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Narrator: Most careers in IT
can begin with just a Bachelor's Degree
in either Computer Science or Information Technology.
If you're looking for a job in software programming
or development,
you'll most likely be required to write code
in the programming language used by the hiring company.
Even if you're applying for a non-programming job,
most employers will expect a basic working knowledge
of common languages such as HTML or C++.
As you progress in your career,
some higher level positions such as IT Manager,
Systems Analyst or Cloud Architect
may require a Masters of Information Science or similar.
If your ultimate goal
is to become a Technology Business Consultant
or to run a larger corporation's IT Department,
you will mostly want to pursue an MBA
in order to complement your tech skills
with a strong business acumen.
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The most desired hard skills in IT
typically mirror the technological innovations of the moment
We can see that right now,
as the top skills needed are:
cloud computing,
artificial intelligence and machine learning,
augmented and virtual reality
and mobile app design.
Companies are also still looking for candidates
with strong experience in the IT essentials of:
UX development,
cyber security
and big data.
But don't be fooled into thinking
this industry relies solely on technical skills.
Hiring managers are making it clear
that landing an IT job today
means having a strong core of soft skills as well.
The top five skills that employers look for are:
adaptability,
communication,
creativity,
time management
and analytical reasoning.
Your technical skills may get you in
but it's your soft skills that will move you up.
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The employment of information technology careers
has almost always grown faster than the average
for all occupations.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects IT employment
to grow 13% over the net 10 years
with the greatest growth expected in cloud computing,
big data and information security
where job growth is the strongest at 28%.
The median annual wage for computer
and information technology occupations
is just over $84,000
which is more than double the median annual wage
for all occupations in all industries.
Software developers and network architects
currently lead the industry with median incomes
of over $104,000.
For the the most current IT growth and outlook data,
please visit www.bls.gov.
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