6 High Performing IT Careers in the Post-Pandemic Era

The pandemic saw the world scrambling to stay on two feet. The need for innovation and digitization deepened the stronghold of IT globally. Robust web systems, AI integration, automation, cloud migration, etc. became the need of the hour leading to the creation of multitudes of careers in this field. Markets also witnessed the stark disparity in supply and demand of well-trained tech professionals. As the traditional workforce adopted hybrid and remote solutions, infotech took the center stage bringing a galore of lucrative and sustainable jobs for the tech proficient. Here are some of the most trending streams in IT for jobseekers.

● Full Stack

● Python (AI/ML)

● Blockchain

● Cloud

● IoT

● Cybersecurity

Full Stack

Simply put full stack developer is a jack of all trades in web development. Instead of specializing in one coding language, a full stacker works on the front end (client-side) and backend (server-side) to develop complete web solutions with multiple languages. With constant technological evolution and high demand, full stack development offers a promising career with few chances for saturation. One can expect an average annual salary of INR 6.6 lakhs*.

Prerequisites: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, ReactJS, Angular, and other back-end technologies like NodeJS, Java, Databases, and DevOps skills.

AI/ML with Python

AI/ML is creating a buzz in the IT world. It incorporates intelligence into web products and is built mostly on Python as the scripting language due to its agility and consistency. Python possess the toolkit to shape these apps. ML engineers work closely with data scientists to extract insights. Data science is another area that python finds application in as it can effectively eliminate repetitive tasks. Machine learning engineer was ranked first in Indeed’s list of best jobs in 2019. The average salary drawn in this field is a little over INR 8 lakhs per annum*.

Prerequisites: Python web frameworks and event-driven programming in Python along with AI, ML, and multi-process architecture.

Blockchain

Blockchain application is highly essential in today’s data-sensitive market with its cost-effective and speedy exchange of information. With the crypto boom, Web 3.0 which is heavily based on blockchain technology has also gained importance in terms of transparency and governance. A blockchain developer designs, develops and maintains web applications in blockchain platforms. With blockchain technology evolving, the domain will remain in demand for many years with well-paying jobs for freshers and mid-professionals. The average annual salary drawn in this field is INR 6.8 lakhs*.

Prerequisites: Being good at cryptography, Ethereum consensus, hash functions, smart contracts, and distributed ledgers.

Cloud

Cloud has made clunky legacy systems redundant with its flexibility and dynamic accessibility. Protecting data is imperative in today’s fast-paced world. Hence the high demand for cloud app developers, cloud data analysts, specialists, and cloud data security experts. Most of these jobs demand a lot of diligence and perseverance, so professionals are bound to be paid handsome salaries. The average annual salary offered to cloud developers is around INR 9.6 lakhs*

Prerequisites: Scripting, Linux, Deployment technologies (Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, etc.), and APIs.

IoT

From scanning QR codes to processing banking transactions to our smart watches, IoT has revolutionized today’s digital world. IoT plays a critical role in facilitating the continuous optimization of business processes. It finds application in healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, construction etc. A career in data/image analytics can help companies analyze, sort, and clean up voluminous data which are picked by IoT devices. Be it connected appliances at home, biometric cybersecurity scanners at commercial buildings, or ensuring smart solutions for social causes such as million meal programs to feed the hungry, IoT is a big part of leveraging disruptive technologies today. The average annual salary of an IoT developer is INR 5 lakhs per annum*

Prerequisites: UI/UX, data/image processing, embedded systems, information architecture, and cloud computing.

Cyber Security

Analytics Insights forecast cyber security will generate 10 million new jobs by 2023! Data breaches, privacy breaches, cyber-attacks, malware attacks, ransomware, phishing etc. are the cyber threats widely prevalent today. With cybercriminals using new ways and adopting highly advanced techniques to breach even the strongest of firewalls, companies are in dire need of cybersecurity professionals and ethical hackers. Companies are constantly on the move to build stronger updated anti-malware software and test the vulnerability of their existing systems ethically through certified white hat practices. The average annual salary of a cyber security professional is INR 6 lakhs.*

Prerequisites: Threat intelligence analytics, logical thinking, vulnerability assessment, and risk management solutions.

As enterprises are looking for ways to future-proof their businesses, jobs in the IT domain are going to flourish like never before. There is an accelerated need for skilled professionals due to the growing dependence on technological advancements. These niche skills are deeply tech-focused and bring in bright prospects for IT aspirants. Upskilling and reskilling are the way forward for the IT workforce in the post-pandemic era.