The IT industry continues to rapidly grow each. With businesses now more than ever turning to IT and all it has to offer to keep their business moving along and their staff employed.
The demand for IT professionals remains strong, however, the nature of IT positions is always changing. The skills required in 2024 and beyond are becoming much more broad than just key technical skills.
With businesses focusing on strengthening IT teams, it has led employers seeking out IT experts who are skilled in more than just one area. Which is why Monarch’s Diploma and Certificate IV in Information Technology cover off numerous subjects including networking, database, cybersecurity and web design.
In this article, we explore where a career in information and communication technology can take you. As well as cover off some of the roles and responsibilities you can expect to undertake as an IT manager in our modern digital first workplaces.
Is ICT a good career?
A career in IT can take you in many different directions related to researching, planning, installing and monitoring IT systems. Being an IT professional will likely require you to have technical skills in networks, hardware and computer systems.
To start your career in IT you will need to first choose what sort of IT professional you want to be. To help give you an idea of the options available, we’ve put together a few that are popular amongst new graduates.
You may even be surprised to discover there are plenty more choices than you originally thought. With so much variety you can be sure to find something that will fit you, your interests and your abilities.
Computer support specialist
Computer support specialists require excellent communication skills as they generally have client-facing roles. They’re there to help solve problems when things go wrong in an IT environment. They also help customers of hardware and software companies get the most out of their assets.
Web developer
In today’s modern world, we rely so heavily on the online space for almost everything we do, such as working, banking, shopping. Which is why the work of web developers is crucial to businesses, the government and individuals. The role of a web developer is to create, design and maintain websites.
Hardware engineer
To be a great hardware engineer you’ll need to be a logical thinker who works well in teams and has a strong attention to detail. In this role you will design, develop and test computer systems and hardware.
Network engineer
The role of a network engineer is a technically demanding position. Network engineering requires specialist network knowledge, analytical thinking, problem solving and excellent communication skills. In this role you’re often responsible for security, disaster recovery strategies and data storage.
Programmer
If you’re a lover of coding, then a career in programming could be the right fit for you. In a programming role you are challenged and opened up to multiple opportunities for upskilling. Not to mention it’s also a well-paid position. As a programmer you’ll write and test code so software programs and computer applications can run smoothly.
Computer systems analyst
In this role you will identify technological challenges within the business and then create information systems that will fix the problem. Usually this will be done based on the information received by a business or customer.
Data scientist
Data scientists require a strong level of statistics involving statistical tests and distributions. In this role, you’ll work with a variety of programming languages such as SAS, R and Python. Data scientists help businesses to make decisions and find solutions to their problems. Interpreting and visually representing data and insights for easier analysis is a key skill to have.
Security engineer
To be a security engineer you’ll need to have specialist network knowledge and specialist knowledge in relation to cybersecurity protocols. In your role you’ll also need to have great communication skills and work well under pressure. Security engineers are becoming more and more sought after as businesses are increasingly becoming digitised.
Software developer
The role of a software developer involved designing various software solutions. Anything from mobile applications and games to databases and operating systems. Software developers communicate with colleagues and customers to help them understand what the software is supposed to do.
Software tester
Software testers require a great level of attention to detail as they are there to prevent or eradicate software bugs. In this role you may also be involved in the early processes of a project to uncover any predictable vulnerabilities in new software before the development process begins.
Technical sales
People in technical sales can also be referred to as sales managers, sales executives or account managers. Working in this type of role requires you to have great product knowledge, interpersonal skills and motivation. This may be one of the least hands on IT positions but it does require you to have a strong level of understanding of how businesses and individuals use IT.
Each specialised skill area may then have team leader or ICT Manager roles, depending on the size of the organisation. Or for smaller companies, an ICT management role would be expected to have at least a high level knowledge of each of the key ICT skills within the business.
Key skills required for a thriving ICT career
Technology has taken a central role in our lives and in our economy, leaving a high demand for experienced IT professionals. However, the nature of IT jobs is changing at a steady pace.
The skill required for IT professionals now extends beyond just technical skills. IT professionals now must be equipped with a range of broad skills.
Communication
Just like in any other job, working as an IT professional, you’ll need communication skills. So you can communicate with your colleagues and supervisors to inform, help and work together with each other to solve problems.
If you become an IT developer, you’ll need to be a good team worker and communicate your thoughts and ideas to your co-workers. Working in IT means you’ll need to have good communication skills verbally and written as email communication is an increasingly popular form of communication in the workplace.
Being able to explain and teach people about technology in simple terms is an extremely sought-after skill to have.
Organisation
Having good organisational skills means you are more likely to be productive and efficient at work. IT roles are often dynamic, meaning you will frequently find you have numerous projects on the go at once. Which is why it’s important you’re organised by keeping track of time and knowing how to prioritise your responsibilities.
Working in IT could be a good career choice for you if you time management and organisation come naturally to you.
Creativity
Being creative isn’t necessarily required for all roles in the IT industry. It is however a beneficial skill to have in many of them. Even if you don’t aspire to be a creative genius like Zuckerberg, working in the tech industry will likely require you to use some level of creativity. It could be with anything from coming up with new ideas to improving old products and processes.
Project Management
Working as an IT professional means you will often have numerous projects on the go at once. Which is why having the ability to meet deadlines and hit targets is crucial.
Effective project management includes being able to create plans, set goals, hit targets and work well in teams. Being a strong project manager will help you in your career as an IT professional and could be something that takes you through the ranks and into a leadership position.
Analytical Thinking
Thinking analytically helps you to figure out what the problem is and how to logically fix it. In the IT world having analytical abilities gives you an edge.
Sometimes people who think analytically can even identify problems before they occur. If this sounds like you, then a career in It could be the right fit for you.
Problem Solving
Problems arise all the time when working in IT. It’s how you deal with those problems that matters. If you enjoy solving problems on your computer or phone, then a career in IT might be the perfect career choice for you.
Many technical skills you need for a career in IT can be learned by tinkering around and trial and error. Which is why having problem solving skills is important to have when entering into a career in IT.
Perseverance
Not giving up is an important attribute to have when working in IT. In this industry you’ll find you’re constantly having to overcome difficult tasks and it’s the ones who don’t give up that get the furthest.
Resourcefulness
Resourcefulness in IT involves having the ability to find new software, products and technology that’ll increase yours and your team’s productivity. Resourceful IT professionals are the ones who always seem to be one step ahead and are extremely valuable in their workplace.
Curiosity
If you enjoy learning new things and are curious about how things work, then a career in IT could be a great option for you. The best professionals who work in security IT have a natural sense of curiosity. It’s their curiosity that gives them an extra creative flare and is what makes them great at their jobs.
Adaptability
Technology is constantly changing and at a fairly rapid pace too. So, having the ability to adapt to changes and keep up to date with the ever-changing tech world is a must. Otherwise, you’ll find you will be left behind with outdated systems, software and technology.
To learn more in-depth information and to gain the skills you need to grow your career in ICT and work towards becoming an ICT Manager, enrol in Monarch Institute’s Diploma of IT course. Which covers important ICT skills including networking, databases, cybersecurity and website design.
This course is delivered with care and designed to leave you with the skills required in a modern workplace. All our courses are known to provide you with unrivalled support. To discuss your options, or to chat more about the course content, get in touch with our Course Consultants today on 1300 738 955.
