Is Information Technology a Good Career?
If you are considering a career in Information Technology, you’ve probably heard that the field is growing rapidly. In today’s world, Information Technology (IT) is a growing field with no signs of slowing down. There seems to be a need for more and more IT professionals in every organization, which gives you lots of options if you are considering a career in IT.
Here we will discuss 5 reasons why the IT Industry is a great career choice. These include:
- IT Education is Low Cost
Fast Employment in IT
A Variety of Career Opportunities in IT
IT Job Salaries
Job Growth in IT
Table of Contents
5 Reasons Why the IT Industry Is a Great Career Choice
1. IT Education is Low Cost
One of the biggest benefits of selecting IT for a career is that it has a very low cost of education compared to many other careers. You need formal education, but you do not need a 4-year college degree. Instead, you can get trained quickly to get the certification courses employers are looking for. This way you save huge amounts of money and get the skills employers prefer. Not only do you save significant money with certifications courses instead of a college degree, but you also save a tremendous amount of time. You can get the certifications you need in a matter of weeks instead of the 4 years or more needed to complete a college degree.
2. Fast Employment in IT
Companies struggle to hire qualified IT professionals because demand is high, and the supply of qualified workers is low. The trend will not end anytime soon, because the tech industry is set to keep growing. The demand is so high, that professionals with the right certifications can easily find work even without a college degree. Cyberseek estimates that there are over 500,000 job openings just in cybersecurity alone. Even with a lack of experience or limited experience, the demand is there if you have the certifications employers are looking for.
3. Wide Variety Of Career Opportunities In IT
There is no such thing as an Information Technology vacuum. Since its fields intersect with every other sector, it offers flexible career opportunities. From healthcare to marketing, IT is driving change in all areas of business which allows certified professionals to choose a career that matches their interests.
Some of the most popular choices include:
Network Administration
Cybersecurity
Cloud Technology
Business Intelligence
Software Development
Systems Analyst
Network Engineer
Database Administrator
Application Developer
and more
4. IT Job Salaries
It is widely known that Information Technology professionals are compensated well, compared to various other fields. An I.T. expert with the right combination of certifications and experience should not have any problem finding an excellent career with a great salary. Some of the best opportunities are in cloud computing, cybersecurity, as well as network administration, and software development.
According to SalaryExplorer.com, the average salary for Information Technology workers in the US in 2023 is $97,600
According to Robert Half, where they break down the top areas, here are some median salaries for some of the top IT careers:
Chief Information Officer (CIO) $209,750
Information Systems Security Manager $149,000
Network/Cloud Architect $146,000
Data Scientist $129,000
DevOps Engineer $120,000
Business Intelligence Analyst $115,750
IT Auditor $115,500
Project Manager $114,750
Cloud Computing Analyst $101,250
Scrum Master $99,250
Network/Cloud Administrator $95,250
Keep in mind that your actual salary will depend on several factors, including the area where you live, years of experience, and certifications.
Which IT Jobs pay the most money?
Below are the top five IT job roles Global Knowledge identifies as a challenge to find talent:
- Cybersecurity
- Cloud Computing
- Analytics and Big Data
- AI and Machine Learning
- Systems and Solutions Architects
5. Job Growth in IT
The job outlook in IT is very strong. Information Technology is on it’s way to becoming one of the leading categories in the workforce and with that comes a massive need for IT professionals. Let’s look at the different trends in IT and what types of jobs are booming.
Do any type of job search and you will see there is a huge demand for information technology professionals. Whether you’re looking for a well-paying job in cloud computing, cybersecurity, network administration, becoming a software engineer, or work in Big Data, there will be a job opportunity waiting for you.
Whether you are looking for a well-paying job in cloud computing, cybersecurity, or Big Data, there are many opportunities waiting for you in the IT world. Based on the above trends, IT is set on its way to becoming one of the leading categories in the workforce, and with that comes a massive need for IT professionals.
Why are there so many career opportunities in I.T. right now?
