If you're preparing for a career in information technology, you'll eventually have to choose a specific path and build specialized skills. The IT field is a broad one, so there are several good options out there. Here are four different routes you may want to consider taking with your future IT career.

Health IT

Sitting at the intersection of two of the hottest fields in today's job marketplace, health IT specialists provide the technological know-how that keeps modern medical facilities working smoothly. Like all large organizations, hospitals and clinical facilities require IT professionals to maintain and update their computer systems. Health IT can also be a great jumping off point for various tech careers in the medical field.

IT Management

While it will likely take you some time and extra education to achieve, a career as an IT manager can be both fulfilling and lucrative. As an IT manager, you'll be responsible for overseeing other IT specialists, managing projects and seeing to the technological needs of the organization in which you work. You'll need to build up both technical and managerial skills to break into this field, but the payoff can be well worth the effort.

Cybersecurity

As digital threats and cybercrime become larger problems for businesses, people with cybersecurity skills are in increasingly high demand. Although many IT professionals worry that they're not qualified for a career in cybersecurity, there are many training resources that can help to prepare you. One of the best ways to launch your career is to participate in an online cybersecurity program. These programs offer flexible education that will give you the skills you need to succeed as a cybersecurity professional.

Manufacturing IT

Like healthcare, the manufacturing field has a need for IT professionals to support large, complex facilities. Information technology in the manufacturing industry is getting increasingly intense, as modern industrial facilities rely as much on software as they do on hardware. This area of the IT field is quite specialized, but it can offer strong earnings and good job security. If you're thinking about a career that allows you to work in IT but still supports the making of physical materials and goods, becoming a manufacturing IT specialist is likely the best fit for you.

Needless to say, any IT career path can be the right one. Choose a route that interests you and fits your career goals, and you'll soon be able to make a good living as a technology specialist.