Written by: Jolie Ramirez, Department Director, Information Technology (IT) Department
So, You Want a Career in Information Technology
You love computers, all the cool devices and gadgets that connect to them, and the thrill of chasing down cybercriminals, right? You also know that everybody and his brother has at least a computer, a smartphone, and a smart television, right? So, it would make sense that there are jobs out there to design, build, protect, repair, create apps for, and connect together computers and other devices, right? But, how do you know what computer/ information technology jobs are out there? How do you know which of those jobs will be around for a while and which ones pay the most?
Ask Google, of course!
“OK Google, What’s the job outlook for information technology?”
“According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for computer and information systems managers will grow as firms increasingly expand their business to digital platforms. (“Computer and Information Technology Occupations: Occupational Outlook Handbook:”, 2019)
“OK Google, What’s the job outlook for cybersecurity?”
“Job Outlook: Employment of cybersecurity engineers is projected to grow 12 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for cybersecurity engineers will grow as firms increasingly expand their businesses using digital platforms.” (Silvertree, “Cybersecurity, Employment, and You: The 2019 Cyber Job Outlook”, 2018)
“OK Google, what are the top 10 information technology jobs in 2019 and beyond?”
“Discover the ten best computer jobs for the future:
● Mobile Application Developer
● Software Engineer
● Video Game Designer
● IT Security Specialist
● Computer Systems Analyst
● Web Developer
● Health Information Technician
● Technology Manager
● Database Administrator
● Network Administrator
These 10 computer jobs will experience faster growth, pay salaries, and upward mobility than the national average based on interviews with technology employers.” (Greenspan, “Best Computer Jobs for the Future”, 2019)
Seriously, Google!? How do any of those answers help me find the IT career that’s right for me?
Well, if you dig a little deeper, which Google will only do if you ask the right question, you will find the options are as wide and varied as asking you what movie you want to go see. It truly depends on your passions and objectives.
Do you have a passion for health and wellness?
You could be a Health Information Technician with a job market growth rate of 13-15% over the next 5 years and a starting wage of $46,000.
Do you have a head for problem-solving, potential issues, or number crunching?
You could be an IT Security Analyst / Specialist with an amazing job market growth rate of 28% over the next 5 years and an astounding starting salary of $107,000.
Do you have a mind for design and forward-thinking?
Then, a Mobile App Developer, with a job market growth rate of 31%, and starting salary of $103,000, or a Video Game Developer with a job market growth rate of 30% and starting salary of $80,000, might be more your passion.
Do you like getting your hands in the mix and seeing the fruits of your labor in the physical world?
Then, you could become a Computer Technician or Network Engineer with a job market growth rate of 6% and an average starting salary of $61,000.
Every area of our world is touched by technology and, as a result, every area of our world provides opportunities for a technology career. Whether it’s the development, design, deployment, repair, updating, or management you enjoy, there is a place in information technology that is suited for your passion, desire, and determination.
But, just like with Google, it’s only a matter of asking yourself the right questions. We here at Laurus College are willing to help you work through those questions and find the right information technology path that best suits your inner passions and life goals.
References
Computer and Information Technology Occupations: Occupational Outlook Handbook: (2019, April 12). Retrieved July 3, 2019, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm
Greenspan, D. (2019, March 19). Best Computer Jobs for the Future. Retrieved July 3, 2019, from https://www.itcareerfinder.com/brain-food/blog/entry/best-computer-jobs-for-the-future.html
Silvertree, G. (2018, December 21). Cybersecurity, Employment, and You: The 2019 Cyber Job Outlook. Retrieved July 3, 2019, from https://www.cybrary.it/0p3n/employers-industry-and-you-2019-cyber-security-job-outlook/