16 answers
Juanita
Student
Smyrna, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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What careers can I pursue if I study information technology
I want to study information technology, but the careers that I'll pursue after that is what seems confusing to me?
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16 answers
Daniel Frank
Cyber Security Consultant
4
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Hi. So many options with a degree in information technology. You could become a programmer, project manager, analyst, engineer, etc.
Mia Sheppard
Cyber Identity Analyst
2
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Mia’s Answer
Hello! Speaking from experience - if you're interested in pursuing both the business and technical side of information technology, I got my degree in Management Information Systems (MIS) and got into cyber consulting.
I like it because its versatile, meaning you can work on various different projects with different clients and expand your knowledge through different business and technical challenges. There are many careers you can pursue with information technology as other people have responded but I encourage you to keep learning and find what you like along the way!
I like it because its versatile, meaning you can work on various different projects with different clients and expand your knowledge through different business and technical challenges. There are many careers you can pursue with information technology as other people have responded but I encourage you to keep learning and find what you like along the way!
Malcolm Jones, MBA, VCP
1
Answer
Updated
Malcolm’s Answer
Here's a thought to consider: you're likely to begin your journey in a general role, where you have a basic understanding of a wide range of areas, such as operating systems, networking, and some application support, perhaps in a position like a helpdesk analyst. But as you continue to learn and gain experience, you'll find yourself becoming an expert in a specific field that suits your skills and interests. There's a whole world of specializations out there that are in high demand. For instance, cloud computing and Software as a Service are two popular choices. So, keep exploring, keep learning, and you'll find your niche where you can truly shine.
Courtney Benedict, PMP, CSM
Project Manager
1
Answer
Fort Myers, Florida
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
I agree with the previous answers!
My role is an IT Project Manager. There are varying levels of technology knowledge you could have when working in IT. You can be deep in the weeds of technology with development, data analysis, QA Engineer, architect. Another option is to be more IT adjacent - like a Project Manager or Product Owner, where you are working with developers every day but you aren't doing the actual coding/programming.
For example, I started out at an IT Recruiter and then moved into my role now, with no IT education, just certifications.
Hope this helps!
Understand the different types of technology: Software/hardware development, cybersecurity, network, etc.
Determine what type of role you would like to have: Hands-on development, analysis, management, product
My role is an IT Project Manager. There are varying levels of technology knowledge you could have when working in IT. You can be deep in the weeds of technology with development, data analysis, QA Engineer, architect. Another option is to be more IT adjacent - like a Project Manager or Product Owner, where you are working with developers every day but you aren't doing the actual coding/programming.
For example, I started out at an IT Recruiter and then moved into my role now, with no IT education, just certifications.
Hope this helps!
Courtney recommends the following next steps:
deep sam
manager
13
Answers
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
Updated
deep’s Answer
For a recent college graduate with a degree in Information Technology, several entry-level roles can serve as excellent starting points to begin a career in the field. These positions typically require foundational knowledge in IT, which should have been covered during your college education, and often provide opportunities for further learning and specialization.
Example: Roles (The roles and responsibilities can/may differ from organization to organization)
1. Junior Software Developer
Starting as a junior developer allows you to gain hands-on experience in coding, debugging, and maintaining software under the guidance of more experienced developers.
2. IT Support Technician
This role involves assisting with day-to-day IT issues within an organization, providing a broad exposure to various IT challenges and solutions.
3. Network Administrator
An entry-level role focusing on the maintenance of computer networks, providing a good foundation for future roles in network engineering.
4. Database Coordinator
Supporting database administration tasks, this role allows you to develop skills in managing and optimizing databases, setting a pathway to becoming a full database administrator. SQL is your friend here.
5. Web Developer
Starting in web development, even at a junior level, helps you build skills in designing and implementing user-friendly websites and applications.
6. Systems Analyst Trainee
As a trainee, you’ll assist in analyzing and improving organizational processes and IT systems, gaining insights that could lead to a more senior analyst role.
