4.2 million. That’s a big number, and it’s the number of tech jobs in just the US. Tech jobs have taken a big hit lately. However, even with the news talking about layoffs in tech, it’s still a field that has a lot of opportunities.
However, there are a lot of options when it comes to this career path. So which role is best for you? That’s going to take some time and research to discover; however, if you’re just starting on your path, we have some tips that will help.
Keep reading to learn about some jobs you might be interested in and tips on how to choose.
What’s Right for You?
It can be tough to decide which career path is right for you. One of the most important things you can do is to talk to people who are already working in the field and do some research online. Once you have a better idea of what you want, it will be easier to choose the right IT career path for you.
Here are some things to consider:
Salary Expectations
Different careers will pay different rates. If you have certain expectations when it comes to salary it’s important to take those into consideration. For example, if you live in Southeast Asia some of the highest-paying jobs in Singapore are in the computer/IT field. However, some of these careers will pay less than others. Of course, salary shouldn’t be your main consideration, because you want to enjoy your job, but there is no denying it’s important.
Your Interests
What are you interested in? Maybe fixing computers all day isn’t your thing, but you have a bit of an artistic edge and you like creating online. Web development could be something you enjoy as you can get creative with web designs.
Not sure how to translate your interests into a career? Consider taking an interest evaluation; this can help guide you in the right direction.
Your Skills
The next thing to consider is your skills. If you don’t have the right skills, you won’t be successful in the job. Make sure you evaluate what skills you need for each position you’re considering.
Your Goals
We all have goals for our careers. Maybe you like the hands-on aspect of coding; however, maybe you want to get into management. Knowing where you want to end up, will help you figure out where to start.
The Job Market
Let’s be honest, there are not always opportunities where we want them to be. If the job market for your desired tech career is bleak, you might want to branch out in a different direction.
Lifestyle
Do you want a 9 to 5 job where you go home and don’t think about it? Or do you want a career that requires long hours and potentially travel? Every career will have a different lifestyle. If you want to leave work at work, think about that when choosing your career path.
Where Do You Want to Live?
Some jobs you can find anywhere, or work remotely. However, others will require you to live in a big city. If that’s not something you want to do, consider that when making your decision.
The Top Six IT Career Paths
Once you’ve considered all of those factors, it’s time to decide what job you actually want. It’s essential to do some research to figure out what each career path entails. However, we’ll briefly touch on a few that you might be interested in.
1. Software Developer
Software developers need to have strong problem-solving skills. They also need to have the ability to adapt to new technologies. However, one of the great things about this role is that you can take several different paths.
You could specialize in different fields and build applications for them. For example, healthcare or finance.
2. Network Engineer
Network engineers design, implement, and maintain the network infrastructure for organizations. This can include hardware, software, and other components. To do this you’ll need the ability to troubleshoot problems. You’ll also need the ability to identify methods for improving the network.
However, this role often requires education that goes beyond the education requirements for other IT roles.
3. System Administrator
One of the great things about this role is that you can work in a lot of varied settings. In this role, you’re responsible for the maintenance, configuration, and operation of computer systems. System administrators may also be responsible for training new users on the use of specific systems.
4. Database Administrator
This career is great for people who want a job that’s challenging but also rewarding. To be successful in this role you need to have a good understanding of database theory and principles. However, you also need to have a good grasp of technical skills.
Typically for this role, you’ll work in large organizations. These organizations rely heavily on databases. This can include:
• Banks
• Insurance companies
• Government agencies
• Hospitals
However, there are some roles in this field open in startups and small businesses.
5. Web Developer
If you’re interested in creating websites, this is the role for you. Often you’ll find yourself working on a team in this role with designers and other developers. However, you can work on your own as well.
This role is great because it’s varied. You can focus on frontend or backend development depending on your area of interest. However, you can also focus on both sides if you want to
6. Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity is a hot topic right now. The number of breaches seems to constantly be growing. Cybersecurity analysts work to protect organizations and businesses from these threats.
They do this by using different tools and techniques to detect and respond to cyber threats.
To become a cybersecurity analyst, you should have an understanding of computer networks, security protocols, and ethical hacking principles.
Join the Ever Growing Field of Technology
Are you ready to pick your IT career path? Make sure you consider the factors we discussed like interests, skills, salary, etc. There are a lot of paths you can explore; however, if you want to love your job it’s important to take the time needed to determine what’s best for you.
Check out the options we listed above and do some research. It’s important to know that’s the field you’re interested in before investing a lot of money. Good luck in your future career in tech!
