Information technology is a highly versatile field, and it’s growing fast – so fast that IT was named one of the fastest growing career paths of the next 10 years by Business Insider¹. If you’re looking for a career that will offer plenty of opportunities and a great salary, IT is your answer.
Getting a degree in information technology can open up many different potential careers, all of which offer excellent job security and a high income. There are plenty of reasons people are choosing to earn information technology degrees. Read on to learn about even more benefits of an IT degree.
Information Technology Is Growing Fast
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics², the information technology sector is expected to grow by 13 percent through 2026, adding 557,100 new jobs. This anticipated growth is much higher than the average growth rate of other occupations, meaning there will be plenty of job openings that need to be filled with experienced, qualified IT professionals.
As technology has become an important part of almost every aspect of modern life, the information technology sector is an industry that will be around for the foreseeable future. If you want a career that will let you grow and progress, an IT degree is the first step to entering this popular and fast-growing field filled with new jobs.
There’s a Wide Range of Jobs Available
There are many different career paths and jobs available in the IT industry. With a degree, you can enter absolutely any area of IT, as the same skills you learn while earning your degree transfer to areas from security to design to analysis to software.
Here are a few examples of the jobs an IT degree prepares you for:
- Technical Support: Technical support professionals include operations analysts and computer support specialists, and they provide troubleshooting to end users of both software and hardware.
- Web Developers: Web developers design and create websites. They’re responsible for the infrastructure that supports the websites they build as well as how they appear.
- Computer Systems Analysts: Computer systems analysts evaluate the existing systems of businesses and design systems to help to increase their operational efficiency.
- IT Security: Information security analysts are tasked with analyzing the systems at their organizations to keep them safe from malicious attacks.
- Software Developers: Software developers are creative and are tasked with developing software that others use to complete different tasks. They may also develop systems that run networks or that control the devices.
IT Professionals Make Great Money
Jobs in the information technology field can be lucrative – and on average, they pay more than jobs in other fields. For example, according to U.S. News³ a software developer can earn a median salary of $100,080 while an information security analyst can earn around $92,600 and IT managers earn around $135,800. And these are only a few examples of the potential salaries awaiting IT professionals. Earning your degree will put you on the fast track to a lucrative career in an expanding field full of opportunity.
You Can Earn Your Degree in as Little as Two Years
There are many different specialties within the information technology field, but they all require the same degree: an IT degree. Fortunately, earning this degree is both flexible and easy.
It’s possible to get a degree in information technology in as little as two years. Opt for an associate’s degree and you’ll spend two years learning the information you need to enter a broad variety of entry-level jobs in information technology. These two-year degree programs are often offered at community colleges or via online colleges, making it easy for you to choose a degree plan that suits your busy schedule.
You can also choose to get your bachelor’s degree in information technology. This degree typically takes four years to earn and is offered by most colleges and universities. Some offer IT bachelor’s degrees online, letting you fit your coursework into your schedule from absolutely anywhere in the world.
How to Start Your Career in Information Technology
If you dream of a career in information technology, you can take steps today to plan for your future – and all you need is an IT degree. To get started, you just need to begin working towards your information technology degree, whether that be in a traditional classroom or online at your own pace.
When researching different IT degree programs, look for programs that are accredited. This ensures your degree will be reputable and respected when you begin applying for jobs. And don’t forget to compare the benefits of online programs, two-year and four-year programs, and any certifications that are included. You’ll likely find that starting your information technology degree can be more affordable and easier than you expect.
Like anything, it’s always a good idea to be aware of the latest research. We recommend comparing at least 3 or 4 options before making a final decision. Doing a search online is typically the quickest, most thorough way to discover all the pros and cons you need to keep in mind.