7. Cybersecurity Analyst (Entry-Level)
Beginner positions in cybersecurity, such as a security analyst, involve monitoring networks and systems for security breaches and learning about the latest in security technology and threats.
8. Technical Support Specialist
This role provides direct support to users, resolving technical issues and gaining expertise in troubleshooting and customer service.
9. Data Analyst
Starting as a data analyst can be an excellent introduction to the fields of data science and big data, provided you have some background in statistics and analytics. Using Machine Learning and AI skills.
10. Quality Assurance Tester
An entry-level QA tester role will help you understand the software development lifecycle and the importance of maintaining quality in software products.
11. IT Consultant (Associate)
Some consulting firms offer positions for recent graduates, where you can work under experienced consultants to learn how to create and implement IT solutions for various businesses.
12. Cloud Support Associate
With cloud computing being a critical area, starting as a support associate can provide foundational cloud knowledge and practical experience.
There can be many more that could be added to the list here!
Example: Roles (The roles and responsibilities can/may differ from organization to organization)
1. Junior Software Developer
Starting as a junior developer allows you to gain hands-on experience in coding, debugging, and maintaining software under the guidance of more experienced developers.
2. IT Support Technician
This role involves assisting with day-to-day IT issues within an organization, providing a broad exposure to various IT challenges and solutions.
3. Network Administrator
An entry-level role focusing on the maintenance of computer networks, providing a good foundation for future roles in network engineering.
4. Database Coordinator
Supporting database administration tasks, this role allows you to develop skills in managing and optimizing databases, setting a pathway to becoming a full database administrator. SQL is your friend here.
5. Web Developer
Starting in web development, even at a junior level, helps you build skills in designing and implementing user-friendly websites and applications.
6. Systems Analyst Trainee
As a trainee, you’ll assist in analyzing and improving organizational processes and IT systems, gaining insights that could lead to a more senior analyst role.
7. Cybersecurity Analyst (Entry-Level)
Beginner positions in cybersecurity, such as a security analyst, involve monitoring networks and systems for security breaches and learning about the latest in security technology and threats.
8. Technical Support Specialist
This role provides direct support to users, resolving technical issues and gaining expertise in troubleshooting and customer service.
9. Data Analyst
Starting as a data analyst can be an excellent introduction to the fields of data science and big data, provided you have some background in statistics and analytics. Using Machine Learning and AI skills.
10. Quality Assurance Tester
An entry-level QA tester role will help you understand the software development lifecycle and the importance of maintaining quality in software products.
11. IT Consultant (Associate)
Some consulting firms offer positions for recent graduates, where you can work under experienced consultants to learn how to create and implement IT solutions for various businesses.
12. Cloud Support Associate
With cloud computing being a critical area, starting as a support associate can provide foundational cloud knowledge and practical experience.
There can be many more that could be added to the list here!
Pooja Shah
Software Test Engineer
2
Answers
Sunnyvale, California
Updated
Pooja’s Answer
You can pick any computer engineering profession after studying Information Technology. Information Technology usually covers wide range of topics which opens doors for any profession that you want to chose among computer field. You can always learn something on top of your college education if you are interested in a profession that requires specific skillset.
Kathryn Estey
Product Owner
3
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Kathryn’s Answer
Hi! Information Technology is a great career with a wide variety of opportunities! With this degree, you have your foot in the technology career world with the option of either leaning in more to the technical details or being more on the business side of things. A career you may be interested in starting in is a 'Business Systems Analyst.' In this role, you work with the Product Owners to write the technical requirements for the project. The software engineers use these requirements when coding. This role allows you to work with both the business side and the technical side. From here, you can go on to be an IT Project Manager, Quality Assurance Analyst (testing the code), or Product Owner! I suggest you get an internship to see what you like! Best of luck!
Kyana Afshari
9
Answers
Updated
Kyana’s Answer
Hi Juanita,
Studying IT opens up a wide range of career opportunities across various industries. Some potential career paths include:
1. Software Engineer
2. Network Engineer
3. Systems Analyst
4. Database Administrator
5. Cybersecurity Analyst
6. Cloud Solutions Architect
7. IT Consultant
8. Web Developer
9. IT Project Manager
10. Data Scientist
These are just a few examples, and the field of IT continues to evolve, offering diverse and exciting career opportunities.