There are several factors contributing to the high demand for and salaries of IT professionals.: Computer hardware and software are expensive, as is their upkeep and maintenance, and computer support is intensive. Likewise, we interact with a lot of complex and confusing technology every day.
Why should I learn information technology skills?
If you want the greatest success possible, you need to become a subject matter expert in your chosen field. A successful career in IT is no different, but first, you must get a solid foundation. You simply must get the foundation courses and certifications to start your career properly, so you not only get the job but also have the skillset to keep it and start moving up the ladder.
This means you need nationally recognized certifications that demonstrate your tech skills.
Once you have that, you will have the skills that any potential employer will be looking for. As you gain practical experience, you can later expand upon and develop your level of mastery on the area you want to specialize in.
Information Technology careers
There is a wide range of information technology careers you can go into, depending on which field(s) interests you the most and what is in the greatest demand in your local job market.
Here are just some examples of information technology careers that are in demand:
IT/Network administration
IT/Network administrators – which include database, network, and systems administrators – manage the day-to-day operations of IT systems to make sure the systems are running effectively.
IT/Network support
IT/Network technicians – which include helpdesk operators – provide technical advice and business IT support to help computer software and hardware users.
Cybersecurity
They are responsible for keeping your network safe from outside threats. Within this field, there are many opportunities from Cybersecurity analysts, ethical hackers, incident reporters, IT Security Management, and more.
Cloud Technology
As companies take advantage of cloud technology, the demand for cloud architects, cloud engineers, cloud security specialists, and more continues to skyrocket.
Software development
Otherwise known as programmers, software developers write, test, and maintain computer programs to ensure that the computer application meets the needs of computer system users.
Web development
Web developers design, develop, and maintain websites.
Ready to Learn More?
Get our free eBook, “Cybersecurity for Beginners.” This covers everything you need to get started in this career, even if you have no experience.
When you are starting out in IT, the foundation skills for careers like cybersecurity, network administration and many others will be the same before you specialize.
Am I eligible for government subsidies to get trained for IT?
Are you unemployed? If so, you may be eligible for a little-known federal grant called the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which will pay for you to help get trained, certified, and placed in your career at no cost to you. Program funding, availability, career choices, and other rules can vary significantly depending on where you live, so it’s best to call to see if you qualify. If you do not qualify for a grant, there may be other no-risk opportunities you are eligible for.
What are you looking for in a career?
When you ask yourself, “is IT a good career for me?” there are many reasons to choose an IT career, from high demand jobs to competitive salaries to the chance to make a difference. Besides the reasons listed above, here are some others:
Career Options in IT
The IT industry is everywhere from design to insurance to banking to aerospace to healthcare. There is not just one type of company for this field. It essentially acts as a platform for companies to operate and grow. The range of jobs is just as extensive. For any industry to be efficient and to develop innovative products, designers and developers are essential. The new applications also require industries to find people who understand the inner workings of their IT systems and who can provide both internal and external support. The IT industry has many roles that require a blend of technical, business, and social skills.
Information Technology Careers Are Changing Fast
The IT industry has experienced an explosion of new career opportunities in recent years:
Mobile App Designers
Cloud Architects
Cloud Developers
Business Intelligence Analysts
IT Data Scientists
Information Security Analysts
Information Security Auditors
Digital Strategists
There will be new opportunities in the future and the advancement of existing careers. Today, industries depend on information technology.
How to Start a Career in IT
The IT industry demands a unique set of skills for each job. To qualify for a job, candidates usually need technical expertise. They need evidence of education (certifications) and, depending on the specific job, related experience, though there are plenty of entry level jobs if you are certified.
A 4-year bachelor’s degree is not always necessary for skilled professionals. Generally, they are hired for entry-level positions if they possess the right certifications and demonstrate an aptitude for the job.
Furthermore, certification courses are cheaper and quicker than a full degree in Computer Sciences. Therefore, starting a career in IT is very attainable for those who are committed to it, even if you are starting from scratch.
