Is Technology a Good Career Path?

Key Takeaways:

• Technology is an evolving field with a variety of available career paths.
• Hiring for positions in computer and technology information is expected to increase by 15% between 2021 and 2031.
• Internships and mentorship can help you move your technology career forward.

The field of technology (tech) is constantly progressing. In order to keep up with the forward trajectory, we continue to see an expansion of available onramps into the industry, helping to fill new positions created to keep pace with the rate of innovation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, hiring for positions in computer and technology information is projected to increase by 15% from 2021 to 2031.

The variety of career paths in tech and the opportunity to learn continuously are enticing motivators for many individuals considering a career in technology. It certainly inspired me to pursue STEM when I started my career. For STEM professionals, adaptability is key, and continuous evolution is always at the forefront. If you are one of those individuals ready to make a mark on the field and push our society forward through technological advancement, consider some of the following insights.

How to Get Started in Technology

Getting a certification or a degree from a college or university is often the first step. For example, I found my path through Cornell University, where I received a B.S. in chemical engineering. In the time since I graduated, information technology (IT), computer science, business and mathematics have become key pathways for students interested in tech-oriented careers.

However, unlike some career paths, not all tech-based jobs require candidates to have a college degree. For example, if you’re interested in pursuing a career in software development or coding, you can get a head start by learning new skills through online courses or “boot camps.” It’s important to thoroughly research the course you are interested in taking to ensure it fits your needs academically and financially, as these classes vary in quality and price. Some programs are free and cover basic skills, while others require registration fees but offer more in-depth educational content. One resource is Coursera, which offers a variety of free coding courses online. Code.org also offers courses for middle and high school students who want to learn more about coding before embarking on a career path.

Another option is to apply for an internship, where you can gain experience and grow your skill set. In high school, I earned an internship opportunity at Bell Labs. That opportunity not only helped me get started in STEM, but it introduced me to mentors who helped change the course of my life for the better. Organizations like internXL can help match you with an internship that fits your interests and career aspirations, while also providing supplemental career readiness training and certification courses.

The Top Careers in Tech

Technology is a vast field with many career paths. Below, I’ve listed some of the top technology careers to consider.

Software Developer

Software developers are key players in any technology field. Their work generates the very systems that transform ideas from concepts on the ideation board to real-world, functional tools. In the next decade, software development careers are expected to grow by 25%, which is much faster than other occupations.

Software developers are divided into three main categories: front-end developers, back-end developers and full-stack developers. A bachelor’s degree in computer science can help you land a role as a software developer, but that’s not the only avenue into the profession. Oftentimes, hiring teams will request that you demonstrate real-world use of coding skills, like an active app, software program or another technology tool, rather than just academic knowledge.

Data Scientist

Data is at the heart of technology. Every day, software programs collect raw data about their users in order to better tailor their services to the consumers’ needs. While data collection is critical to gain a deeper understanding of users, interpreting that data is essential to creating useful insights that developers can implement. That’s where data scientists come in.

In the simplest terms, data scientists, or analysts, make sense of complex data to help their teams understand areas of opportunity. These types of professionals know what to look for and how to spot historical trends within data pools. This career may involve organizing data into digestible formats, using analytical tools for trend analysis, or interpreting trends to identify ways to improve. Though a degree isn’t required, many data scientists study statistics, computer science, engineering or business.

IT Manager

Information technology managers are an important part of any organization’s technology team. Sometimes referred to as computer and information systems managers, IT managers don’t necessarily work on customer-facing technology like software developers do. Instead, they focus on the organization’s internal technology systems. IT professionals are critical in monitoring and fixing systems to ensure they remain functional so that the broader organization can accomplish its business goals. Additionally, the IT industry is vast and has numerous subsets to work in. IT managers often have a degree in computer science or information technology, which is sometimes referred to as a technology degree.

The Bottom Line on Technology Careers

Since the technology industry is constantly transforming, the need for innovation never ends. While career opportunities in the field may fluctuate, the projected growth of the industry and a growing reliance on its personnel make this a stable career path for young adults to pursue.

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