Studying IT opens up a wide range of career opportunities across various industries. Some potential career paths include:
1. Software Engineer
2. Network Engineer
3. Systems Analyst
4. Database Administrator
5. Cybersecurity Analyst
6. Cloud Solutions Architect
7. IT Consultant
8. Web Developer
9. IT Project Manager
10. Data Scientist
These are just a few examples, and the field of IT continues to evolve, offering diverse and exciting career opportunities.
Brian Richardson, PMP
Project Manager
7
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Brian’s Answer
Hi Juanita! You know, it's funny how life works out sometimes. I studied Information Technology (IT) in college and ended up with a degree in Business Technology Administration (BTA). I'm mentioning this because it's fascinating how my IT background unexpectedly steered me to my current role as an IT Project Management/Delivery Manager, years after graduation.
Just to give you a sense, the IT field is vast and full of opportunities. I kicked off my career providing Tier 2 Help Desk support at a couple of Department of Defense agencies. Then, an opportunity came knocking for a project management role. This opened the door for me to learn about Scrums, and before I knew it, I found myself in a Scrum Master position for application development.
What I want to say is, the IT field is like a big adventure. You might start in one area at the beginning of your journey, but don't be surprised if you find yourself in a completely different area in no time. And the best part? It doesn't matter how technical or non-technical your skills are - there's a place for everyone.
Just to give you a sense, the IT field is vast and full of opportunities. I kicked off my career providing Tier 2 Help Desk support at a couple of Department of Defense agencies. Then, an opportunity came knocking for a project management role. This opened the door for me to learn about Scrums, and before I knew it, I found myself in a Scrum Master position for application development.
What I want to say is, the IT field is like a big adventure. You might start in one area at the beginning of your journey, but don't be surprised if you find yourself in a completely different area in no time. And the best part? It doesn't matter how technical or non-technical your skills are - there's a place for everyone.
Joey Eadus
Senior Consultant
7
Answers
Medford, Oregon
Updated
Joey’s Answer
Hello Juanita. Given the vast array of career options in the IT field, it's a good idea to take a broad range of Information Technology courses while you're working towards your IT degree. This approach will allow you to uncover your true interests and then concentrate on improving your skills in that particular area. For instance, my initial major was Information Security when I started my degree in Information Technology. However, I quickly realized that my real passion lay in software development. Today, I'm proud to say that I work as a Senior Software Developer at Deloitte Consulting.
Jake Millsaps
Consultant
2
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Jake’s Answer
Hello! As stated in the other answers, IT is a very wide field comprising many different professions and competencies. I would worry less about the exact job you would try to get following graduation and instead focus on the particular areas within IT you are passionate about. Your interest and skills in these areas will help to inform you as to your most optimal path forward following graduation.
Amit Sharma, CISSP, CEH
Cyber
8
Answers
Ellicott City, Maryland
Updated
Amit’s Answer
If you study Information Technology (IT), you have a wide variety of career paths available to you. Here's a list of potential roles:
Software Developer: Create, test, and maintain software applications and systems.
Systems Analyst: Analyze and improve computer systems in an organization.
Database Administrator: Store, organize, and manage data using database management systems.
Network Administrator: Set up, manage, and support internal and/or external networks.
Cybersecurity Analyst: Protect an organization's computer systems and networks, implementing measures to minimize the risk of cyber attacks.
IT Project Manager: Lead teams to deliver IT projects on time and within budget.
IT Consultant: Provide strategic guidance to clients with regard to technology, IT infrastructures, and enabling major business processes through enhancements to IT.
Cloud Solutions Architect: Design, manage and monitor cloud-based systems and solutions.
Data Scientist: Extract insights from massive amounts of data and use these insights to help your organization make data-driven decisions.
Web Developer: Design, code, and modify websites, from layout to function.
