Information technology jobs are some of the most in-demand and highest-paying jobs out there. In our completely tech-based world, there isn't a workplace in existence that doesn't need at least a few IT professionals.
Since information technology professionals age in such high demand, taking IT courses in college is a great way to prepare for a successful career.
Here are some of the top information technology jobs you can get into with the proper training.
1. App Developer
These days there's an app for just about everything. Whether you have an idea for an app that's going to be more popular than Candy Crush or you want to help a business build an app, studying app development is a great way to launch your IT career.
App Developers design, program, test, and refine applications that people download onto their devices. Most app developers focus on phone apps, but some also work on computer applications.
2. Cybersecurity Analyst
In the age of super hackers and data breaches, making sure that their computer systems are safe is a high priority for every business. That means the job market for Cybersecurity Analysts is wide open.
Cybersecurity Analysts are responsible for making sure that a business's computer systems, data storage systems, and networks are safe from cyber threats. Cybersecurity Analysts basically try to hack into the business's systems to find weak spots in their security protocols. They then fix or recommend fixes for those weak spots.
Some Cybersecurity Analysts are consultants hired by businesses to complete a project and some are employees of a business that do regular Cybersecurity maintenance.
3. DevOps Engineer
If your people skills are just as good as your computer skills then being a DevOps Engineer might be the perfect career move for you. DevOps combines the roles of Software Developer and Operations Manager into a single role. A DevOps Engineer plays a crucial role in the rollout of a new software program within a company.
The DevOps Engineer is both the expert on the actual software and the operations manager who ensures that the rollout happens smoothly and goes according to plan.
The idea behind this role is that a Software Engineer who is also well suited for operations management would be the ideal person to guide a rollout within a company. Their technical expertise means they can ensure the technology is implemented well and their operations management skills ensure that the employees are ready to be successful with the new software.
4. Network Administrator
All of the computers within a company are usually connected together via an internal network. Depending on the size of the company and the type of work they do, there may different networks that connect the computers, some of which are only accessible to specific users within the company.
The company's Network Administrator is the person who makes sure that these networks are functioning properly. They monitor performance, fix any issues, create new networks as needed, and provide logins to the networks for new employees.
5. Database Administrator
An organization is nothing without their data. No matter what industry or sector the business is in, they're always collecting some kind of data. They need to ensure that the data is secure but accessible to authorized employees.
The Database Administrator is the person in the organization responsible for the data. They choose the storage devices that host the data and are responsible for their maintenance. the Database Administrator keeps the business's data organized and up to date. They also build software that makes the data easily accessible to authorized employees.
6. Cloud Architect
Moving business operations and data storage to the cloud is a great way for businesses to save money. Many businesses are choosing to transfer much of their technical operations to the cloud, which means that Cloud Architects are currently in high demand.
Cloud Architects are responsible for mapping out, implementing, and maintaining a business's operations within the cloud. They plan how data and systems can be moved to cloud-based software and storage systems. Then they help the company move their systems, and finally, they maintain those systems for the business longterm.
Some Cloud Architects are consultants that focus primarily on helping businesses plan their move to the cloud and implement the transition. Others have permanent positions within companies to help them expand and maintain their cloud operations.
7. Computer Systems Analyst
If your business acumen is just as sharp as your computer expertise, then you might make a wonderful Computer Systems Analyst. These professionals are hired by a company to optimize the technologies the company is using.
The Computer Systems Analyst reviews all the hardware and software the company is currently using to get the job done. They then make recommendations about which hardware and software to update, replace, or remove in order to get the job done more efficiently and cheaply.
Computer Systems Analysts are usually consultants. They work for companies for a few months or several months to come up with their recommendations and then move on to the next client.
8. Technical Support
The easiest way to start a career in information technology is to become a technical support person. These people help troubleshoot technical issues for the employees of a business. The issues could be as simple as a problem logging in to an application or as tricky as why a certain computer program isn't working.
Most tech support jobs only require a bit of IT training to start. Many of these jobs don't even require that you have a degree in a computer-related field of study, though having an Associate's Degree, some certifications, or a Bachelor's Degree certainly helps.
Starting out as a Technical Support person is a great way to get the job experience you need to work your way up the ladder in the IT industry.
How To Get the Best Information Technology Jobs
Most information technology jobs require that you have a degree in a related field. So, completing a degree program is a great way to start your IT career. However, some entry-level jobs only require a diploma and some training. If you're good with computers and can prove your skills, it's possible to land one of these awesome IT jobs with no degree.
Looking for more tips about breaking into the IT industry? Check out the Business section of our site.
