When it comes to getting started in the IT industry, you need to take three key steps: Researching, networking and earning your degree.

Tech is big in the Tri-Cities area. The Tennessee cities of Johnson City, Kingsport and Bristol are home to a thriving medical technology culture that makes it a great place to live and work as an IT professional. When it comes to getting started in the IT industry, you need to take three key steps: Researching, networking and earning your degree. At King University, we know that this process can seem intimidating, but we’re here to help. We’ve put together a guide to the Tri-Cities IT industry and the information technology careers available in the area. It’s a great resource to help you get involved and get on track to finding the tech job you want.

Step 1: Do some research

The first thing you need to do when beginning your IT job search is to find out about the tech companies in your area. Luckily for you, the Tri-Cities area is home to a lot of companies that are looking for tech professionals like you. The following companies are great places to start:

Mountain States Health Alliance: MSHA is the largest healthcare system in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Their large family of hospitals and integrated healthcare delivery system includes 21 primary and preventative care centers and outpatient care sites.

Eastman Chemical Company: Eastman is a global chemical company that is a world leader in its markets. The company is focused on delivering innovative and technology-based solutions.

Wellmont Health Systems: A leading healthcare provider in the Tri-Cities region, Wellmont is a nonprofit, integrated health system. Its regional network of hospitals and healthcare facilities provides a range of services from acute care to prevention.

A. O. Smith Corporation: This company is a global leader in innovative technology and energy-efficient solutions to water technology. A.O. Smith is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of residential and commercial water-heating equipment.

BAE Systems: A global provider of defense and security products, BAE Systems develops a variety of cyber services, electronic systems and protection equipment. They operate in the U.S., Australia, India, Saudi Arabia and the UK.

WIS International: A leading inventory and data collection services company, WIS International develops software and hardware to streamline retail company processes. WIS has over 15,000 employees.

Step 2: Get contacts

Networking is an important strategy for all professionals who want to build their careers, but it is even more important for individuals like you who are just starting out in a field. The Tri-Cities tech industry is a relatively small and close-knit community, so a good way to get involved is to join a professional association. These groups provide networking opportunities and give you the chance to create contacts and professional relationships in the Tri-Cities area. Technology associations like the ones we’ve profiled below can help you meet other professionals in your industry and learn about career opportunities.

Association of Information Technology Professionals: Southern Hospitality Region: This branch of the AITP is comprised of Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, Southern Kentucky and Northern Mississippi. This national association seeks to advance the IT profession through professional development, support of IT education and national policies.

Tennessee Health Information Management Association: THIMA provides an environment for the professional development of health IT professionals through education, representation and lifelong learning. It is a Component State Association (CSA) of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Tennessee Educational Technology Association: The Tennessee Educational Technology Association (TETA) is an International Society for Technology in Education affiliate. This nonprofit organization is comprised of professionals committed to promoting the use of educational technology in the classrooms throughout the state.

Step 3: Earn your degree

Probably the most important thing you can do for your IT career is to earn a bachelor’s degree. The Bachelor of Information Technology degree we offer at King University is designed for professionals who want to pursue IT careers and increase their industry knowledge. Our program will prepare you for various tech career paths that require both business and technical expertise. You’ll learn important skills related to project management, problem-solving, policy consultation, tech research methods and IT plan development. You will also specialize your King University degree by choosing one of the following concentrations:

• Cyber security
• Network management
• Programming

No matter where you want your Tri-Cities tech career to take you, our online IT degree is a great way to get started. Earn credentials that are recognized throughout the areaäóîit begins at King.