- The tech industry, specifically information technology (IT), is a sector that has some of the highest demand, predicted growth, and average salaries.
- Some drawbacks of careers in tech include a lack of diversity, high competition, and solitary remote work that can be isolating for some.
- Popular careers in tech include software developers, computer network architects, information security analysts, and computer systems analysts.
Is technology a good career path?
Yes, jobs in tech are stable, high-paying career paths. Technology is the future, and professionals who possess the skills needed to excel in the tech industry are in high demand. By choosing a career in tech, you’ll be joining one of the fastest-growing sectors in the global economy as well as enjoying an annual salary that will likely be well above the U.S. national average. Even if you don’t currently possess any tech-related skills, there are plenty of resources available to teach yourself the basics. This is worth considering if you’re thinking about making a career switch to the tech industry.
Pros of Working in Technology
High demand Overall, the people who have the skills to work in the tech industry, specifically information technology (IT), are some of the most in-demand workers out there. The U.S. has the largest tech market in the entire world and, as of 2019, there were more than 557,000 software and IT service companies in the U.S. alone. The demand in the tech industry is high for entry-level workers as well, especially in sectors like government, financial services, and healthcare.
High predicted growth The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that occupations in the computer and information technology industry will grow by about 15% between 2021 and 2031. They expect that around 682,800 new jobs will be created and around 418,500 jobs each year will become available due to this growth and replacement needs. This predicted growth is much faster than the average for all other occupations.
Above-average salaries According to the latest official report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for someone working in the computer and information technology industry is around $97,430. This is much higher than the median annual wage for other occupations, which sits at around $45,760.
National and regional hubs The great thing about the tech industry is that there are many major cities in the U.S. that have a well-established IT job market. These include big metropolitan areas like San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Chicago. If you’re looking to live in the hustle and bustle of some of the most exciting cities in the U.S., a job in tech might be your key to making that move.
Remote work Compared to other occupations, the tech industry is much more lenient in allowing employees to work remotely from home. All you’ll likely need is a good computer and a reliable connection to the Internet. This is especially beneficial if you’re hoping to save money on things like transportation and relocation.
Cons of Working in Technology
Lack of diversity Unfortunately, as fast-growing as the tech industry is, there are still issues when it comes to diversity and equal representation within the workplace. According to a study from the Pew Research Center, 6 out of 10 black STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) employees said that their employers weren’t giving enough attention to increasing racial and ethnic diversity. Unequal access to education and resources is thought to be one of the major reasons why blacks and Hispanics are underrepresented in the STEM field.
Unpredictability While demand is high for the tech industry, there have also been instances where large amounts of workers have been laid off from their jobs due to factors such as slow business growth, increasing recession fears. As with many other jobs, changes in the economy, consumer demand, and fluctuations in growth can lead to periods of explosive hiring but also massive layoffs.
Solitary work Many positions in the tech industry involve a lot of solo projects and tasks. If you throw in working remotely on top of that, your job can become quite isolating, and it’s possible that you might feel a sense of disconnect from the other people working at your organization.
Constant learning If you decide to enter the tech industry, be prepared to constantly have to update your knowledge about industry standards and practices. Technology is always evolving, so you’ll also need to evolve right alongside it to keep up with competitors and consumer demands. Be ready to spend time learning new software and coding languages, which are two major parts of many tech jobs.
High competition With how in-demand tech jobs are, the competition is even more fierce. Some tech companies not only look at a person’s degree and credentials, but also their past internships, employment history, and other certificates and specialties that set them apart from the hiring pool. For someone going for an “entry-level” position, it can be even harder, considering some companies are looking for years of experience despite marketing the position as entry-level.
