Career Pathway:
Information Technology
The Information technology industry by the numbers:
Employs
124,980
people in the Metro Atlanta area
Accounts for
4.8%
of all jobs in the Metro Atlanta area
12,760
entry-level job postings in the past 12 months
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, 4/14/2021 [www.bls.gov/oes/]
Industry Overview
- The Information Technology (IT) industry is thriving and is expected to continue to grow over the next decade. IT jobs tend to pay far more than the average job.
- Many IT jobs require a bachelor’s degree; however, more and more companies are finding value in hiring skilled IT employees with industry certifications.
- Multiple certifications along with specific technical experience goes a long way to become an attractive hiring candidate.
Essential Skills
IT careers can be a calling or something you are truly interested in exploring. Today, there aren’t many job opportunities that don’t require some knowledge of IT. Explore why you are interested in the IT field and make certain you understand the expectations. IT professionals have a strong interest in technology and will be constantly learning new technology skills.
- Communication Skills
- Organizational Skills
- Software Development
- Creativity
- Problem Solving
- Customer Service
- Project Management
- Teamwork / Collaboration
- Detail-Orientated
- Quality Assurance
- Writing
- Microsoft Office
- Research
- Written Communication
Common Career Pathway
Find more information on occupations within the IT industry based on education level below.
Diploma (1 year)
Occupation
Computer User Support Specialists
Median Annual Wage
$52,500
Associate Degree (2 years)
Occupation
Web & Digital Interface Designers
Median Annual Wage
$88,700
Occupation
Computer Network Support Specialists
Median Annual Wage
$69,000
Bachelors Degree (4 years)
Occupation
Software Developers and Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Median Annual Wage
$105,600
Occupation
Network and Computer Systems Administrators
Median Annual Wage
$87,400
Occupation
Information Security Analysts
Median Annual Wage
$100,900
How do I start my career in Information Technology?
Do Some Research
- Assess your interests, aptitudes, skills, personality and preferences.
- Getting to know yourself helps you match your interest and skills to different careers.
- Use ONETonline.org to learn about various careers.
Expand Your Network
- Join a professional organization, take advantage of social media like LinkedIn, or go to a local Meetup.
- Use your network to help you learn about career pathways, educational opportunities, and job responsibilities and expectations.
Get Training
- Many IT jobs don’t require a bachelor’s degree but do require some certifications.
- Check out WorksourceGAportal.com for a list of eligible training providers to get started in your IT career.
Where can I work?
IT Department
Almost all companies, big or small, have an IT department that implements, maintains, and supports all the company’s technology needs including infrastructure, hardware, and networks. IT professionals working in environment perform a number of duties to ensure that company employees have full access to the computer systems.
Technology Company
IT companies provide internet services, software and manufacture digital devices. In a big company, IT professionals will usually work in a dedicated team and receive tasks according to their skillset.
Emerging Tech (Start Ups)
Working at a Start Up can be exciting and involves working with cutting edge technologies. Start Ups are generally “lean” operations, so employees tend to wear multiple hats. IT professionals in this environment need to be versatile, interested in learning, and entrepreneurial minded.
Top IT employers hiring entry-level talent
Source: Burning Glass Technologies. “Labor Insight™ Real-Time Labor Market Information Tool.” 5/31/21
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