While fields like law or medicine existed for a long time, IT just entered the scene the past few decades.
But despite its newness, this industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world.
IT, short for Information Technology, is a broad industry that deals with the maintenance of digital infrastructure. It also deals with providing troubleshooting assistance to customers in a digital space.
If you enjoy learning and keeping up with the latest technological trends, jumping into the IT field might fulfill you.
Let’s explore some of the top reasons why a career in IT is right for you!
1. Ability to Work Either in the Office or Remotely
Many jobs in the IT industry require just an internet connection, a laptop, and specialised skills. For remote jobs, physical presence is not mandatory as long as you can get the job done and communicate through online channels with your teammates effectively.
There are many benefits of working remotely, which includes:
- Less commute stress
- Better work-life balance
- Positive environmental impact
- Money savings
- Location freedom
If you want a more collaborative and physical team environment, there are options for that too. Many job openings are available that require either a complete office presence or a flexible work-from-home setup. But if you want a flexible career path that opens doors to both collaborative efforts and independent solitude, then an IT career is a promising option.
2. Many Job Opportunities In IT
By embarking on the path to earning an IT diploma, you open many possible doors that your future self can enter. Job prospects for many technologically savvy roles are also experiencing a demand increase. For instance, software developer roles are projected to increase in demand by up to 22%.
Let’s look at some popular job opportunities for new IT diploma holders.
Software Engineer
Alongside computer science degrees, an IT degree is a common kickoff point for many IT graduates early in the career path to becoming a software engineer. While many hiring managers are getting more keen on hiring self-taught individuals with high potential, having an IT degree in your resume would be a huge plus.
Business Analyst
Business analyst positions tend to differ from company to company. But for the most part, it deals with using technological software to improve business processes and systems. Aside from that, having a business background would also be a good way to dip your foot in this career path.
Technical Support
Technical support monitors and maintains the computer systems and networks of an organisation. They provide technological solutions, diagnose faults, resolve network issues, and configure hardware and software. They’re also the provider of technological solutions to tech-related queries from customers.
Network Engineer
A network engineer role requires a handful of technical expertise and excellent problem solving and analytical skills, alongside a computer-related degree. A network engineer is also responsible for managing, improving, and developing communication channels for an organization. While this role is one of the more demanding for newcomers, it’s also a high-pay and high-growth opportunity.
Web Developer
Web developers have the knowledge and expertise to create, structure, and build websites. This role can be further branched into back-end and front-end web developers, who have different responsibilities. IT degree holders can climb up the entry / junior level positions too with the skills they learn on the job coupled with their theoretical knowledge.
Aside from the top jobs listed above, there are countless other job opportunities that an IT degree holder can enter. Common role titles include a computer network architect, computer systems analyst, computer programmer, database administrator, mobile developer, network administrator, and UX designer roles.
3. Fast-paced Learning Environment
Alright, so let’s paint a picture. If you shared specialty knowledge with a doctor, engineer, or lawyer from the early 2000s, the bulk of the information shared more or less stays the same.
If you talk about newer technologies to an IT expert from the same period, most of the concepts would fly over their head regarding the latest innovations.
Technology is constantly evolving. Heaps of new information and data get continuously introduced and refined in software systems at competitive rates.
In particular, the advent of cloud software, artificial intelligence, and marketing technology systems sends waves of influence to the technology field and the mainstream. With the innovation of technology, there’s no shortage of breakthroughs and new opportunities in a few years.
If you’re someone who loves learning and upskilling, you can thrive in a fast-paced IT environment with specialized IT courses.
With online courses, you’ll set yourself apart from the competition with exposure to topics outside a 4-year college degree. This includes topics like server visualisation, internet gateways, operating systems, markup language, server testing, virtual machines, IT projects, and network access.
4. Opens the Door for High Paying Jobs
Technology is a highly robust industry. There’s a high demand for specialised skill sets in the current market. If you find the right company that’s looking for your skillset, you could be earning a lucrative sum year on year.
Here are some in-demand jobs in Australia, as well as their average respective salary:
- IT Systems Architect – A$ 140,000
- IT Manager – A$ 125,000
- Cloud Engineers – A$ 112,000
- IT Security Architect – A$ 124,000
- Data Scientists – A$ 100,000
Of course, you’ll need to gain the right experience and proper certifications to achieve these positions. But with the grit, technical skills, and a little bit of luck – achieving those numbers is a certain possibility down the line. It all starts with making the first decision and jumping into IT.
5. Lower Education Costs Compared to Other Careers
Doctors dedicate their young adulthood to years — or even a decade — of studying and training. In the same boat, lawyers admit themselves to an extra four years of law school alongside your four-year undergraduate degree.
While the result of those paths has great career opportunities, the barrier to entry to climbing up the ranks in the IT field is significantly more cost-effective.
By investing in an IT degree and self-learning practices, you could earn as much as doctors and lawyers faster.