You want a career that’s stable, well-paying, and fulfilling. Many jobs in the tech industry promise to be all three. As demand for technology increases, so does the demand for tech-focused jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the number of computer and information technology job options will increase by 13% by 20301.
If you’re looking to start or change careers, learn more about the most exciting computer information systems jobs out there and what you need to do to get one.
IT Job Titles and Roles
There’s more than one way to work with computers and information technology. Some jobs in the field require extensive training or experience, while others are entry-level. Some jobs are consumer-facing, some are creative, and some demand a high level of technical knowledge and skill.
Here’s a short list of information technology jobs and descriptions:
- Software Developers and Testers: Software developers design applications, such as software programs for desktops and apps for mobile devices. They also focus on testing those programs and ensuring quality. According to the BLS, software development is one of the 20 fastest-growing careers in the U.S.2.
- Web Developers and Designers: Web developers and designers build websites. They might focus on the appearance of a website and on creating an experience that’s easy to navigate, or they might focus on the back-end, making sure the website works and remains online.
- Computer Support Specialists: As more and more objects rely on technology, people will need more and more help and support. Computer support specialists give advice and assistance to individuals and organizations. They often train with a specific program or device and can help people troubleshoot when things go wrong.
- Information Security Analysts: Information security analysts help to keep computer systems and networks safe from outside attacks. The BLS predicts a much faster than average growth for the career by 20303.
Easiest Tech Jobs to Get Into
As with any industry, some jobs in IT are easier to get into than others. Many IT occupations require a bachelor’s degree or higher, but a few are open to people who have relevant experience or completed a certificate program.
For example, there are several ways to start a career in web development. You can complete a career certificate program that would prepare you for a job as a front-end web developer. After finishing the program, you’d be ready to take exams to become certified in the following:
- Adobe Certified Associate (Illustrator), Adobe Systems
- Adobe Certified Associate (Photoshop), Adobe Systems
- Adobe Certified Associate (Dreamweaver), Adobe Systems
- Adobe Certified Associate (Animate), Adobe Systems
- Certified Internet Web (CIW) Advanced HTML5 and CSS3 Specialist
The training takes about 11 months, meaning you could get started in your new career in less than one year in your new career.
Support specialist jobs are also easy to get into, although the exact requirements vary based on the program. A career certificate program can prepare you for the job, allowing you to start your career in about a year.
IT Job Requirements
Although IT job requirements vary based on the specific role, there is some overlap between careers. For example, most jobs in IT require you to be good at solving problems.
Whether you’re building a software program or website, there’s a chance something will go wrong. You’ll need to troubleshoot the issue to figure out what it is and how to fix it. If you work as a support specialist, much of your day will be spent helping people solve their tech problems.
Most technology jobs also require you to have good communication skills. If you work with clients, you’ll have to be able to listen to their needs and desires and convey to them what you can and can’t do to
Working in IT
What can you expect once you start working in IT? Most likely, you can expect to work in a hands-on, collaborative environment, especially if you end up in a career that focuses on development and design.
Many IT jobs are full-time and take place during standard business hours. Some support specialists might have overnight or early morning schedules, especially if the company has customer support available 24/7.
There’s also usually room for advancement in an IT career. As you build your skills and knowledge, you can expect to move up the career ladder, taking on more and more responsibilities and more challenging assignments.
Get Started on an IT Career Path
The first step to take on the path to an exciting career in computer and information technology is to learn more about the career certficate programs available. Orange Technical College has several IT career certificate programs, including web development and support technology. Learn more about the enrollment process today.
Sources:
- Computer and Information Technology Occupations, Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm
- Most New Jobs, BLS, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/most-new-jobs.htm?view_full
- Information Security Analysts, BLS, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm