IT jobs are ever on the rise, with an estimated 15 to 37% increase in open job roles by 2026, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It’s one of the fastest growing occupation types of them all, with high demand leading to an average annual wage of around $86k.
The work of an IT specialist can differ greatly but, in most cases, they are there to solve business processes using technologies they have expertise in. Most often they work as part of a team and with other departments or clients. A lot of the work of an IT professional involves finding and implementing technologies with existing systems that help meet the goals of the client or employer.
There’s a lot of room for specialization in IT, too. This might include finding a niche in networks, security, Cloud computing, and more. A systems administrator or database administrator role is a common career progression for IT professionals, too.
Read more: IT and computer science