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I can't figure out which Information Technology (IT) that are still on demand?
I have to pick one of this specialization:
*Forensic Specialization
*Web Design and Development
*IT Management and Administration
#technology #computer #information-technology # #programming #help #OnDemandJob #future #COVID19 #career #careercoach
#major
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11 answers
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Hi Nancy,
As a former college career advisor to IT students, I know how choosing a specialization can be hard. A trusted online resource where you can find out the demand for each of these areas is on the US government's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website. BLS collects data from people actually working in these areas and compiles the data on their website.
The BLS links to each of the specializations are below.
Look for "Job Outlook" on each these webpages. You'll see a % for the job growth (or Demand) for each of the specializations. For instance, the job growth (Demand) for IT Managers is 11% through the year 2028.
Web Design /Development: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm
IT Management / Administration: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm
Forensics on BLS it's classified as "Information Security Analysts". Here is the link:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
When making this decision, I'd also suggest you think about what you think you'd be good at or like more to do. Each of these specializations have some different skills that are needed. In general, IT Managers/ Admins will need to like leading teams and making decisions. In IT Forensics, analytical and problem solving skills are needed. Web Developers /Designers need to know coding languages.
Here are some articles about the different skills needed for these specializations.
IT Managers: https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10800-necessary-business-skills-it-managers.html
Forensics : https://online.champlain.edu/blog/top-skills-required-for-computer-forensics-careers
Web Design: https://skillcrush.com/blog/be-a-successful-web-designer/
Web Development: https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/web-development/what-qualifications-do-you-need-to-become-a-web-developer/
Remember, no matter what specialization you choose, employers are always looking for people that are good team players and life-long learners.
I hope this helps!
Sarah Highstone
Review BLS links and job outlooks
Take a look at the skills needed for different specialization
As a former college career advisor to IT students, I know how choosing a specialization can be hard. A trusted online resource where you can find out the demand for each of these areas is on the US government's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website. BLS collects data from people actually working in these areas and compiles the data on their website.
The BLS links to each of the specializations are below.
Look for "Job Outlook" on each these webpages. You'll see a % for the job growth (or Demand) for each of the specializations. For instance, the job growth (Demand) for IT Managers is 11% through the year 2028.
Web Design /Development: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm
IT Management / Administration: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm
Forensics on BLS it's classified as "Information Security Analysts". Here is the link:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm
When making this decision, I'd also suggest you think about what you think you'd be good at or like more to do. Each of these specializations have some different skills that are needed. In general, IT Managers/ Admins will need to like leading teams and making decisions. In IT Forensics, analytical and problem solving skills are needed. Web Developers /Designers need to know coding languages.
Here are some articles about the different skills needed for these specializations.
IT Managers: https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/10800-necessary-business-skills-it-managers.html
Forensics : https://online.champlain.edu/blog/top-skills-required-for-computer-forensics-careers
Web Design: https://skillcrush.com/blog/be-a-successful-web-designer/
Web Development: https://careerfoundry.com/en/blog/web-development/what-qualifications-do-you-need-to-become-a-web-developer/
Remember, no matter what specialization you choose, employers are always looking for people that are good team players and life-long learners.
I hope this helps!
Sarah Highstone
Sarah recommends the following next steps:
WOW!!!!!!
THANK YOU!!!!
THANK YOU!!!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH, this is really helpful. I appreciate it.
Nancy
You are welcome!! :) No matter what I'm sure you'll make the right decision at do great!!
Sarah Highstone
I appreciate it. Thank You!
Nancy
Updated
Elwira’s Answer
Hi Nancy,
That is very good question and happy to share some of my insights that hopefully you will find valuable.
First of all I would suggest to look at the reports around trending hard skills which will help you to take the right decision.
Please bear in mind that hard skills and soft skills are equally pivot for personal development. While the most in-demand soft skills are all about how we work together, the most in-demand hard skills are the ones focusing on what we’re working on.
According to LinkedIn who collected the data from the business network of over 660+ million professionals and 20+ million jobs many of these skills will continue to evolve rapidly.
The top 10 most IN- DEMAND HARD SKILLS are:
1. Blockchain- cryptocurrency was born in 2009 and since then digital assets management is becoming high valued by the business.
2. Cloud Computing- Today everything in built in the cloud ,so it is important to have skills how to create the technical architecture, design it and manage (Microsoft Azure).
3. Analytical reasoning- Business is data driven nowadays. It is key to have skills which enable to collect, analyze, process data in a way to get further insights and interconnections which will effectively support business decisions.
4. Artificial Intelligence- AI is part of almost every business space. Machine learning, and natural language processing is hard skill that will help companies to build the innovative products and services win on the market.
5. UX Design- Customers are becoming more demanding and "lazy". The are looking for more intuitive and tailor made services and products. UX Design expertise will help to create more human- centric products and services which will create high demand exceptional client experience.
