Nearly every job in the professional sphere will require experience with certain relevant technologies, but technology specialists are in the highest demand. According to CNN Money, tech consulting saw ten straight quarters of job growth last year, with more than 56,000 positions opening up in 2012. Base salaries have also increased at an average of 5.3 percent, as indicated by the salary guide created by Robert Half International. Professionals looking to get in on the action should take a look at these five promising jobs for your post-college employment hunt.
1. Computer Systems Analyst
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts an additional 120,400 jobs for this booming industry between 2010 and 2020. A computer systems analyst has a detailed understanding of the hardware, software and networks associated with a given computer and customizes each system to fit the needs of the organization. Ultimately, these analysts are expected to help the companies maximize efficiency by remaining up to date on the latest software and troubleshooting the wrinkles as they go along. The U.S. Labor Department reports that computer systems analysts can make up to $120,060 per year.
2. Market Research Analyst
Although you’ll largely be working with a computer and other technologies, the job of a market research analyst isn’t quite as tech-heavy as other jobs on the list. The basic responsibilities of an analyst are to collect market data, analyze patterns and prepare reports with useful applications. In this industry, it helps to be social media-savvy as well, since the bulk of market research data comes from these mediums. In May of 2010, the median annual wage of a market research analyst was $60,570, according to the BLS.
3. Civil Engineer
It might not be the first job that comes to mind with the category “high tech,” but civil engineers spend a bulk of their professional time using software to aid in the design and development of systems and structures. From highways to airports, civil engineers are constantly analyzing efficiency, comparing costs and applying government regulations to their work. Plus, at a median salary of $77,990, the fruit of your labor doesn’t come just from your creations.
4. Web Developer
You can show off your skills in web development now by building your own website. Job listing websites are littered with open positions for web developers. Web design is both an art and a science that requires skills in HTML, aesthetic layouts and psychological appeal. Keeping up with technology is a must in this field, and jobs are flexible with full-time, part-time and freelance opportunities. If you stick with it long enough, the BLS says you could be looking at a six-figure salary.
5. Computer Programmer
Although the job growth average for computer programmers is right at the average of 12 percent, this rewarding field comes with exciting responsibilities and opportunities. In a nut shell, you’ll be required to create software programs by writing code and translating program designs for operation with the computer. Tech geek Eric Pepke says there are five basic steps to becoming an expert computer programmer:
- Extend your computer programming outreach
- Become an expert in computer science
- Understand computer engineering
- Communicate effectively
- Learn to decode buzzwords and BS
