe how computers evolved from mechanical calculators to cloud computing and artificial intelligence.
Compare the twenty major technology disciplines and say what people in each of them actually do every day.
Match your own interests, strengths and working preferences to the technology paths that fit them.
Name the skills, tools and certifications required to enter your chosen field.
Produce a twelve-month learning roadmap with the courses, projects and certifications you will take next.

Prerequisites

• None. No programming, mathematics or prior technology experience required.
• A laptop or desktop computer with a web browser and internet access.

Format

72 lessons · ~60 hours · 20-question exam

Careers this prepares you for

Informed career decision
IT Support Specialist
Junior Data Analyst
Trainee Cloud Engineer
Junior Developer

How you study

Every lesson pairs an in-depth video with written notes, key takeaways, a hands-on lab, exercises and a quiz. Work at your own pace, then sit the final examination for your Erudex certificate.

Breaking into Tech: How to Choose a Career Path

Curriculum

Module 1Module 1 — Computing, Technology and Engineering

Module 2Module 2 — The History and Architecture of Computers

Module 3Module 3 — Artificial Intelligence

Module 4Module 4 — Machine Learning

Module 5Module 5 — Cloud Computing

Module 6Module 6 — Cybersecurity

Module 7Module 7 — Data Engineering

Module 8Module 8 — Data Analytics and Business Intelligence

Module 9Module 9 — Data Science

Module 10Module 10 — Software Engineering

Module 11Module 11 — Web Development

Module 12Module 12 — DevOps Engineering

Module 13Module 13 — Platform Engineering and Site Reliability Engineering

Module 14Module 14 — Computer Networking

Module 15Module 15 — Database Engineering

Module 16Module 16 — Mobile Application Development

Module 17Module 17 — Internet of Things

Module 18Module 18 — Robotics and Automation

Module 19Module 19 — Blockchain and Web3

Module 20Module 20 — Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Spatial Computing

Module 21Module 21 — Enterprise Applications

Module 22Module 22 — IT Support, Systems Administration and Your Career Plan

Careers this prepares you for

How you study