IT is a growing field that offers lots of opportunities and ways to maximise your talents and your income.
A career in IT can be challenging and rewarding, and it can be a viable path to long-term financial security.
But getting into IT is easier said than done. Before you start your journey, there are a few things that you should know about the what, why, and how of pursuing a career in the world of information technology.
IT and your financial future
Choosing to work in IT can be both personally and financially rewarding. IT workers can make $70,000 to $80,000 dollars a year in many cases, and managers and higher-level workers can make even more. IT is a reliable career choice that can allow you to move into other, related areas or management positions later on in your career.
IT is also a growing field. The diverse array of positions available in IT is growing: There will be about 13 percent more IT jobs in 2026 than there are now, experts say. That’s a good sign for the future prospects of IT professionals.
To get to this position, of course, you’ll have to make an investment in yourself in the form of your education. IT professionals need a fair amount of education, but there are scholarships available, Degrees in IT and related fields may be available from most cost-effective institutions, including online universities. You can also take out loans. While student loans can be burdensome in some cases, they are a great idea when you are creating more earning power for yourself. With success in the world of IT or a related field, you can be reasonably confident that you’re going to be able to pay your student loans and interest with money left over for savings and your daily life.
Making it in IT
To get to where you want to be in the world of IT, you’ll need a great education. That begins with an undergraduate education in IT or a related field. To be as competitive as possible, though, you won’t want to stop there.
To really make yourself an appealing candidate for jobs in IT and build long-term success in this space, you’ll want to head to a graduate degree program. A graduate degree will expand your ability to tackle the toughest IT-related tasks — which means that you’ll be more qualified for the toughest IT jobs (which are also, in many cases, the highest-paying IT jobs).
Experience matters in IT. Don’t wait until you go to graduate school to start pursuing your career. In fact, don’t even wait until the end of your undergraduate career. Wherever possible, pick up internships and part-time jobs that demonstrate and expand your skill set in IT. That will help you set yourself apart from the field of candidates for top jobs later on.
It’s not just what you’re doing when you’re at school or work that matters to your future in the IT field. What you do in your free time matters, too. Cultivate computer and tech-related hobbies, and read up on IT-related subjects.
Checking out a great IT support blog or checking technology news sites for the latest news related to information technology will give you a leg up on the less informed and less dedicated competition. When technology is a way of life for you, you’ll be on track for an incredibly rewarding career.
