Building Strategic Skills for Tech Careers

Information technology (IT) is one of the fastest-growing industries, offering various opportunities for career development and handsome salaries. IT professionals are employed in every industry, which gives employees the flexibility to get employed in different fields. The field of IT is constantly evolving, adapting, and advancing, which makes the IT profession one with many versatile roles. Research suggests that the employment rate of computer and IT professionals will grow by 15% by 2031, which is faster than other occupations. The average salary of IT professionals in 2021 was $97,430 in 2021. Now is the ideal time to start assessing your skills if you are looking for a career in tech. Organizations are going after talented IT professionals as they bring a lot of value to the team.

"The field of IT is constantly evolving, adapting, and advancing, which makes the IT profession one with many versatile roles."

-Gordon Pelosse

Professional IT Roles

Information technology (IT) professionals play a crucial role in modern businesses, organizations, and institutions as they design, develop, maintain, and manage the technology infrastructure and solutions needed to support day-to-day operations. Here are some of the common roles and responsibilities of IT professionals in the industry:

• Tactical and strategic activities.
• Assessing technical skill needs for the company.
• Accelerating approach to technology.
• Leading discussions around emerging trends.

Areas of Focus for Career Growth

In the constantly evolving field of technology, IT professionals need to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and trends in order to advance their careers. Here are some areas of focus that are likely to drive career growth in tech careers:

#1: Technical Skills

• Programming languages: Proficiency in one or more programming languages such as Java, Python, JavaScript, C++, and others is essential for many IT roles. 
  
• Database Management: Knowledge of database management systems and SQL is important for roles such as database administrator or data analyst. 
  
• Cloud Computing: Familiarity with cloud computing platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) is becoming increasingly important as organizations adopt cloud-based solutions for their IT infrastructure. 
  
• Cybersecurity: Knowledge of cybersecurity best practices, including network security, encryption, and threat mitigation, is essential for information security analysts and other roles in the security field.

#2: Durable Skills

In the rapidly changing field of technology, IT professionals need to possess not only technical skills but also "durable skills" that are likely to remain relevant over time. Here are some durable skills that are likely to be valuable for IT professionals: 

• Problem-Solving: The ability to analyze complex problems and find effective solutions will always be in demand in the tech industry. 
  
• Adaptability: The ability to quickly learn new technologies and adapt to change is crucial in a field that is constantly evolving. 
  
• Communication: Good communication skills and the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders are essential for success in many IT roles.
  
• Collaboration: IT projects often involve working with cross-functional teams, so the ability to work effectively with others is important. 
  
• Critical Thinking: The ability to critically evaluate information, identify patterns, and make informed decisions is crucial in many IT roles.

#3: Advancing into Management

Advancing into management in a tech career requires not only technical expertise but also strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills. Here are some steps that IT professionals can take to advance into management roles:

• Develop a Strong Technical Foundation: To lead others, it's important to have a strong technical foundation and be knowledgeable about the latest developments and trends in the industry. 
  
• Gain Experience: Gain experience in a variety of roles and projects in order to build a well-rounded skill set and demonstrate your ability to handle different types of challenges. 
  
• Network and Build Relationships: Building strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and industry leaders can help you gain exposure to new opportunities and expand your professional network. 
  
• Seek Out Leadership Opportunities: Look for opportunities to lead projects, mentor others, and demonstrate your ability to manage people and resources effectively. 

Critical Areas for Long-Term

To have a successful and long-term career in the tech industry, it's important to stay informed about the latest developments and trends and to focus on developing skills that are likely to remain relevant over time. Here are some critical areas for long-term growth in tech careers: 

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are rapidly growing fields with a wide range of applications, so developing expertise in these areas is likely to be valuable for many IT professionals. 
   
2. Cloud Computing: Cloud computing is becoming increasingly important as organizations adopt cloud-based solutions for their IT infrastructure, so having knowledge and experience in this area is likely to be valuable.
   
3. Cybersecurity: Cybersecurity is a critical issue for organizations of all sizes, so developing expertise in this area is likely to be in demand for the foreseeable future. 
   
4. Data Science and Analytics: The ability to extract insights and make informed decisions based on data is becoming increasingly important for organizations, so developing skills in data science and analytics is likely to be valuable. 
   
5. DevOps: DevOps is a set of practices that enable organizations to deliver software faster and more reliably, so having knowledge and experience in this area is likely to be valuable for IT professionals.

The Expansion of IT

As demonstrated above, the IT industry is expanding exponentially with numerous opportunities for growth and development. Focusing on the critical, long-term, and technical areas of development is the first step to kickstarting your career in the industry.