Mobile Application Developer: Design and build applications for mobile devices.
IT Support Specialist: Assist users who are having problems with software, computers, or peripherals such as printers or scanners.
Business Intelligence Analyst: Use data to gain insights into business operations and make recommendations for improvement.
UX/UI Designer: Design user interfaces for machines and software, aiming to provide the user with the best possible experience.
Health IT Specialist: Specialize in health informatics, working with electronic health records and other systems used in healthcare.
Artificial Intelligence Engineer: Develop, manage and oversee AI initiatives within an organization.
IT Manager/Director: Oversee the IT department, making strategic decisions about the organization's technological requirements.
These are just a few examples. The field of IT is vast and continuously evolving, so new roles and opportunities are emerging all the time. The best career path for you will depend on your interests, skills, and career goals.
Software Developer: Create, test, and maintain software applications and systems.
Systems Analyst: Analyze and improve computer systems in an organization.
Database Administrator: Store, organize, and manage data using database management systems.
Network Administrator: Set up, manage, and support internal and/or external networks.
Cybersecurity Analyst: Protect an organization's computer systems and networks, implementing measures to minimize the risk of cyber attacks.
IT Project Manager: Lead teams to deliver IT projects on time and within budget.
IT Consultant: Provide strategic guidance to clients with regard to technology, IT infrastructures, and enabling major business processes through enhancements to IT.
Cloud Solutions Architect: Design, manage and monitor cloud-based systems and solutions.
Data Scientist: Extract insights from massive amounts of data and use these insights to help your organization make data-driven decisions.
Web Developer: Design, code, and modify websites, from layout to function.
Mobile Application Developer: Design and build applications for mobile devices.
IT Support Specialist: Assist users who are having problems with software, computers, or peripherals such as printers or scanners.
Business Intelligence Analyst: Use data to gain insights into business operations and make recommendations for improvement.
UX/UI Designer: Design user interfaces for machines and software, aiming to provide the user with the best possible experience.
Health IT Specialist: Specialize in health informatics, working with electronic health records and other systems used in healthcare.
Artificial Intelligence Engineer: Develop, manage and oversee AI initiatives within an organization.
IT Manager/Director: Oversee the IT department, making strategic decisions about the organization's technological requirements.
These are just a few examples. The field of IT is vast and continuously evolving, so new roles and opportunities are emerging all the time. The best career path for you will depend on your interests, skills, and career goals.
Justin Baigert
Business Strategy & Digital Transformation
2
Answers
Bethel, Connecticut
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Honestly, you can do almost anything with an IT degree. In school, it gives you a great foundation of logic and problem solving. In the professional world, it is an opportunity to learn about almost any aspect of the business, its products, and its clients. From there, you can take your career anywhere. And in my experience, someone that can bridge technology and business knowledge is incredibly valuable. My IT degree has taken me from IT, to Internal Audit, to Project/Program management, to External Audit, to Regulatory Risk, to Enterprise Data, to Business Development.
The world is your oyster... but this is probably why you are finding it confusing. My recommendation (similar to others) pick a job where you own something and build depth. For example, a job where you own the development of product features. Don't take a job in general management or high level project management. Very few people can develop a good foundation that way. Meanwhile, ask lots of questions. Why is this feature important? Who does it help? How does it contribute to the overall product? How does it help the customer? etc. etc. This is the best way to learn and differentiate yourself from a sea of low-cost coders.
The world is your oyster... but this is probably why you are finding it confusing. My recommendation (similar to others) pick a job where you own something and build depth. For example, a job where you own the development of product features. Don't take a job in general management or high level project management. Very few people can develop a good foundation that way. Meanwhile, ask lots of questions. Why is this feature important? Who does it help? How does it contribute to the overall product? How does it help the customer? etc. etc. This is the best way to learn and differentiate yourself from a sea of low-cost coders.
Nhyira Arthur
Business Application Developer
4
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Nhyira’s Answer
Not difficult at all...
Yes you love IT ,
What exactly do you love in I.T??