6. Business analysis- This is the skill across all sectors and industries. The ability to analyze data and catch the uncover insights will effectively support the decision process and positively impacts the business performance.
7. Affiliate marketing- As the traditional marketing is becoming les powerful the importance of utilizing effectively the partnership and influencers for the marketing purpose is the high demand skill.
8. Sales- those skills never age and always good to have. Additionally nowadays it is important to have a skillset covering: How to manage the sales team, how to manage virtual team, how to work cross industry across different partners, stakeholders and cultures.
9. Scientific computing- Companies need more professionals that can develop machine learning models and apply statistical and analytical approaches to large data sets using programs like Python, MATLAB, and other.
10. Video production-Consumers are becoming more visual and the video content is becoming more powerful tool and part of client experience.
Keep also in mind that nowadays, due to the adversity and crisis caused by COVID19, more than ever the soft skills are in high demand. Hard skills are very specific and demonstrate ability to perform the task while soft skills are more about the way we work, how we communicate with others, how we adapt and how we make the decisions. Soft skills are more about behaviors, motivations, personal patterns& traits and cognitive skills. Those are interpersonal skills that make or break ability to get things done and take on new opportunities ahead. It is worthy to take a closer look at those skills and master them in order to succeed in the professional setting.
The HIGH DEMAND SOFT SKILLS are:
1. Creativity- Business needs creative mindset to look at the challenges with creative problem solving approach to bring innovative solutions to the table.
2. Persuasion- Business needs people who are influencers-know how to communicate their ideas and how to get their point across to push on their ideas. Having skills and abilities that enable you to inspire, influence other and have impact is key to succeed.
3. Collaboration- Business needs people who value teamwork as effective way to achieve the common goals. As we are living in the "global village" it is key to get ability to collaborate effectively across cultures to build the meaningful conversations and effective relationships. This all will definitely lead to get skills and mindset to build and thrive in the high performing teams delivering exceptional products, services, projects etc.
4. Adaptability- As business is functioning in very complex and fast paced matrix where "the only constant is a change", the change management and the ability to adapt is key to thrive. People with open mind and positive mindset who can turn challenge into opportunity will be most valued by employer.
5. Emotional Intelligence- Is the "must to have" and the highest valued ability nowadays. It is the way you are recognizing your and others emotions, trying to see yourself through eye of others, manage emotions properly in order to build meaningful and effective relationship with others. It is ability to take ownership of your emotions, become emotionally self -aware and identify emotions you are managing. When you are emotionally intelligent you recognize positive emotions and use them to drive your motivation and build relationships. By maintaining the emotional balance you avoid stressful disruptions and unfocused states instead you are creating positive actions and environment which enhance collaboration. Emotional Intelligence is critical especially in times of adversity as it supports the resilience period. It helps you to know yourself better, your emotions/reactions, recognize situations that can trigger negative emotions and know how to shift them into positive space.
That is very good question and happy to share some of my insights that hopefully you will find valuable.
First of all I would suggest to look at the reports around trending hard skills which will help you to take the right decision.
Please bear in mind that hard skills and soft skills are equally pivot for personal development. While the most in-demand soft skills are all about how we work together, the most in-demand hard skills are the ones focusing on what we’re working on.
According to LinkedIn who collected the data from the business network of over 660+ million professionals and 20+ million jobs many of these skills will continue to evolve rapidly.
The top 10 most IN- DEMAND HARD SKILLS are:
1. Blockchain- cryptocurrency was born in 2009 and since then digital assets management is becoming high valued by the business.
2. Cloud Computing- Today everything in built in the cloud ,so it is important to have skills how to create the technical architecture, design it and manage (Microsoft Azure).
3. Analytical reasoning- Business is data driven nowadays. It is key to have skills which enable to collect, analyze, process data in a way to get further insights and interconnections which will effectively support business decisions.
4. Artificial Intelligence- AI is part of almost every business space. Machine learning, and natural language processing is hard skill that will help companies to build the innovative products and services win on the market.
5. UX Design- Customers are becoming more demanding and "lazy". The are looking for more intuitive and tailor made services and products. UX Design expertise will help to create more human- centric products and services which will create high demand exceptional client experience.
6. Business analysis- This is the skill across all sectors and industries. The ability to analyze data and catch the uncover insights will effectively support the decision process and positively impacts the business performance.
7. Affiliate marketing- As the traditional marketing is becoming les powerful the importance of utilizing effectively the partnership and influencers for the marketing purpose is the high demand skill.
8. Sales- those skills never age and always good to have. Additionally nowadays it is important to have a skillset covering: How to manage the sales team, how to manage virtual team, how to work cross industry across different partners, stakeholders and cultures.
