What is Information Technology?
Information technology is one of the fastest growing industries today. Information technology career pathways are incredibly broad, and include branches like computer programming, web development, and networking. With the rapid expansion of tech startups and similar organizations, pursuing a tech job, even without a degree, offers security and benefits that you won’t find in other industries.
Why we Love the Information Technology Industry
The tech industry’s continued growth and the accelerated development of new technologies let you get an income quickly, whether it’s your primary income or something on the side. In addition, the rapid expansion and desire for qualified employees means there are lots of eligible high paying tech jobs without a degree needed.
Technology doesn’t have to be intimidating, math isn’t always required, and there’s numerous information technology career pathways to choose from across the country for individuals with the right skills.
Tech jobs without a degree or with a degree are great fits for people who enjoy logic, solving problems, and seeing the immediate results of their work.
In different technology-focused jobs, you may get to build computer hardware, create programs and applications, learn different computer languages, and/or work as part of a team on creative and practical projects.
Getting into the field has never been easier. While some companies once required traditional 4-year degrees, many companies offer tech jobs without a degree required to individuals with specialized certificates from bootcamps or accelerated learning programs.
What are important details to consider when pursuing different information technology career pathways?
Regardless of what industry or information technology career pathway team you choose, most of your time will be spent grinding out code, reading data, or using programs for hours everyday. For some people, 8 hours of screen time may sound draining and tedious. However, modern office jobs often require 6-8 hours of the workday on the computer regardless, so take this into account when considering a new career.
Since most tech jobs involve multiple hours spent at a computer desk, there are certain stressors placed on your body. Computer screens with small font and harsh lighting can negatively affect your eyes. Improper sitting posture can hurt your back, especially over time. However, small habitual changes and adjustments to your work station can make a large difference. Ease tension in your eye by making font sizes bigger or using a blue light filter. Follow the 20-20-20 rule by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes to help you focus in the long run and keep your eyes healthy. Use a standing desk, a treadmill desk, or an exercise ball to help engage your body, correct your posture, and promote physical health.
While it’s possible to get tech jobs without a degree, tech companies look for employees with demonstrable skills. Keep a portfolio of all of your work and anything you contributed to a project. Some employers may ask for a practical demonstrations, samples, or an assessment to see if your skills are up to their expectations.
There’s a broad spectrum of different information technology career pathways. All careers are unique and often require different skills. Below is a list of a information technology career pathways with a short summary of what might be needed. This isn’t a comprehensive list of required skills, but job postings will almost certainly list out their expectations.
Software development – Problem-solving abilities and knowledge of Java, SQL, Software engineering, C#
Front-end web development – some design abilities and knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Part of Full-Stack Web Development.
Back-end web development – problem-solving abilities, cybersecurity, or knowledge of PHP and .NET languages. Part of Full Stack Web Development
Data science – curiosity and results-orientation, knowledge of Python, R, cloud computing, and GItHub
IT Support – people-orientation, advanced understanding of Windows, Apple, or Linux OS, and networking.
Hear from a software engineer in the video below!
Information Technology Career Pathways
Robotics
Data Science
Full Stack Web Development
Cybersecurity
Tech-based Customer Service
UX/UI Design
Software Development