Which field of I.T would you love to see yourself in , that you know you won't be disturbed or distracted by whatever comes your way, you'll just keep going.
Yes, that's exactly what you need to pursue..
If you want to be an IT Manager , you would have to get a comprehensive knowledge of all the fields or most of the fields, Computer Networking, Software Programming, Hardware Engineering, Database Management, among others..
If you would want to develop games, you will need to determine which end of the gaming faces you will like to develop..
And start learning those languages today.
Same applies to Software Development today..Choose the languages you will learn today..Start with languages like Python, HTML, CSS and you can progress into the rest when you find your feet and you're sure you're on track.
There are a lot more fields; Consultancy, Trainer, HR Recruit , Teams Leader, Project Manager, and a lot more you haven't heard of...
Which are all well paid too.
Consider this and let this guide your next step.
Always research on topics like these and future career paths you would like to take.
Yes you love IT ,
What exactly do you love in I.T??
Which field of I.T would you love to see yourself in , that you know you won't be disturbed or distracted by whatever comes your way, you'll just keep going.
Yes, that's exactly what you need to pursue..
If you want to be an IT Manager , you would have to get a comprehensive knowledge of all the fields or most of the fields, Computer Networking, Software Programming, Hardware Engineering, Database Management, among others..
If you would want to develop games, you will need to determine which end of the gaming faces you will like to develop..
And start learning those languages today.
Same applies to Software Development today..Choose the languages you will learn today..Start with languages like Python, HTML, CSS and you can progress into the rest when you find your feet and you're sure you're on track.
There are a lot more fields; Consultancy, Trainer, HR Recruit , Teams Leader, Project Manager, and a lot more you haven't heard of...
Which are all well paid too.
Consider this and let this guide your next step.
Nhyira recommends the following next steps:
Kim Arskii
Social Media Analyst
145
Answers
St. Augustine, Florida
Updated
Kim’s Answer
If you study information technology, there are plenty of exciting career paths you can pursue. Here are a few options to consider:
1. Software Developer/Engineer: You can become a software developer or engineer, creating and designing software applications and systems.
2. Network Administrator: As a network administrator, you'll be responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks within an organization.
3. Cybersecurity Analyst: With the increasing importance of cybersecurity, you can specialize in protecting computer systems and data from potential threats.
4. Data Analyst/Scientist: If you enjoy working with data, you can become a data analyst or data scientist, helping organizations make data-driven decisions.
5. IT Project Manager: As an IT project manager, you'll oversee the planning, execution, and completion of technology projects within an organization.
These are just a few examples, and the field of information technology offers a wide range of opportunities. It's always a good idea to explore different areas within IT and find what aligns with your interests and strengths. You can also consider internships or entry-level positions to gain hands-on experience and further refine your career path.
I hope this helps you get a better idea of the career options in information technology.
1. Software Developer/Engineer: You can become a software developer or engineer, creating and designing software applications and systems.
2. Network Administrator: As a network administrator, you'll be responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks within an organization.
3. Cybersecurity Analyst: With the increasing importance of cybersecurity, you can specialize in protecting computer systems and data from potential threats.
4. Data Analyst/Scientist: If you enjoy working with data, you can become a data analyst or data scientist, helping organizations make data-driven decisions.
5. IT Project Manager: As an IT project manager, you'll oversee the planning, execution, and completion of technology projects within an organization.
These are just a few examples, and the field of information technology offers a wide range of opportunities. It's always a good idea to explore different areas within IT and find what aligns with your interests and strengths. You can also consider internships or entry-level positions to gain hands-on experience and further refine your career path.
I hope this helps you get a better idea of the career options in information technology.
Bhuvaneswari Thangavelu
Software Engineer
4
Answers
Parker, Colorado
Updated
Bhuvaneswari’s Answer
Feel free to pick any role that interests you - be it a software developer, tester, Business Analyst, or scrum master. Dive in, explore, and learn more about the one that catches your fancy. Wishing you all the best on your exciting journey!