9. Scientific computing- Companies need more professionals that can develop machine learning models and apply statistical and analytical approaches to large data sets using programs like Python, MATLAB, and other.
10. Video production-Consumers are becoming more visual and the video content is becoming more powerful tool and part of client experience.
Keep also in mind that nowadays, due to the adversity and crisis caused by COVID19, more than ever the soft skills are in high demand. Hard skills are very specific and demonstrate ability to perform the task while soft skills are more about the way we work, how we communicate with others, how we adapt and how we make the decisions. Soft skills are more about behaviors, motivations, personal patterns& traits and cognitive skills. Those are interpersonal skills that make or break ability to get things done and take on new opportunities ahead. It is worthy to take a closer look at those skills and master them in order to succeed in the professional setting.
The HIGH DEMAND SOFT SKILLS are:
1. Creativity- Business needs creative mindset to look at the challenges with creative problem solving approach to bring innovative solutions to the table.
2. Persuasion- Business needs people who are influencers-know how to communicate their ideas and how to get their point across to push on their ideas. Having skills and abilities that enable you to inspire, influence other and have impact is key to succeed.
3. Collaboration- Business needs people who value teamwork as effective way to achieve the common goals. As we are living in the "global village" it is key to get ability to collaborate effectively across cultures to build the meaningful conversations and effective relationships. This all will definitely lead to get skills and mindset to build and thrive in the high performing teams delivering exceptional products, services, projects etc.
4. Adaptability- As business is functioning in very complex and fast paced matrix where "the only constant is a change", the change management and the ability to adapt is key to thrive. People with open mind and positive mindset who can turn challenge into opportunity will be most valued by employer.
5. Emotional Intelligence- Is the "must to have" and the highest valued ability nowadays. It is the way you are recognizing your and others emotions, trying to see yourself through eye of others, manage emotions properly in order to build meaningful and effective relationship with others. It is ability to take ownership of your emotions, become emotionally self -aware and identify emotions you are managing. When you are emotionally intelligent you recognize positive emotions and use them to drive your motivation and build relationships. By maintaining the emotional balance you avoid stressful disruptions and unfocused states instead you are creating positive actions and environment which enhance collaboration. Emotional Intelligence is critical especially in times of adversity as it supports the resilience period. It helps you to know yourself better, your emotions/reactions, recognize situations that can trigger negative emotions and know how to shift them into positive space.
WOW!!!!!!
THANK YOU!!!!
THANK YOU!!!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH, this is really helpful. I appreciate it.
Nancy
Updated
Dean’s Answer
Hi Nancy:
That's a good question and I'd be happy to share my opinion. I.T nowadays is pretty broad, it includes the areas you mentioned but, there are other areas as well (Blockchain - think Bitcoin, Security, Computer Network, etc). Rather than think along the lines of what's in demand, try to research a little bit into the areas you mentioned in addition to the ones I noted and find which ones you like (top 2 specializations). One of the issue nowadays I've seen with people is that they focus and work in areas they do not enjoy. You'll always have demand in those specializations, some more than others but, having more jobs in one isn't always a good thing; it most definitely leads to more competition for those jobs.
Again focus on what you like and I wouldn't want to nudge you in one particular specialization (which includes my bias). Spend one Sunday afternoon and do a little research on each and see what's more interesting. Focus on the interested ones and while your area(s) of focus evolves over the years, always keep up to date through continuous learning. Learning in IT doesn't stop after you finish school.
That's a good question and I'd be happy to share my opinion. I.T nowadays is pretty broad, it includes the areas you mentioned but, there are other areas as well (Blockchain - think Bitcoin, Security, Computer Network, etc). Rather than think along the lines of what's in demand, try to research a little bit into the areas you mentioned in addition to the ones I noted and find which ones you like (top 2 specializations). One of the issue nowadays I've seen with people is that they focus and work in areas they do not enjoy. You'll always have demand in those specializations, some more than others but, having more jobs in one isn't always a good thing; it most definitely leads to more competition for those jobs.
Again focus on what you like and I wouldn't want to nudge you in one particular specialization (which includes my bias). Spend one Sunday afternoon and do a little research on each and see what's more interesting. Focus on the interested ones and while your area(s) of focus evolves over the years, always keep up to date through continuous learning. Learning in IT doesn't stop after you finish school.
Updated
Suresh’s Answer
As of my knowledge Web Design and Development has good demand and you will find good amount of opportunities. You will learn lot of frameworks in Web Design and Development that will boost your career.
Updated
Satyajeet’s Answer
Hello.
My suggestion is very simple -
Understand the options that are available in depth and also ask yourself where is your passion ?
Because you are going to build your career (40-50 years) on top of that undergrad.
Looking at current industry trends / statistics will provide you short term answer but these as you would agree
change over time.
