Contemplating a Career in Information Technology

For the past two decades, the tech industry has continued to trend upwards in terms of growth. Information technology or IT is one of the fastest-growing fields with some of the best potential for salary growth also. The expansion of this field is powered by continuous developments in technology and innovation in the ways that many businesses and industries are able to implement these developments. Internet security, data management, cloud-based services and mobile networking are just a sample of the many technologies that demonstrate the growing demand for trained IT professionals. High average salaries for this and other tech-related fields make this an attractive option for people who are looking for a career change as well as those that want to move up in IT.

Careers in Information Technology

The possibilities are endless for a career in information technology. Many different industries require skilled employees who are knowledgeable in IT-related fields such as programming, network administration, website design and management are few of the IT jobs that transcend industries and fields. A trained individual can work for major tech giants such as Apple or Google or provide IT services for a hospital or a nonprofit organization. The continuous advancement in technology means that job security in this field will likely remain high. An information technology career will require you to stay up on the latest developments as well as acquiring new knowledge. You can take advantage of INE IT training to not only stay sharp in the field but gain new skills as well. 

Training and Formal Education

Many positions in information technology require an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution, especially computer engineering and computer science. Many positions don’t necessarily require a college degree, but training and certification is necessary. Fittingly, online education is widely available, such as INE Information technology training which offers education in various types of IT subjects and knowledge areas. Certifications can be every bit as valuable as degrees for certain types of IT work. They serve as proof that you are educated in certain areas and make you more marketable to potential employers. It is impossible to know everything there is to know in this vast field, so you should focus on education geared towards the type of work that you want to do. From app development to operating systems to database management tools, an information technology-related career requires specific knowledge and your educational background will shape your career path. 

IT Career Characteristics

Whether you work for a large tech company or are developing your own app or software, be prepared to work long hours. Information technology often involves finding solutions to meet clients’ needs or overcoming an obstacle in deploying a particular program. Many IT professionals work over 40 hours each week on a regular basis. Tight turnaround and project delivery schedules require IT, professionals, to work extended hours to meet crucial deadlines. Often you’re required to work in teams with various personalities, so you’ll need to know how to remain task-oriented with different people. Needless to say, that many IT jobs require paying careful attention to the smallest of details. A small detail can dramatically impact your work product, so you’ll often need to be diligent, even painstaking in your approach to your work. 

Work Environment Considerations

In addition to the challenges that come with IT work, you’ll also need to consider the work environment. Some tech firms are known for offering their employees special benefits to offset the intense pressure of the work. Many tech companies embrace non-traditional office spaces with flexible work options. You may prefer a more traditional work environment that comes with certain positions, like being the lead IT specialist or network administrator for a smaller non-tech related company. When considering an IT career, don’t forget to consider the workplace.

A career in information technology makes good cents as well as sense. The median annual salary for IT jobs was over $85,000 as of 2018, exceeding that of virtually all other industries. The constant need for trained IT expertise across industries makes job security high. IT professionals can work in almost any field at home or all over the world. If you’re up to the challenge of finding solutions in a continuously evolving field, information technology may be the right move for you.