If you are considering a career change, there has never been a better time to look into IT. With the Internet becoming more ingrained in our society each day, and as organizations come to rely on computer systems even more, trained and qualified professionals who can work with these technologies are in high demand. These trends are likely to continue into 2017 and beyond, meaning if you want a career with a solid outlook, IT is a great path to choose.
Within the IT field, there is a wide range of occupations for you to choose from, with more being invented all the time. There are the mainstays – such as Full Stack Web Developer or Software Engineer – and relatively new positions, such as an “Internet of Things Manager” or a “Bring Your Own Device Support Manager”. Below are just a few examples of many IT jobs that are expected to grow in importance over the next few years, and what they entail.
Web Developer – A company is not going to be very successful in today’s world without a website. With the Internet becoming our go-to source for information, the lack of a website will be a hindrance to any company that wishes to grow. As a Web Developer, you will work to not only build websites, but to ensure they meet the needs of both the organization and the customers. Web Developers are responsible for both the functionality of a website – part of User Experience (UX) Design – and its aesthetic appeal – an element of User Interface (UI) Design. They can also provide the content of the website, or work with those responsible for it. Once the website is finished, a Web Developer will manage and monitor the website to make sure there are no problems and to make updates as needed.
Computer Systems Analyst – With every company now relying upon computers, there needs to be somebody to monitor these systems. A Computer Systems Analyst studies an organization’s current setup and comes up with solutions for improvements. They need to not only know their way around computers, but have a strong business sense as well. Organizations rely on these professionals to make sure their systems are as efficient and effective as possible.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the amount of Computer System Analyst jobs is expected to grow 21 percent between 2014 and 2024, meaning there will be plenty of job openings if you choose this route. As technologies like cloud computing and mobile devices grow more popular, these positions will only become increasingly important.
Cloud Computing Engineer – Speaking of Cloud Computing, knowing your way around these systems is going to be a huge benefit going forward. With cloud computing, files and documents are stored on the Internet, rather than on a local machine, meaning you can access and edit them from anywhere, as long as you have an Internet connection. This has become an essential tool for organizations, as they can now complete tasks while on the go, or from multiple devices, with ease.
For this reason, companies are looking to hire experts in Cloud Computing who can either design a unique system for them to use, troubleshoot their current system, or get them started on an existing cloud network (like Dropbox or Google Drive). Knowing how cloud computing systems work, and how to find the best solution for a given organization, is going to be an invaluable skill for the foreseeable future.
How to prepare yourself for an IT career
If a career in IT is appealing to you, then you will want to start preparing for it. IT jobs require a decent amount of education and training, and this takes time, so it is best to start now. Below are a few ways that you can better prepare yourself for an IT career, and give yourself the best shot at being hired.
Get a degree – First and foremost, you are likely going to need a degree if you want a career in IT. A Bachelor’s Degree in either Information Technology, Computer Science, or Information Systems is a good place to start, but you’ll also want to take some business classes. If you really want to give yourself a good chance at being hired, then a Master’s Degree is the next step, with a further concentration on the career you are after.
Certifications – Depending on the job you are after, certain certifications will be needed, or then can give you a boost to your salary. Certifications show that you are qualified in handling a specific aspect of IT, and are often required by organizations as a prerequisite for hire. To learn more about the most in-demand IT certifications, you can visit this link.
Network with IT circles – Next, you’ll want to start making contacts within the industry. Attend networking events such as conferences or career fairs, and start learning how the industry operates. No matter how great your resume looks, having a foot in the door with a personal contact is always a bonus.
Use tech everyday – If you want to help a company with their technology, you need to be comfortable with it yourself. Try and use the technologies you’ll be working with in your daily life to become more acquainted with them. Use the cloud to store your photos, set up a personal web page, or find ways to make your home computer network run better. The more you use it, the better you’ll get at it.
Internship – Lastly, if you have the time and financial ability, an internship will help give you experience working in the IT industry. Internships are great resume additions, and can give you vital lessons before you embark on your career.
IT jobs are not in danger of disappearing any time soon. Organizations are going to need capable people to run their computer systems, and to find better ways of doing things. By taking the necessary steps to get yourself into an IT career now, you’ll be setting yourself up for a stable future in an industry that is constantly growing.
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For more information on available IT job opportunities in the South Florida area, be sure to check our available openings or to connect with one of our tech recruiters at 561-475-4007.