You want your undergraduate education generic enough to last for your career and specialized enough to support your passion.
I hope this helps in your selection process.
- Satyajeet Dhumne
My suggestion is very simple -
Understand the options that are available in depth and also ask yourself where is your passion ?
Because you are going to build your career (40-50 years) on top of that undergrad.
Looking at current industry trends / statistics will provide you short term answer but these as you would agree
change over time.
You want your undergraduate education generic enough to last for your career and specialized enough to support your passion.
I hope this helps in your selection process.
- Satyajeet Dhumne
Thank you so much.
Nancy
Updated
karthik’s Answer
Computer vision engineer.
Machine learning engineer.
Network analyst.
Security analyst.
Cloud engineer.
App developer.
Business intelligence (BI) analyst.
DevOps lead.
Database administrator.
User support specialist
Machine learning engineer.
Network analyst.
Security analyst.
Cloud engineer.
App developer.
Business intelligence (BI) analyst.
DevOps lead.
Database administrator.
User support specialist
Updated
Mary’s Answer
Hi Nancy, the experts in Cyber Security are in very much demand and it will continue to be so for the decades to come as cyber crime is becoming more and more of a problem for many governments and businesses. The jobs range from technical specialists who understand how the IT networks and computers can be vulnerable to auditors who check them for compliance. There are also many jobs in consulting where specialists could be doing things like penetration testing to find vulnerabilities in other organization's IT networks.
Updated
Shweta’s Answer
Hi Nancy,
You have put up a very good question. Information technology is overall in great demand and have a great future.
You can pick any of the listed fields but my recommendation would be to pick the one in which you are interested.
Information Technology is a very vast field and covers mostly all the functional or core domains like (Medical, manufacturing, fashion, administration, Internet of things, communications etc). If you want to use your studies then first select that industry and then have a list of roles where you have the interest then according select. If you want to explore the different industry then thats also interesting to learn a new domain at all.
Hope this helps you. Good luck.
You have put up a very good question. Information technology is overall in great demand and have a great future.
You can pick any of the listed fields but my recommendation would be to pick the one in which you are interested.
Information Technology is a very vast field and covers mostly all the functional or core domains like (Medical, manufacturing, fashion, administration, Internet of things, communications etc). If you want to use your studies then first select that industry and then have a list of roles where you have the interest then according select. If you want to explore the different industry then thats also interesting to learn a new domain at all.
Hope this helps you. Good luck.
Updated
Mario’s Answer
I would suggest you start investigating each of these roles and see if there an option to intern\shadow in these departments. Each of these roles are in high demand but are very different.
Updated
Peter’s Answer
Hi Nancy - the three options/areas you mentioned are all considered in-demand and needed skills now and in the future. So you cannot go wrong with selecting either of these. My advice is that you keep your options open and stay up-to-date information technology trends. This will allow you to pivot and shift your knowledge and capabilities and remaining relevant in a dynamic and ever-changing environment. Hope this helps. Good luck! - Peter
Updated
Gabriel’s Answer
Hey there!
IT careers are still going to be in high demand for the next years (including the ones you'd mentioned).
So, as this is something that you'll be probably doing in the long run, you should pick one you really enjoy since there will be a lot of hard work on that. With this in mind, IT is a very flexible career, not only for outsiders (you can be very successful even with a completely different degree and some self though) but also when shaping the skills you want to have ( you can group small parts of different things like the "T-shaped-professional" who has a field of expertise, but complementary areas).
Also with the rise of remote work, IT is a great field since it requires only a laptop and some internet for the major cases, allowing you to have the flexibility to move to different places and also be supportive for your familiars.
The general compensation/salary is still above the average in most countries and can go even for big numbers including stock options.
In your particular case, for illustrating the "T-shaped-professional": information security is a big part of web-development and sometimes even a requirement for the job. After a while, in the industry, there's a tendency of engineers/developers to become IT managers, so you should be in a great position in all choices above
IT careers are still going to be in high demand for the next years (including the ones you'd mentioned).
So, as this is something that you'll be probably doing in the long run, you should pick one you really enjoy since there will be a lot of hard work on that. With this in mind, IT is a very flexible career, not only for outsiders (you can be very successful even with a completely different degree and some self though) but also when shaping the skills you want to have ( you can group small parts of different things like the "T-shaped-professional" who has a field of expertise, but complementary areas).
Also with the rise of remote work, IT is a great field since it requires only a laptop and some internet for the major cases, allowing you to have the flexibility to move to different places and also be supportive for your familiars.
The general compensation/salary is still above the average in most countries and can go even for big numbers including stock options.
In your particular case, for illustrating the "T-shaped-professional": information security is a big part of web-development and sometimes even a requirement for the job. After a while, in the industry, there's a tendency of engineers/developers to become IT managers, so you should be in a great position in all choices above