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Sample

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Sample results for a fictional learner, Jordan Rivera of Anytown, USA, who enjoys helping people and fixing computers. Your results are based on your own profile, skills, and portfolio.

Full career pathway (Premium shows 3 to 4, matched to you)

IT Support Specialist

Help people solve computer, account, and network problems at a help desk or on site.

Why it fits you

You enjoy helping people and fixing computers, and you already hold CompTIA A+.

Typical entry requirements

CompTIA A+ or equivalent experience; an associate degree helps but is not required.

Related jobs

Help Desk Technician, Desktop Support Technician, IT Technician

Current demand

High. Steady demand in healthcare, schools, and local businesses.

Expected salary range

$42,000–$62,000 per year. Typical U.S. range for entry to mid level; confirm locally.

Time and cost to become competitive

3 to 6 months with A+ and a small portfolio.
About $500 to $800 for Network+ and study materials.

Technical skills

HaveHardware troubleshootingPartlyNetworking basicsPartlyWindows and Microsoft 365 administrationNeedTicketing systems

Interpersonal skills

HaveCustomer servicePartlyClear explanations for non-technical usersHavePatience under pressure

Certificates or courses

  • CompTIA Network+
    $370 exam + study materials, 8 to 12 weeks
  • Microsoft 365 Fundamentals (MS-900)
    $99, 3 to 4 weeks

Ways to build experience

  • Volunteer tech support at a library or nonprofit
  • Part-time help desk role at a college
  • Home lab: set up a small network

Assumptions: Assumes about 10 hours a week and a budget under $1,000.

Gap analysis (excerpt)

IT Support Specialist

You meet about 65% of the requirements.

  • Met
    CompTIA A+ or equivalent (essential)
    Evidence: CompTIA A+ certification
  • Partly met
    Networking fundamentals (important)
    Evidence: Intro to Networking course
    Next step: Build a small home lab and write up what you configured.
  • Missing
    Ticketing system experience (important)
    Evidence: None yet
    Next step: Try a free help desk tool and log 10 practice tickets.

Do these first

  1. Write up two troubleshooting examples in your portfolio
  2. Start Network+ study, 4 hours a week
  3. Apply to 5 help desk roles in your area

You can skip

  • A bachelor’s degree just for this role
  • Bootcamps over $3,000

Also in Premium

  • Feedback on each portfolio item, so your projects read like real experience
  • A polished Career Starter Packet with a professional summary, stronger resume bullets, and a cover letter for a job you choose
  • Member discount on coaching, reviews, and guides

Results are written by AI from what you enter. Salary and demand are estimates; confirm with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and local job postings. Sample © 2026 MByAy!™

How we use AI

The career planner uses Claude, an AI model from Anthropic, to suggest pathways and compare your skills with job requirements. It explains its assumptions, never guarantees a job, and salary and demand figures are estimates you should confirm. You can edit anything you’ve entered at any time. Learn more