Whether you have established a career in tech or you are considering changing professions and starting a new tech career, there has never been a better time to look for your dream job. Thanks to a perfect storm of contributing factors, tech has never been hotter and even the most digital-resistant organizations are realizing that in order to move forward, they must invest in tech.
While this is an advantage for seekers of tech jobs, the tech talent gap can have its limitations too, as tech professionals are spoilt for choice and may be blinded by too-good-to-be-true opportunities. It helps if you have a good understanding of the fastest-growing tech jobs that are likely to remain well into the future, and how you can go about securing one.
Why tech?
Although there is a gap between the number of tech jobs available and the number of people to fill them, the gap is not down to tech opportunities being unattractive. More and more people are considering a career in tech; it is just that the increase in demand is outstripping the increase in supply. There are several reasons to seek a tech job: the average tech salary is high compared to other professions; it is something that can feasibly be done without a college degree; and thanks to the talent gap, employers are offering competitive packages which are more than enough to lure the best candidates.
Top tech opportunities
While there is growth in all tech jobs, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the tech jobs with the highest predicted growth rates are Data Scientist, Information Security Analyst, Web Developer, Software Developer and Data Engineer.
Data Scientist
Artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things have caused a huge rise in data produced across industries globally. Of course, data is great, but it is useless without data scientists to interpret the information so it can be put to good use. So, it’s not surprising that the BLS predicts a 36% growth in cloud scientist roles.
The great thing about data science isn’t just its potential for a six-figure salary. The role can be incredibly varied and is highly valued in all industries.
Information Security Analyst
No matter how sleek a website is, or wonderful a product, if customers are at risk, they won’t remain customers for long. With most people in developed countries regularly assessing – and providing – online data, there is a wealth of opportunity for unscrupulous organizations or individuals to exploit that information. It’s not surprising, then, that demand for information security analyst jobs is expected to rise by 35%. Like data science, information security has the potential to earn six figures, and with the security of entire organizations and their customers in your hands, you can expect a favorable package.
Web Developer
There was a time in the early days of digital when simply having a website was enough to get a product to the world. However, in a day when digital is a central part of most organizations’ growth strategies, web design is increasingly important. As a result, there is increasing focus on UX and UI in a bid for businesses to make their product or service stand out from the rest. The BLS predicts a 30% growth in web developer jobs and although they typically earn less than data scientists and information security analysts, web development is a great career choice for creatives with a technical flair.
Software Developer
Software development plays a central role in every element of digital. It is no wonder, then, that the BLS expects to see a 20% increase in demand throughout the rest of the decade. Like web development, software development requires skills beyond simple technical know-how; great communication, problem-solving and teamwork are the markers of a top developer. Demand far exceeds the number of available, experienced software developers, making this an employee’s market; as such, software developers can expect to earn around $120k.
Data Engineer
Data scientists play an invaluable role in deciphering data, but they wouldn’t be able to do it without data engineers, whose job it is to extract that data in the first place. With infinite volumes of data flooding in by the second, it is essential that it is stored and organized effectively, ready for dissemination.
Getting the best job
When you are looking for a job, it can be easy to be lured by bright lights, big salaries and great employment packages. However, there are other considerations that you should make, such as looking at the long-term prospects within an organization, as well as their staff retention. After all, a company may offer a package that looks great on the outside, but if they are not keeping staff, it is a sign that the deal isn’t quite as good as it may seem.
To make sure you get the best job for you now, and in the future, make sure you do your research. Read up on the organizations you are interested in and speak to colleagues in the industry to give you the best chance of understanding how they work. This will help you to see if the job and the company are right for you as well as giving you great information that will help you to convince the employer that you are right for them.
In a time of home and hybrid working, global job opportunities mean that those seeking tech jobs have more choices than ever. Disseminating the different roles available, comparing company ethos, career trajectories and packages can be a challenge even for the most proficient data scientist, so it is understandable that tech job hunters make rash decisions, or accept the first offer that comes their way. By working with a recruitment specialist, you can help yourself to get access to all the information that you need to make an informed choice. Whether you decide to go it alone or consult a tech recruitment agency, remember that this is your market, so take your time and do your research to help you land the best job.
(Photo by Edward Howell on Unsplash)
