In the digital age, proficiency in IT or computer science is highly valuable. Whether you’re looking to move into development, cybersecurity, system analysis, or even technician roles, it’s possible to earn high wages and enjoy a comfortable working life – here are a few tips to get you started.
Requirements
Despite the wide range of positions available in IT or computer science, requirements are steep across the board. For any role involving the management of computers or code, you’ll benefit from a mathematical brain and strong problem-solving skills. Your practical knowledge will also benefit from courses or degrees – fortunately, finding available IT certifications is relatively straightforward, thanks to remote learning, as you can fit your studies around a normal routine. Try to seek out a program that offers industry certification exams, as these can be used as a marketable skill.
Depending on the role you want to pursue, you may also find fluency in code to be beneficial. Java is crucial for mobile-based jobs and is still in use across 89% of desktop computers in the US. SQL is a standard requirement for data roles as it is used for gathering information from/updating databases. Javascript can be used to create interactivity on websites, thus bringing them to life. Or you have Python, which is a general-purpose (albeit high-level programming language) with an emphasis on code readability. Consider what kind of role appeals to you most, and then get to grips with the code language most applicable to it.
Job Roles
There is a huge variety of job roles across the tech sector that match various personality and interest types – here are some to consider.
IT Technician: These functional team members collaborate with support specialists to analyze, diagnose and treat computer issues on behalf of companies. Investigative skills are a bonus as you seek out issues and test software.
Cybersecurity Analyst: As attacks against computers, servers, and networks have increased, that has been a steadily increasing demand for cybersecurity professional. These include roles as SOC analysts, network defenders, computer incident response team (CIRT) members penetration testers, and experts in governance, regulations, and compliance (GRC).
Web Developers: In charge of designing the appearance, navigation, and composition of websites, developers are the shepherds of the internet and ensure that each company is well represented and their sites maintained correctly.
Computer Programmer: We use computer programmers primarily to write computer software using coding languages such as HTML, JavaScript, and CSS. The applications of this practice range from anything from video games to social media.
UX Designer: Some computer roles can be quite creative – a User Experience (UX) designer, for example, is involved with managing and stylizing the functionality and composition of a product (whether website, app, or otherwise) to ensure that it operates at the highest usability.
Finding Roles
Identifying the right role is one thing, securing it is another. As with most other industries, the tech sector is big on resumes and portfolios – if you can get involved in projects and flourish a few certificates on yours, you’ll be far more likely to attract high-profile employers and command higher wages. Unlike other industries, however, a knowledge of certain code languages may make you immediately employable – spend some time amongst the community on sites like GitHub to learn more about how you can get involved and collaborate.
Entrepreneurship
You may decide you don’t want to work for others, and, as an IT or computer science specialist, freelancing or even entrepreneurship are both viable career options. You may decide you want to found your own business – in this case, just be sure to form a Limited Liability Company (LLC), as this can help new computer specialists to save money on lawyer fees, save on tax and reduce their personal liability.
The tech explosion has given rise to a number of new, exciting, and flexible job opportunities. Getting started is easy; just be sure to research well ahead and troubleshoot any potential issues.
At WyzGuys, we provide cybersecurity services such as security for WordPress sites, security audits, vulnerability scanning, and file encryption. Learn more at: www.wyzguyscybersecurity.com
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About the Author:
I am a cybersecurity and IT instructor, cybersecurity analyst, pen-tester, trainer, and speaker. I am an owner of the WyzCo Group Inc. In addition to consulting on security products and services, I also conduct security audits, compliance audits, vulnerability assessments and penetration tests. I also teach Cybersecurity Awareness Training classes. I work as an information technology and cybersecurity instructor for several training and certification organizations. I have worked in corporate, military, government, and workforce development training environments I am a frequent speaker at professional conferences such as the Minnesota Bloggers Conference, Secure360 Security Conference in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, the (ISC)2 World Congress 2016, and the ISSA International Conference 2017, and many local community organizations, including Chambers of Commerce, SCORE, and several school districts. I have been blogging on cybersecurity since 2006 at http://wyzguyscybersecurity.com