Owing to the Internet, we have all become digitally active and aware from a very young age.
Children today tend to own a smartphone or a laptop even before they learn to ride a bicycle.
No wonder so many young students get drawn to Information Technology and seriously start considering it as a career.
The global Information Technology industry is slated to reach $5 trillion by the end of the year 2019.
The USA is the largest market, accounting for about 32%, while the largest global region is the Asia-Pacific, which is responsible for around 33.33% of technology expenditure worldwide. Therefore, there is huge potential in the information technology industry.
If a career in Information Technology enthralls you as well, then here are some of the top opportunities you can consider:
1. Mobile Application Developer
With smartphones, tablets, and mobile gadgets continue to occupy center stage, there are more mobile application developer jobs currently than there are human resources to fill them. This career option can, thus give you plenty of opportunities to thrive. There are thousands of apps to cater to every need, and each app is in competition with the other. Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS are leading the bid for domination in app development segment.
Growth projections
- 10-year growth volume – 255,000 jobs
- Average annual salary – $107,000 (US)
2. Software Engineer
As the world is becoming more digitized, there is a demand for software engineers across all industries, and not just IT.
Software developers are increasingly used in consulting, financial services, healthcare, real estate, marketing, and operations. As companies move to cloud-based applications, there is a huge demand for engineers who can build scalable cloud programs. If you are a graduate and want to start your career, this role could provide you the ultimate environment to grow as an individual as well as learn through variety.
Growth projections
- 10-year growth volume – 302,000 jobs
- Average annual salary – $104,000 (US)
3. Video Game Designer
The video game industry reached $135 billion in revenue in mid-2018 and is still growing with an upward swing. With the introduction of powerful microprocessors, smartphones, PlayStations, and allied devices, the gaming industry has changed with respect to how and where games are played.
If you are a fan of video games, then this career could be ideal for you. And it doesn’t have to be a traditional 9-to-5 grind. If you like this career option, the work would be fun for you.
The increased popularity and advances in technology have opened up avenues for artists, engineers, designers, and programmers alike. The future, with its promise of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), will be all the more enticing. Keeping everything in mind, a video game designer profile seems to be one of the top jobs available.
Growth projections
- 10-year growth volume – 280,000 jobs
- Average salary — $80,000 (US)
4. Data Scientist and Analyst
The Data Scientist & Analyst job profile is dubbed as the “sexiest job of the 21st century” by Harvard Business Review in 2012. Globally, data scientists and analytics are in huge demand. For you, this is the right time to get a job in this role.
Alongside cyber security against data breach, analysis of data is one of the most pressing tasks today. From predicting outcomes to alleviate a severe financial crisis, everything depends on the analysis of data.
To make a stable career in this field, you could take online courses on R and Python, two programming languages that are in highest demand in this profile.
To make a solid career in this field, you could take online courses on R and Python, two programming languages that are in highest demand in this profile.
Growth projections
- 10-year growth volume – 152,000 jobs
- Average salary – $108,000 (US)
5. Healthcare Information Technology Consultant
If you are a healthcare student and looking to start your career, Information Technology is the place to start with.
According to statistics, over 40 million jobs are expected to be generated by 2020, in the healthcare pace alone.
With the rise of Electronic Health Records (EHR) and advances in genomics, hospitals and research organizations are leveraging the power of IT to reach and relay information to doctors and insurance companies faster, for superior patient care.
The starting salary can be quite low. However, with an experience of about 10-year, this profile will give you the steepest increase in salary and post.
Growth projections
- 10-year growth volume – 30,000 jobs
- Average salary – $46,000 (US)
6. Database Administrator
As companies continue to gather data, there will be an increased need for experts in data security, management, and organization. Most of them are linked to the cloud and the Internet, which makes it easier for hackers to try to steal data and compromise its sanctity.
If you are interested in cloud computing or have a degree in computer science, this could be an exciting career option. You are likely to face several challenges. From top-notch security to fending off cyber threats, as a database administrator, you would have to take care of everything.
Growth projections
- 10-year growth volume – 14,000 jobs
- Average salary – $84,000 (US)
7. Technology Managers
With the IT industry worth billions and trillions of dollars, there is a constant need for software engineers, IT specialists, database administrators, etc.
In the long run, these roles would require active management to organize and manage everything seamlessly. As a result, it will fuel the need for specialist IT managers.
These managers will supervise and monitor the work of the employees and oversee the demand and supply of personnel. If you are a person with experience in the IT industry, this is a very lucrative job you may think about for the future.
Growth projections
- 10-year growth volume – 45,000 new jobs
- Average salary – $140,000 (US)
8. Web Developers
With businesses all over the world prefer to connect to global customers online and move out of offline stores, there has been a massive demand for web developers.
They can mold the website and the business offerings attractively and help reign in more traffic. If you have a knack for designing and know a thing or two about programming, this is the perfect job profile for you. This is guaranteed to provide the satisfaction you need while working on your computer.
Growth opportunities
- 10-year growth volume – 25,000 jobs
- Average salary – $72,000 (US)
8. Cybersecurity Specialist
In a report by NASSCOM, it has been estimated that by 2020, India alone would need 1 million cybersecurity specialists. With businesses moving online, and sensitive documents present on company servers, susceptible to powerful hackers, the role of a cybersecurity specialist is more important than ever.
If you want to get into IT as a career, this is an excellent option, laced with ample amount of challenge. It can provide roles in maintaining systems, unearthing vulnerabilities, improving automation, overseeing the maintenance of firewalls, routers, and virtual private networks (VPN).
Growth projections
- 10-year growth volume – more than 1 million
- Median annual salary – $90,120 (US)
Wrap-Up
The growth of the information technology industry is showing no sign of a let-up, any time in the near future. This is the correct time to consider IT as a career and enter this industry. There are rich dividends to be reaped while riding the tidal wave of unprecedented growth it is currently experiencing.
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Author Bio:
Lucy Manole is a creative content writer and strategist at Right Mix Marketing, SEO-focused link building agency. She specializes in writing about digital marketing, technology, entrepreneurship, and education. When she is not writing or editing, she spends time reading books, cooking and traveling. You can connect with her on Twitter at @RightMixMktg
