Why a Tech Career is the Way to Go for 2017

Featured article by Rick DelGado, Independent Technology Author

One of the reasons people are seeking tech careers is opportunity. The market for technology jobs is booming, but many believe that an advanced degree in computer science or other seemingly prohibitively difficult field is needed to make the jump. In fact, many millennials and others switching to the tech industry have college degrees in fields that are unrelated to their current job prospects.

Tech careers are popular on all fronts now. One can see that in the latest numbers issued by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which predicts computer and information technology employment will grow 12 percent between 2014 and 2014. That accounts for over 488,000 jobs. Most other occupations aren’t expected to grow that fast.

Another reason is that businesses in all industries now rely on some form of technology. They need somebody on their staff to work the computer servers and technology. A particular job position may not only involve being a technical guru. Hybrid technical roles are cropping up all over the place. The VP of Partnerships at the design/marketing/technology/data school General Assembly said 250,000 of these jobs opened last year. Many students have acquired an undergraduate degree and gained some prior work experience before enrolling.

There’s Nothing to Lose

A jump into the tech field doesn’t mean one must work in the industry for life. Technical skills that can be learned, like big data analytics, won’t only be relevant now, but in the future. People will benefit later, even if they choose to seek out non-technical jobs, especially if they can understand and interact with technical work. Being able to translate technical subjects to others is a high-demand skill as well.

There’s more to it, however, than skills development. The top tech jobs listed by U.S. News include Computer Systems Analyst, Software Developer, IT Manager, Web Developer, and others. Median salaries go from $61,000 to $127,000. Technical jobs can be challenging, but that doesn’t seem to dissuade millennials, who are more likely to stick with jobs that involve solving problems or creating new tools.

The Jobs of the Future Are Here Now

Skills development can lead to careers that did not exist just a few years ago. Virtual Reality Engineer is one of them. Not limited to the gaming industry, this position is needed by anyone from 3D camera developers to roles involving VR hardware development. Likewise, Augmented Reality Engineers are in demand by many different types of companies, primarily for software development, training, and collaboration.

As machine learning and cognitive computing take hold, any company can benefit from a Cognitive Computing Engineer. They must manage augmented intelligence systems that do the work of ordinary people, but which need people to develop and implement them. As this position rapidly evolves, professionals holding this title are creating, testing, and evaluating software that must meet the needs of individual computer networks. Demand is expected to grow as businesses become aware of and experience the need for professionals in cognitive computing over time.

2017 Is the Year for Tech Careers

Safe to say, there is a lot to know in the technology industry. From the full-on tech company to a business simply looking to stay with the pulse, all are looking for those with the newest technology skills. Now is a better time than ever to acquire new skills that can be useful beyond one’s latest career jump. It’s not just about opportunity and high salaries. Many people want to be at the forefront of the latest technology products and help organizations implement the latest tech so they can thrive. In 2017, the pace will only accelerate and continue to pick up over the coming years.

by Rick DelGado, Independent Author

“I’ve been blessed to have a successful career and have recently taken a step back to pursue my passion of writing. I’ve started doing freelance writing and I love to write about new technologies and how it can help us and our planet.” – Rick DelGado