Starting a career/Pivoting into Internal/IT Audit
Hi everyone, thank you in advance for some guidance, I've been interested in internal/IT audit for a while now but I'm a bit lost on where to start and climb up.
For context: I have a bachelor's degree in Information Systems, have a ISACA membership as I joined the organization from when I was a student in college, and have some knowledge of accounting as I took 2 beginner courses for accounting because of my college (business department).
I unfortunately do not have any internship experience as my degree didn't require it as mandatory and I really regret not doing it while I was in college.
I am mainly interested in hotel/casino/gaming internal/IT audit as I live in Nevada.
My main questions are:
What would a career path be like for internal/IT audit for someone with no audit/accounting experience (i.e accounts payable/receivable clerk or any suggestions on other starting positions -> internal or IT auditor -> senior internal or IT auditor -> ?)
What softwares/systems should I learn and keep up with to be in the field of internal/IT audit (i.e excel, quickbooks? or any other softwares?)
Is it worth going for the CIA certification if I want to be an internal auditor or stay and study for the CISA certification to be an IT auditor?
Lastly, how long did it take you to study for and how was your journey taking the CIA/CISA exams and certifications; is it there any benefits to taking either exams with sponsorships from employees (much like the CPA for accountants?)
I am interested in both fields and am unable to decide on which to pursue either at this point of time.
Thank you again for answering my questions and your guidance.