Tech companies have faced major challenges in recent years, leading to increased unpredictability in the job market. Whether it’s artificial intelligence or some other major change in the industry, business leaders frequently respond quickly to stay ahead of the curve, which can lead to swift changes to organizational structures and, in some cases, layoffs.

Many job seekers are told that pursuing a career in technology is a smart choice. It’s almost become a cliché to say that the demand is growing for qualified workers in career fields like information technology or cybersecurity. Is that still true, is information technology still a good career choice?

The truth is that there are many compelling reasons to pursue a career in IT in 2024 and beyond. In this article, we will first define information technology, then outline the benefits of an information technology career.

What Is Information Technology?

Information technology is the use of computer systems, networks and applications to process, transfer, distribute and store data and information. IT also includes the maintenance and development of these systems.

Many businesses – whether they sell high-tech products or not – rely on intricate computer and network systems to keep their organizations running and their information secure. They hire IT professionals to maintain their networks, help employees and customers with technical issues, install and maintain software and hardware, and implement security processes.

Benefit #1: Projected Industry Growth

Organizations of all kinds – not just the tech giants – need to operate securely and efficiently, so skilled IT professionals continue to be in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment increases in nearly every category of computer and information technology occupations from 2022 to 2032; the following are a selection of the projected percentage increases over that time:

• Computer and Information Research Scientists: 23%
• Computer Systems Analysts: 10%
• Database Administrators and Architects: 8%
• Information Security Analysts: 32%
• Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts, and Testers: 25%
• Web Developers and Digital Designers: 16%

Benefit #2: Career Diversity

The IT field offers incredible career diversity, with specializations in areas ranging from website development to hardware engineering. And no, you don’t have to work at a tech company to work in tech.

Here are some examples of the various kinds of information technology careers:

• Cloud administrators oversee a company's cloud software to ensure it's secure and effective.
• Computer and information research scientists study, create and update computer technology.
• Computer hardware engineers design and assess new hardware.
• Computer network architects build companies' data communication systems.
• Computer programmers use code to create software programs and applications.
• Computer systems analysts monitor a system's health and find ways to make it work more effectively.
• Cybersecurity professionals implement measures to keep data secure from online threats.
• Data analysts review computer information and trends to help company leaders solve problems and make decisions.
• Information security analysts take steps to protect a company's computer systems.
• IT technicians monitor systems, update software and diagnose computer problems.
• Network administrators oversee an organization's entire computer network to ensure it works properly and securely.
• Quality assurance testers ensure software, applications and systems meet industry standards.
• Software developers create and test computer programs and applications.
• Support specialists help solve network issues and provide technical support for employees and customers.
• Web developers design, create, and maintain a website's look and functionality.

Additional Benefits

Industry growth and career diversity aren’t the only reasons to be optimistic about working in information technology.

• Competitive Salaries: IT professionals have historically earned high salaries, and that trend is projected to continue. The BLS reported that the median annual wage for computer and information technology positions was $100,530 in May 2022, more than twice the median wage for all occupations at $46,310. The median wage was even higher in some subcategories, such as $136,620 for computer and information research scientists or $124,200 for software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers.
• Work-Life Balance: Another perk of working in information technology is the flexibility that many of these kinds of jobs provide. Many IT tasks can be completed remotely, and some positions may accommodate flexible or nontraditional hours.
• Education Requirements: While many information technology careers require bachelor’s degrees or above, that's not always the case. Qualified candidates with an associate degree or certificate can also find employment if they have exceptional skills and relevant work experience. We do recommend pursuing a degree though.

IT Education Options at CSU

Information technology professionals are expected to keep up with constant changes in the industry, and one way to do so is through education. Here at Columbia Southern University, we offer online degree programs for IT professionals of all experience levels.

Our associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are designed to teach the fundamentals of information technology as well as emerging trends in the career field. And if you’re not ready to commit to a full degree program, our Department of Continuing Education offers additional options.

To learn more, visit our website.

Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.