How to Get Your Information Technology Career Up and Running

It’s not hyperbole to say that IT is one of the most important industries in the world today. We are, after all, living in the digital age, and the demand for those who can manage, develop, and ensure the security of computing systems will do nothing but grow. Earning an IT degree is one of the best career moves you can make, and the options once you’ve earned one are almost unlimited. A few of the more popular concentrations for an information technology education include network security, software development, and database administration.

The most common education level in IT is the bachelor’s degree, as this provides access to many of the fastest-growing and highest-paying jobs in the sector. If you want to work in a highly specialized field, such as medicine or experimental science, you may need a master’s. However, there are vocational school options that lead directly to employment, and even some specialized high school diplomas that will lead to a lucrative career opportunity. At all levels, certification will play a key role in employability.

Core skills you’ll need to thrive in IT include, not surprisingly, organization and critical thinking. Sound problem-solving skills will come in handy as well, along with the ability to make good decisions. You may be surprised to learn that communication is a necessary IT skill, since you’ll be working with computers, but much of the work being done will require you to interact with a team. Even at the high school level, you can expect to study programming languages and web technologies while also having a general knowledge of both software and hardware. Core courses will include math, science, and language arts, along with major-specific classes.

It should come as no surprise, but the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects far better than average job growth in the IT field – with the potential salaries to match. Demand for software developers is expected to grow by 20 percent in the next few years, for example, with an average salary of over $100K. The job market for computer systems analysts is expected to grow by more than 25 percent, with an average salary of around $88,000. The biggest demand can be seen in information security: demand is expected to increase by almost 40 percent, with average salaries in the $90K range. 

One of the most exciting reasons to earn an IT degree is that the field is rapidly evolving. You can give yourself a broad base of knowledge, choose an area in which to specialize, and then five years later end up somewhere you never expected or imagined – things are moving that fast. With that in mind, be ready to seek out certifications and continual learning opportunities throughout your lucrative and exciting IT career.