Popular Information Technology Jobs

5 Information Technology Jobs to Consider

Information technology is a diverse and rapidly growing industry. Beyond the entry-level IT support role, there are a number of other potentially rewarding and interesting positions within the field.

Depending on your unique skills, career goals, and personal interests, the right IT job will be different for every person. The necessary education and experience will also vary from position-to-position, as will the earning potential and daily responsibilities.

If you鈥檙e a job seeker looking to learn more about this industry, read on for five popular information technology jobs to consider.

#1 Software Developer

In many ways, software developers are the first line of workers in the tech industry pipeline. This type of information technologist helps to create, analyze, and maintain the crucial software that allows our computer systems to perform the various tasks we need them to do.

Software is a major aspect of IT, in both broad and narrow ways. Both large scale operating systems鈥攍ike Windows or iOS鈥攁nd specialized applications can be categorized as software.

Below are some facts and figures you should know about this career path:¹

Job outlook 鈥� Software developers have been in high demand throughout the last decade, and the job outlook is positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a rapid 21.5% employment growth for this position throughout 2029. As a result of this growth, approximately 316,000 job openings could arise over the next decade.
Education and experience 鈥� Most employers require their software developers to possess at least a bachelor鈥檚 degree in a related field鈥攑articularly IT. Software developers should be skilled (and often certified) in various coding languages, such as: JavaScript, C++, Python, and Ruby.

Who should pursue this job 鈥� If you love the development side of IT, and you鈥檙e good at coding, software development may be the path for you.

#2 Computer and Information Research Scientist

Computer and information research scientists are some of the most coveted and well-paid positions in the entire IT industry. If you are a job seeker looking for a potentially lucrative career within the computer science industry, this position might be the right option for you. Professionals in this position spend a majority of their time developing innovative uses for new and existing computer technology.

Here鈥檚 what you should know about this information technology systems career path:²

Job outlook 鈥� According to the BLS, this career path is experiencing an unmatched employment growth rate of 22%鈥攚hich is considered much faster than average. Despite this massive growth, the number of jobs available in this selective field is still quite small. Over the next decade, only 7,200 new jobs are expected to open up in the field of computer and information research science.
Education and experience 鈥� In order to achieve this coveted IT role, you鈥檒l likely need a master鈥檚 degree in a relevant field. Aspiring computer and information research scientists should also have several years of IT experience under their belt.

Who should pursue this job 鈥� Deep thinkers and individuals pursuing their master鈥檚 degree in IT are well-positioned to apply for computer and information research scientist positions.

#3 Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity is one of the most relevant and important branches of IT in today鈥檚 tech industry. With the increased extraction and storage of data and classified information, most organizations choose to keep a qualified team of cybersecurity experts on their payroll.

Cybersecurity analysts spend their days maintaining, upgrading, and developing security software, procedures, and systems. Individuals in this position should also be able to spot the warning signs of hackers and other security threats, and be able to patch these holes swiftly and effectively. Below are the basic facts about an information security career:³

Job outlook 鈥� Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand, especially since more and more organizations are discovering the importance of having a strong security department. The unemployment rate for cybersecurity professionals is 2.7%, and 40,900 jobs are expected to open up in this field throughout the next decade. The BLS predicts a 33% employment growth rate for this field between now and 2030.
Education and experience 鈥� Employers will usually require that cybersecurity analysts hold at least a bachelor鈥檚 level education. A few years of experience is also recommended before applying to this position, but many candidates can achieve this title within five years of joining the IT workforce.

Who should pursue this job 鈥� If you have an attention to detail, a strong grasp of security software, and you鈥檙e looking for a steady job among a team of other IT professionals, cybersecurity is a great option for you.

#4 Computer Network and Cloud Architect

As a computer network architect, your main responsibilities will revolve around building and maintaining telecommunication networks. These networks are used to exchange data and connect larger computer systems to one another, which many businesses and organizations need in order to stay up and running.

The cloud, in particular, is a type of network that is gaining significant popularity among the tech and corporate worlds鈥攚hich is increasing the need for professionals in this field with this job title.⁴

Job outlook 鈥� As cloud computing and computer networks expand, the need for qualified professionals in this field has skyrocketed. Skilled computer network are well-positioned to find jobs after graduation. That being said, this field is still narrow. The BLS only predicts a 5% employment growth throughout the next decade, with 8,000 new jobs opening up during that time.
Education and experience 鈥� The road to becoming a computer network architect is a long one. Most employers will require at least a bachelor鈥檚 degree in information systems technology, if not a master鈥檚 in a relevant major. Often, at least five years of experience is needed to achieve this high ranking IT role.

Who should pursue this job 鈥� If you enjoy the concept of telecommunications and connecting larger computer systems to one another, you鈥檒l work well in the position of computer network architect. Those who are interested in cloud computing technology are also advised to explore this field.

#5 Web Developer

Finally, we have the favorable profession of web developer. Web developers are essential in today鈥檚 world, given that nearly every successful business needs a quality website in their corner. Web developers are not only technically skilled in coding, but also creatively driven. Many web developers create websites from scratch and play a role in the aesthetic decisions as well as the programming aspects.

Other web developers may stick to maintaining, modifying, or upgrading existing websites for maximum performance and site traffic. Whichever path you choose, here鈥檚 what you need to know about working as a web developer:⁵

Job outlook 鈥� The BLS predicts a modest 8% employment growth rate for the field of web development. Roughly 14,000 new jobs are expected to open up throughout the next decade.
Education and experience 鈥� Most web developers polish their coding and design skills through a bachelor鈥檚 degree in a related field. Web developers should have a strong handle on coding languages (particularly HTML, CSS, and JavaScript), publishing tools (such as Flash), and digital design programs.Web developers can potentially get hired with little professional experience so long as they have the right skills, certifications, and education.

Who should pursue this job 鈥� Creative minds who also enjoy coding will be the best fit for a career in web development.

What Are Information System Technology Jobs?

In addition to these traditional IT jobs, it鈥檚 also important to consider the unique field of information systems technology. Information systems technology covers the various knowledge and skills needed to work in both IT and information systems (IS).

While IT covers the use and maintenance of computer and network systems, information systems refers to the broader components that make up the technology world as a whole. IT is used to develop and support the systems that make up IS, while IS focuses on the systems themselves.

In information systems technology, you鈥檒l approach the tech industry from all angles. This allows for a more diverse and thorough understanding of computer science as a whole. A degree in information systems technology may also open the door to more job opportunities, especially since this major prioritizes both complex coding skills and leadership courses.

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Sources

鈥淐omputer and Information Research Scientists.鈥� Occupational Outlook Handbook. BLS. 1/4/22. . Accessed January 4, 2022.
鈥淪oftware Developer,鈥� Best Jobs, US News, , Accessed January 4, 2022.
鈥淚nformation Security Analyst.鈥� Occupational Outlook Handbook. BLS. 1/4/22. . Accessed January 4, 2022.
鈥淐omputer Network Architects.鈥� Occupational Outlook Handbook. BLS. 1/4/22. . Accessed January 4, 2022.
鈥淲eb Developer.鈥� Best Jobs. US News. 1/4/2022. . Accessed Jan 4, 2022.

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