Calling All Career-Seekers: Have You Considered the Field of IT?

From Creative Thinkers to Problem Solvers, IT Might Have a Role For You

Do you crave continuous learning opportunities and have a knack for problem solving and critical thinking? Are you quick on your feet in front of new technology? You might be a great fit for a career in Information Technology (IT).

The broad and ever-expanding field of IT is projected to see some of the strongest growth in all job sectors, both immediately and in the long term, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For new graduates, job seekers and people seeking to make a career pivot, there’s more encouraging news. The rapidly innovating and engaging world of IT is likely to offer a diverse career path and a strong salary, as well.

Whether you’re interested in software development, cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing or another IT specialization, (data scientist, information security analyst or network administration) there are abundant job opportunities waiting to be filled. Businesses in virtually every industry—finance, health care, media, education and more—are actively seeking IT professionals who can help them navigate the complex networks and computer systems that drive so many business processes forward.

Skills and education
Incoming IT professionals are often tasked with having to solve complex technical problems. They monitor networks for cybersecurity threats such as ransomware, troubleshoot connectivity issues, install new software, maintain existing hardware and make decisions about how a company spends its technology budget.

The challenging IT industry needs creative thinkers, good communicators and collaborators, analytical thinkers and good project managers, to name a few important soft skills. On the hard skill side—looking at technical training—knowledge and education in cloud computing, blockchain, cybersecurity, data analytics, software engineering, computer graphics and user experience are all being touted as highly valuable in the industry.

Generally, a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field is highly regarded and sought after in the field. The required skills or training might vary based on the specific job or industry, but a foundation in computer science is usually a solid foundation to build from.

Associates degrees in IT or diplomas from technical colleges often carry a lot of value in the industry, as well, especially in the entry-level of IT careers. Such degrees are often more cost effective, take less time to earn and are often highly specialized in their area of focus.

Many IT professionals often seek to continue their education into the master’s or doctorate level—which is ideal for administrative or management roles—and keep their skills sharp with various industry certifications.

Average salaries
IT careers often come with competitive salaries and benefits. As businesses continue to adopt new digital technologies and transform their operations as a result, organizations realize the strategic value of their IT systems and are willing to invest in top talent—people prepared to handle the challenging demands of the various IT-connected systems.

Minnesota ranks near the middle of the pack nationally in terms of IT salaries, but, on average, pay is competitive. According to data compiled by job site ZipRecruiter, average salaries for IT roles in Minnesota were $95,634 per year, or about $46 an hour. Nationally, the average salary is about $104,804. Got your sights set on a big tech company such as Google? Well, the company behind the world’s largest search engine pays their employees an average of $295,884 per year. Not bad!

The digital transformation of businesses and industries worldwide has led to a constant demand for IT talent.

Conclusion
Ready to dive into the world of digital careers? There’s a deep pool of positives to jump into, with strong growth projections, a wide variety of pathways, strong salaries and plenty more perks. IT skills are in high demand and jobs are expected to be plentiful for the long term. If you have a taste for technology and enjoy a dynamic, challenging industry with a broad range of opportunities, IT might be the right place for you.