IT Careers are Lucrative and Important
The Information Technology field is among the fastest growing in the USA and the rest of the world. Technology rules our lives – both at home and at work – and this sector has many essential careers.
IT security technicians, for example, are in demand. System administrators, network specialists, and telecoms experts are also much required. Or you may wish to consider a career in software development. The sheer variety of career options in the IT sector is bewildering.
How do you get a foot in the door and start your IT career? What qualifications will you require? These are some of the questions we will answer in this article. Let’s begin by discussing the type of person who will succeed in the IT field.
Is IT Right for Me?
As with all career paths, IT is only for some. However, with such a wide choice of possible openings, something may appeal to you. To work in the security realm, for example, you will need a basic understanding of computer science when leaving high school.
Programmers and software developers will have shown an interest and aptitude early in their schooling and will have a firm understanding of what is involved. Analytical skills are important and problem-solving should be a skill, while communication skills and understanding the general IT scene will be present.
What qualifications will you need to be considered for an IT role? It’s safe to say you will need at least a bachelor's degree in an IT related subject, so let’s look at what that means in more detail.
Studying for an IT Degree
A bachelor's degree is a must if you want to gain access to decent jobs in the IT arena. A typical bachelor's degree will be a four year study program – some maybe three years – and it can be studied on campus in the traditional manner or online. Remote study for degrees has become more popular thanks to convenience.
You will take classes in English, mathematics, and science, as well as those in the subject you are majoring in. The bachelor’s degree aims to provide students with a broad education in all areas.
Once you have your bachelor's degree, you may consider continuing your education and taking a master's degree. This will enable you to be considered for roles higher up the career ladder, such as those in research and development. We recommend you begin by studying for a bachelor's degree before committing to further, as it may get you into the position you desire.
Some students in IT begin by taking an associate's degree, a two year foundation that can be converted into a bachelor's degree. However, as most IT jobs demand a bachelor’s as a minimum, committing to the four-year option may be worthwhile.
There are plenty of opportunities for exciting and lucrative careers in information technology. As this sector can only grow further, it’s a sensible choice to study for a degree relevant to this field.