Those who are already involved in IT to some degree might be looking for their next career step into a new IT job. Maybe they are working in entry-level IT roles and want to take on a more specialised area using their experience, knowledge, and professional background and interests. Whatever the case may be, there are three specific careers that are topping the job boards as some of the most widely demanded IT roles at the moment.
Data analyst
Data analysts are responsible for the harvesting of data and presenting those numbers, figures, and statistics in plain English through reports. These reports form key components in marketing strategies and other corporate-level developments that ensure a business' success for years to come. It is a very precise job that requires candidates to be on the top of their game when it comes to accuracy. There are simply no margins for error when it comes to this, since a single slip can greatly affect the overall validity of a report they compose.
More national trends for IT jobs
Recent national trends have suggested that data analysts are the single most demanded IT professional at the moment and this number is only set to grow in the coming years. As it stands, there are no formal entry requirements in order to get involved in a data analyst role, but candidates from strong administrative or data entry backgrounds are preferred given their ability to handle and collate data in an accurate manner. Technical skills are preferred over soft skills in this role, but candidates will still need to demonstrate effective communication abilities as they will often be working as a part of a team when handling particularly large amounts of data.
Network engineering
A network engineer is responsible for the creation and implementation of computer networks at a commercial or industrial level. They differ from network administrators, who are responsible for the daily maintenance of a network to ensure it is in running order at all times. Engineers on the other hand create the plans and designs that they later put into practice to meet a business' needs. They will usually work as a part of a team of IT professionals when installing the network at a site, but may work independently when conversing with clients in order to find out how to best serve their needs.
There are academic requirements to get involved as a network engineer. A bachelor's degree in Network Administration, Computer Science, or IT are the standard entry routes into network engineering. Networking certifications are also called for by many employers, such as the Microsoft Network Engineer certification. Candidates will also need to demonstrate soft skills through exceptional communication abilities, which they will call on when dealing with clients.
Software development
A software developer is the candidate responsible for “making software” for the corporate world. They will often work directly with clients in order to create bespoke packages that are not being served by more conventional applications, like a more dedicated spreadsheet solution when Microsoft Excel proves itself to be too generic.
Like network engineering, a degree is required to get involved in software development. The BA in Computing is often cited as the leading qualification to get involved in the field, but may be supplemented by various programming languages and their credentials.
