Entry systems & data tech to IT/cyber- how to pivot?

Hello hope everyone is well. I am currently in a student systems position which is essentially a slight tier above help desk from what ive been told. For my educatuon, i have a BS in Info Systems Technology: Analytucs that I graduated with in May. Back to the job, my tasks include:

technical support and troubleshooting for SIS/LMS platforms, managing user accounts and system security, maintaining and auditing student data for compliance, running/writing SQL queries and generating reports/dashboards, supporting LMS content updates, documenting processes, and providing assistabce to support tickets across the faculity and district.

I’m currently studying for the CompTIA Network+ and have realized I’m much more interested in the networking and security side of IT — the more hands-on, infrastructure-focused work — rather than purely data/analytics. While my role involves a good amount of database work, it’s also blended with general systems support which made my interest into other IT & security roles stronger.

Of course passion comes first, but given how tough the market is and how my role is more data general analyst oriented, it makes me weary. Would pivoting toward network administration or higher-level technician roles be a smart move given my background; or would just pivoting more into Data be the clear deal regardless of my passion for IT & cybersecurity? Also, what tier would you consider my current role in IT, and what other titles might it align with?

Thank you for the insight and your time

Posted Feb 23, 2026, 6:05 AM UTC

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