Careers in Technology
Software developer In this position, you’ll be responsible for researching, designing, and developing computer and network software. To do this, you’ll analyze users’ needs and design software to meet those needs. You’ll also likely work to upgrade the software of existing programs and make sure that the software is properly functioning by performing testing and maintenance. Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology or a related field Average salary: $120,730 Necessary skills: Analytical skills, communication skills, creativity, detail-oriented, problem-solving skills
Computer network architect Much like an architect who designs buildings and houses, a computer network architect designs comprehensive plans for networks, including precise information about how each part will work together in the overall product. You’ll typically work on communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets. Education: Bachelor’s degree in a computer-related area of study and previous work experience Average salary: $120,520 Necessary skills: Detail-oriented, interpersonal skills, leadership skills, organizational skills, analytical skills
Information security analyst As an information security analyst, you’ll be tasked with preparing and implementing security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems from threats. Computer companies, business and financial companies, and consulting firms are all places that usually hire information security analysts. Education: Bachelor’s degree in a computer science-related field and prior work experience Average salary: $102,600 Necessary skills: Critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, creativity, communication skills
Computer systems analyst In this position, it’ll be your responsibility to study an organization’s computer system and design ways to improve it. You’ll typically consult with organization managers to see how IT systems fit into their work and then research different technologies to find the best fit to help their organization run efficiently. Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a related field, though some jobs may accept a business or liberal arts degree if you have the necessary technical skills as well. Average salary: $99,270 Necessary skills: Analytical skills, business skills, communication skills, creativity, detail-oriented, organizational skills
Network and computer systems administrator In general, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of various computer networks. You’ll look at an organization’s system and determine what kinds of hardware and software to install, as well as perform upgrades and repairs when necessary. You might also be in charge of training others to properly use the hardware and software. Education: Bachelor’s degree in a computer or information science-related field, though some jobs may only require a high school degree or some kind of post-secondary certificate Average salary: $80,600 Necessary skills: Analytical skills, communication skills, multitasking skills, problem-solving skills
Web developer In this position, you’ll focus on designing and developing websites, web applications, application databases, and interactive web interfaces. This usually involves analyzing and editing code to make sure that it’s up to industry standards and works with certain devices and browsers. Education: Requirements can range from a high school diploma to a bachelor’s degree in computer programming or a related field Average salary: $77,030 Necessary skills: Communication skills, creativity, customer service skills, detail-oriented
Computer support specialist As a computer support specialist, you’ll be responsible for helping users with technical issues. Since problems can pop up at really any time, you might work nights and/or weekends. If you’re a network support specialist, you’ll work on testing and evaluating existing network systems. If you’re a user support specialist, you’ll talk directly with customers and guide them through fixing any issues. Education: Requirements may vary from a high school diploma and relevant IT certifications to an associate’s or bachelor's degree Average salary: $57,910 Necessary skills: Problem-solving, customer service skills, listening, communication
Starting Your Career in Technology
Go for a degree in computer technology-related fields. While there are certain jobs in the tech industry that will accept a high school diploma or various types of post-secondary certification, some of the most competitive and high-paying jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree or higher. To gain the skills and knowledge you may need, go for majors like computer science, information technology and information systems, or software engineering.
Use online courses and tutorials to learn necessary hard skills. The great thing about many jobs in tech is that you can often learn the basics through self-study. There are plenty of videos online that will teach you how to code, use Excel spreadsheets, or design websites. There are also a wide variety of online courses if you want more guidance and feedback. If you’re looking for a less expensive and time-consuming option than full-credit courses, look for boot camps and certificate programs either online or in person. For example, Northwestern University offers a part-time or full-time online coding bootcamp. Some hard skills to focus on developing through courses and education include coding, software development, system and network design, and cloud computing.
Focus on your soft skills. While hard skills will be an important part of your job in the tech industry, employers will also be looking for candidates who have a variety of soft skills in their toolkits as well. These soft skills include things like problem-solving skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to manage others. The great thing is that you don’t need to have a job in tech to improve your soft skills. For example, developing good communication skills is all about voicing your thoughts in a clear and concise way. No matter what job you’re doing, practice this skill by communicating efficiently with your coworkers and superiors verbally and in writing. Look for leadership positions to work on your managing and leadership skills. This might be in a job, volunteer group, or a community organization.
Network with people to learn about potential careers. If you know anyone who currently works in the tech industry, ask them if they have time to chat about their job. Ask them things like what they like and dislike about their job, what a typical workday looks like, and what they’ve learned while working in the tech industry. Reaching out to others is also a great way to potentially get your foot in the door when jobs or internships become available. Another option is to find a mentor who can work with you one-on-one to explore where you want to go in the tech industry and teach you some of the skills you may need. Create a LinkedIn account to expand your network. LinkedIn is a great place to connect with professionals in the industry and look at current job openings.
Do some freelance work to try out new jobs. Rather than diving right into a full-time career in the tech industry, you might find it beneficial to start off by doing some freelance work. For example, you might work as a freelance programmer before looking for long-term jobs with specific companies. This is a great option if you’re looking to make a career switch and are looking to try out a new job for a bit.
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