Computer information technology
Those who are well-versed in the technologies that enhance our world have countless options for how to apply their talent and expertise as professionals. Business analytics, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and many other career paths are available to expert problem solvers in this fast-moving field.
531,200
additional computer and IT roles projected from 2019-2029*
Job growth will stem from cloud computing, big data, and information security*
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Computer information technology is the use of software, applications, and hardware to develop systems that address specific business challenges or create new efficiencies. Those who work in this field usually collaborate with stakeholders from other departments to help manage information systems and solve technical problems.
Professionals in the computer information technology industry hold titles such as systems administrator or systems analyst, but there are many other roles that fall within the IT umbrella. In the enterprise space, the chief information officer (CIO) is typically the leader of the IT organization.
Essential duties
While your exact duties will depend on the nature of your role, all of them will involve critical thinking skills and technical expertise.
Common responsibilities include:
- Installing software and configuring systems
- Maintaining computer networks
- Addressing technical issues within other departments
- Training new employees on the company’s digital ecosystem
- Developing customized applications for business processes
Key skills
TECHNOLOGY
The technology you will be expected to use will vary from job to job, but specializing in network configuration and maintenance may help you stand apart from IT generalists. Alternatively, you could focus your efforts on building applications and integrating them into existing software tools, a useful technical skill in almost any industry.
COMMUNICATION
Strong communication skills will help you collaborate with your non-IT coworkers. You’ll need to able to express your ideas clearly verbally and in writing so you can help explain complex topics to people who may not be as familiar with technical terminology.
CRITICAL THINKING
From deploying cybersecurity measures to squashing system bugs, the ability to use logic and reasoning will help you troubleshoot issues in the IT field. Your organization’s leadership will also expect you to be resourceful, as the solution to a given technical problem may not always be readily apparent.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Your days will be filled with various tasks that require unique skills, time commitments, and tools. Being able to manage projects effectively will be a great help as you work with stakeholders from across your organization.
MENTORSHIP
As you progress through your career, you will often provide guidance to junior employees on certain technical processes. If you aspire to move into a leadership role, you must be able to listen effectively to your team members and be professional when offering feedback.
COLLABORATION
The ability to work well with others is key to completing complex projects. Your job may require you to interact closely with department leaders to help them achieve certain organizational goals, such as reducing operating costs.
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Although demand for computer and IT professionals is forecasted to grow 11% between 2019 and 2029, the supply of qualified talent hasn’t necessarily kept pace.
According to a 2019 iCIMS report on hiring trends in the tech industry, employers were only able to make six hires for every 10 open tech positions from January 1, 2016, to May 31, 2019, compared to 12 hires per 10 job openings for all other positions. Upskilling and reskilling in the more specialized areas of IT can help you stand out when applying for competitive positions.
As the U.S. workforce changes and jobs become even more dependent on technology, IT professionals will play an increasingly important role. Software and hardware advancements have changed the way many traditional jobs are done, and business are relying on ongoing support from their IT departments to operate efficiently.
Growth in the IT industry has been sparked by the need to:
- Address a growing demand for data security
- Manage increasingly complex systems and networks
- Bring artificial intelligence to enterprise
- Drive productivity across the organization
- Ensure regulatory compliance
Here’s a brief look at where the industry is headed based on research conducted by CompTIA and Gartner:
Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI)
ML represents the ability for a computer system to learn how to improve a task by using large data sets rather than being explicitly programmed. AI is the ability of a computer to act like a human, such as understanding meaning from speech. These technologies have a number of applications across multiple industries, including virtual personal assistants, search engine technology, and medical research.
Internet of things (IoT) and 5G
The IoT is the network of smart devices that can communicate with one another. In the near future, 5G technology will enable IoT devices to become more sophisticated, leading to new innovations in edge computing, where analytics and data gathering can occur directly at the data’s source.
Data Privacy
As laws like the E.U.’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) become more common, businesses will take on more responsibility for managing and protecting customer data. Compliance infractions can be costly, making privacy policy implementation extremely important to business continuity.
Robotic process automation (RPA)
RPA is any technology that allows someone to configure a piece of software to perform tasks that would otherwise be done by a human. This technology is different from traditional automation solutions that rely on APIs and other integrations to manage systems. RPA technology mimics how humans interact with interfaces. These sort of solutions are expected to augment the workforce of the near future, allowing human employees to engage in more creative work and focus less on repetitive tasks.
Business analytics
An extension of business intelligence, analytics enable companies to use vast amounts of data to uncover new opportunities for improving their products and services. Businesses need technology that connects their various applications together to capture the most complete picture of company performance.
Platform architecture
Increasingly, businesses are moving away from application-based systems to platform architecture that is more sustainable. Platform-based designs emphasize the reuse of system processes to make complex tasks simpler without losing the value of their output. Platforms allow for easier collection of data across business departments and make it simpler to maintain large systems.
Top 10 skills in the information systems and technology industry
In the information systems and technology industry, 50% of the fastest-growing skills relate to some form of software or software development tools, while 40% require project management competence.
Here are the top 10 skills that will see the highest projected growth in the information systems and technology industry:
Top Skill |
Projected Posting Growth (2018-2023) |
|---|---|
| IT management | 106% |
| Software development methodologies | 106% |
| Productivity software | 102% |
| Lean manufacturing | 95% |
| Software quality assurance | 78% |
| Software development methodologies (Scrum Master) | 69% |
| Software development methodologies (continuous integration [CI]) | 66% |
| Scripting languages | 64% |
| Software development Principles | 44% |
| Customer relationship Management (CRM) | 36% |
Source: Burning Glass Occupational Insights, 2019
Outlook for new graduates
If you’re interested in working in an industry that’s always evolving, IT may be the right fit for you. An education in computer information technology can prepare you for a number of exciting career opportunities.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- 531,200 new computer and IT roles are expected to be created from 2019 to 2029
- Demand for these workers will stem from greater emphasis on cloud computing, the collection and storage of big data, and information security
- The most experienced computer and IT professionals earn $122,840 or higher
