Widening The Net: Surprising Careers That Information Technology Unlocks

by Cassidy Welling

In the UK, around 89% OF ADULTS USE THE WEB on a weekly basis, according to the Office of National Statistics. This automatically means that there are devices and COMPUTERS THAT NEED TROUBLESHOOTING and additional services. Being educated or getting educated in the field of Information Technology (IT) sets you on the career path to provide troubleshooting services. As it turns out, a background in IT can also open up careers in pretty surprising places. So what sort of careers can experience and knowledge in IT open up?

Home Technology Development

British homes are now evolving to embrace cutting edge technology. Around A QUARTER OF BRITS own at least one smart home technology product, according to YouGov. Naturally, that technology needs to be developed and improved, so it opens up doors for those who can help in that regard. Air purifiers, thermostats, and even electrical sockets in MODERN AND SMART HOME DESIGN can be accessed through smartphone applications. Those applications need software, and the software needs developers to create them. Getting tutored or studying IT should give access to basic programming protocol that can build into actual app software development. Software developers earn an average median salary of £31,000 according to PayScale.

Data Analysis

In a world where there are massive amounts of data generated by consumers and businesses, it is important that someone puts that data together. That's where data analysts come in. They handle VAST AMOUNTS OF DATA and derive information that is passed on to executive-level individuals to make organised decisions, according to Randstad. Obtaining a background in IT provides knowledge about collating information. For beginners, a career in data analysis can start by being a social media manager, who compiles engagement records for processing. This can eventually snowball into a career in Big Data analysis, which is thriving in the fields of game development, the healthcare sector and telecommunication.

Private And Corporate Security

Information Technology is often synonymous with the concept of the internet. Beyond providing tech support, those with a background in IT can apply their knowledge towards private and corporate security teams. Around 57% of companies are aiming to boost their security protocols, according to Spiceworks. With data breaches occurring with devastating results, companies and even small businesses need reliable IT consultants and employees to safeguard their data. What's interesting is that security isn't restricted to simply internet solutions. Taking up a course in IT can be an opening to a career with an investigative firm that needs a strong system to keep sensitive information safe.

With most organisations and companies in the UK and around the world using some form of IT system, it's safe to assume that having a background in IT is an automatic foot in the door. All that is needed is a strong understanding of the applications of information technology in that particular field. Keeping an eye on new trends, industry news, and offered courses or tutorials can help give a boost to anyone aiming to break into any field that requires IT application.