Entry-Level IT Employees In High-Demand
Virtually all companies deal with information technology on a daily basic. As such, there continues to be high demand for IT professionals, especially those with college degrees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, IT and computer occupations will grow 11% through 2029. This is much faster than average.
Why IT Professionals Are in Demand
Most attribute this growth in IT jobs to the growth of information technology in general. There is a greater emphasis on cloud computing, the collection and storage of big data, more everyday items becoming connected to the Internet in what is commonly referred to as the “Internet of things,” and the continued demand for mobile computing. In other words, companies rely on complicated technology that only IT professionals can manage.
IT Jobs with Great Career Prospects
IT is a dynamic field, so there are many job opportunities. Some of the top IT and computer jobs are:
- Computer and Research Scientist
- Computer Network Architect
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Support Specialist
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Network and Computer Systems Administrator
- Software Developer
- Web Developer
Most of these jobs require an undergraduate degree, and some even require a graduate degree.
What Education Do You Need to Be an IT Professional?
For most IT careers, an Associates or Bachelor’s degree is required or preferred. National American University (NAU) offers online undergraduate programs, including IT degree programs. NAU offers the following IT degree programs (program offerings vary by location):
Online IT Professional Degree and Certificate Programs
- Information Technology Associate Degree
- Information Technology Bachelor’s Degree
- Cybersecurity and Forensics Emphasis IT Bachelor’s Degree
- Computer Support Specialist Certificate
- Network and Server Administrator Certificate
- Web Development Certificate
- Cybersecurity Certificate
One of the most popular occupations is web developer. Web developers are responsible for creating and designing websites. Aside from the look of the site, they are also in charge of the site’s technical aspects such as performance, capacity, and speed. Another career path is software development; software developers act as the creative minds behind computer programs, developing applications and underlying systems, while computer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly. If you’re detail-oriented and enjoy working with technology, a career in IT might be right for you.
