In this age of technological glory, workers that are trained to work in the IT (Information Technology) field are in high demand. With dozens of prospective job opportunities ranging from entry-level to executive, IT workers have a healthy job outlook and plenty of room for career advancement.
Maneck Mohan, the founder of Recruit.net, an online search engine that helps millions of people acquire jobs in 19 countries across the world, sheds light on five of the hottest jobs in the IT field.
- Software Engineer
Whether it’s machine learning, AI, building robotic interfaces or web services it all comes down to software. Software runs the world and it’s the software engineers that rule.
A software engineer is tasked with building or coding applications, systems and web services from the ground up, ensuring that each aspect of the product is structurally sound, and performs the intended outcome. Software engineers are usually specialized in either front end or back end development. Front-end typically refers to the portion of an application that the user will see or interact with. The back-end is the part of the application that handles the logic, database interactions and server settings. The median annual salary for a Software engineer is shy of $80,000, though salaries can go as high as $200,000 for full stack engineers who can work on both the front-end and back-end portions of an application.
- Information Security Analyst
Tasked with one of the most vital roles within a company, an information security analyst safeguards a business’ data against security breaches. This includes protecting against hacking attempts as well as blocking and preventing viruses by routinely monitoring, testing and updating security systems. Though not all aspects of the job are as exciting as protecting against a security breach, much of the responsibilities of an information security analyst involve preventing unintended leaks and alterations of files. The median annual salary for an information security analyst is $82,000 – high earners can expect wages to be in the $180,000 range
- Network Administrator
Information Technology today, more than ever is reliant on the underlying network infrastructure that keeps us connected. A network or system administrator is responsible for the installation and management of GANs (Global Area Networks), WANs (Wide Area Networks) and LANs (Local Area Networks). Troubleshooting is a large part of the job as a network administrator, as is configuring workstations and servers and implementing system-wide upgrades when necessary. Depending on the company you work for, being a network administrator can be quite stressful, as you may be in charge of 150+ users without much additional help. The median annual salary for a network administrator is $75,000; however, the top 10% can expect to earn up to $150,000.
- CIO
The position of CIO (Chief Information Officer) is a highly coveted job for most IT workers. A CIO is the head of the IT department and is responsible for overseeing, managing and making executive decisions regarding the IT needs of the specific organization. CIOs recruit staff, manage budgets and make decisions regarding the software and technology used within the department. Another important aspect of a CIO’s job description is ensuring the security of the company’s digital files. It is important to note that this position isn’t entry level or middle management – it typically takes at least ten years of experience (some companies may even require 15 years in the industry) to qualify for this position. The median annual salary for a CIO is $152,000, though salaries can peak at $275,000.
- Help Desk Technician
A job as a help desk technician may be the foot in the door that a new grad needs to get into the IT field, as it is considered an entry-level position. In addition, or in some cases in lieu of, a degree in information technology, many companies require candidates to possess an A+ certification. While some employers offer to pay for an employee’s A+ certification, getting certified before your job search may provide you with a competitive edge over other candidates. Help desk technicians typically train employees in using computer systems as well as troubleshooting any technical issues that may arise. The median annual salary for a help desk technician is $36,000, though seasoned help desk technicians can expect to earn up to $51,000 annually.
About Maneck Mohan:
Maneck Mohan is an entrepreneur and leader in the field of online recruitment. As the founder and CEO of Recruit.net, Mr. Mohan started his career in the traditional staffing industry and later transitioned his business into a global online platform. Today Recruit.net is used by millions of people daily to find jobs around the world.