One of the best career counseling tips we can give you is don’t try to start at the top. I often get people asking about advanced certifications when they lack all the needed skills and experience. Once you start working in your field, there will be opportunities to specialize. If you have no experience, you need a foundation to start. One of the best ways to get the foundations skills you need is with our Cyber IT Pro program which consists of the following:
CompTIA IT Fundamentals
CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+
CompTIA Security+
CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA)
For more information on this program, see Cyber IT Pro
Some final benefits of being in an IT career
There is no need to be an expert in math.
Whether or not you are successful in IT is not dependent on how far you have studied math or how well you performed on your math exams. A skilled Information Technology professional must possess a balanced set of skills, including soft skills like communication skills, project management, and problem-solving. While technical skills are crucial, strong work ethics, a natural curiosity, soft skills, and the ability to work well with others are also required. As long as you are dedicated, motivated, and determined to succeed, you can earn the technical skills needed for your dream job, whether it’s in hardware, cybersecurity, or anything else.
Every Day Is A Challenge
A successful career in IT is based on the ability to adapt, and most types of technology jobs require this trait. One thing is certain, technology is always advancing, meaning your job would never get boring. It’s unlikely that you will do the same thing every day for years. Keeping up with industry changes and new technologies is part of the IT professional’s job, so you’ll probably never have a dull moment at work. IT jobs may be perfect for you if you love learning, love staying on top of things, and are up for a challenge.
IT Careers have Work-Life Balance
Work schedules for IT jobs are typically flexible, giving employees time off during vacations, illness and holidays. More companies are allowing you to work remotely due to the pandemic. Many companies offer flexible schedules and compensation based on individual projects. Whatever your career path in IT may be, you will probably enjoy a pretty good work-life balance, allowing you to enjoy less stress, more time with family and a better quality of life overall. Many technology companies are known for working smarter than harder, as well as offering many perks. IT jobs are becoming increasingly attractive because of the extra benefits that make working at home more enjoyable.
When you take some initiative, you can advance in your career
Another reason this is a rewarding career is that you can move up the IT ladder if you learn new skills. Your initial skill set might help you start out in an entry-level tech job in an IT department but proving and adding to your skills may lead to more promotions and greater income. Junior technologists commonly become senior technologists after a few years of real-world experience. You must constantly learn and stay abreast of cutting-edge technology, so the more time you spend on the job, the more skills and knowledge you’ll gain. Add a few more certifications to show you are higher-level skilled IT person and you are well on your way. As a result, your employers will value you even more, and there will be more chances for promotions. A career in IT may be the perfect path for someone who feels stuck in their current job with no prospects for advancement.
If you are a creative person, you will get to show off your resourcefulness
The best IT staff are creative since they constantly seek out new ways to solve complex problems. Creative thinking will likely provide you with solutions you won’t find otherwise, so it will be essential to meeting your goals on a daily basis. Creative risk-taking skills are important for almost every IT job. if you are a creative person, you will love IT.
IT professionals can help others.
You may be providing technical support, or you may be developing solutions behind the scenes, but a big part of your career will involve making other people’s lives easier with your specialized knowledge. You’ll work together with others to figure out how technology can help them. It’s your problem-solving and innovative skills that will enable others to do their jobs better, allowing your organization to succeed. It translates to a rewarding career, one in which you leave every day knowing you made a positive impact on your colleagues or the world.
Next Steps
We can help you get started if you think IT may be the career for you. Call or make an appointment to learn about IT careers and figure out which path makes the most sense for you. Let’s see if you qualify for a federal grant or other no-risk programs that can put you on your way towards an exciting career.
See if you Qualify for a WIOA Grant
Are you unemployed? There is a little known federal grant program that can pay for you to get trained, certified and placed in your career at no cost to you. Availability and amounts are based on where you live. If you qualify, this program can pay up to $10,000 to get trained, certified, and then get help getting placed in their career. The amount and availability vary by county
This can be used to get certified in fields such as Cyber-Security, Information Technology, Project Management, Business Analysis, and more. Some of the most highly sought-after certifications include CompTIA, Microsoft, Cisco, Project Management Professional (PMP), Scrum Master, and others.
