Choosing a suitable occupation in IT promises stability and growth in the years to come. Our comprehensive guide tells about the most popular professions in IT today, offering valuable insights for beginners, professionals, and those who would like to transition into this dynamic and rewarding industry.
We will tell about the 10 most demandable IT jobs in 2023, their duties, required skills, and average salaries (we consider the median annual salaries in the US as an example). Take note that jobs are not ranked in any order.
1. Software Developer (Software Development Engineer or Software Engineer)
Role overview: Software developers are engineers responsible for designing and building software programs, applications, networks, and operating systems. Their tasks incorporate coding, critical analysis of user needs, planning technical features, documentation, and testing.
Software developers can specialize in front-end applications, back-end development, or both. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of software developer jobs is expected to increase by 25% from 2021 to 2031, creating 411,400 new jobs within this time frame. This is an excellent projected growth, meaning the occupation will be very prospective in the near future and beyond.
Key responsibilities:
Analyzing user needs and developing computer programs to meet those requirements.
Recommending improvements or fixes to existing programs and systems.
Planning and mapping out the functionality of application components.
Developing and implementing testing plans to ensure program functionality.
Monitoring and addressing application functionality through maintenance and testing.
Creating reference documentation.
Required skills:
Proficiency in programming languages such as C++, C#, Python, Java, JavaScript, .NET, SQL Server, Ruby, and HTML.
General knowledge of computer science and software development concepts.
Role overview: Mobile application developers play a pivotal role in the tech industry, given the significant impact of mobile devices on our daily lives. This profession now faces rapid growth and profitability owing to businesses and consumers' widespread adoption of mobile platforms. Mobile application development is among the most profitable and rapidly expanding professions, and the demand for mobile app developers is expected to grow.
Key responsibilities:
Creating innovative and user-friendly mobile applications for different platforms (iOS, Android).
Writing code using languages such as Swift (for iOS) or Kotlin/Java (for Android).
Ensuring a seamless and visually appealing user interface and experience.
Identifying and resolving issues through testing and debugging processes.
Working closely with designers, other developers, and stakeholders to bring new app ideas to life.
Role overview: Artificial Intelligence (AI) specialists are at the forefront of developing AI and Machine Learning (ML) technologies that enable computer programs and machines to simulate human cognitive functions. This role incorporates roles such as ML engineer, business intelligence developer, and AI architect. AI and ML specialists are highly sought after across various industries, so no wonder their demand has surged in recent years, ranking as the fourth-fastest-growing job in the US according to the 2022 LinkedIn Jobs on the Rise list.
Key responsibilities:
Designing and implementing AI and ML technologies for computer programs and machines.
Applying expertise in deep learning to enhance the capabilities of AI systems.
Developing algorithms and models for machines to understand and process human language.
Using programming languages, working with algorithms, and applying design principles.
Creating and maintaining REST APIs for seamless integration of AI technologies.
Designing and optimizing both NoSQL and relational database management systems.
Required skills:
Expertise in AI, ML, and deep learning.
Proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, or C++, and familiarity with object-oriented and functional design principles.
Strong background in working with algorithms.
Experience developing REST APIs and managing NoSQL and relational.
Role overview: Data scientists play a crucial role in the modern tech world by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting vast amounts of data through advanced analytics technologies like machine learning, artificial intelligence, and predictive modeling. Beyond technical proficiency, data scientists extract meaningful insights from data, helping organizations understand market trends and consumer behaviors for strategic business development. Data scientists are in high demand, with job titles consistently ranking as top jobs regarding salary, job market prognosis, and job satisfaction.
Key responsibilities:
Gathering and processing large datasets using advanced analytical techniques.
Implementing ML and AI algorithms for predictive modeling.
Presenting complex data in a comprehensible and visually appealing manner.
Deploying models for the production of real-world applications.
Applying data insights to inform and shape business strategy.
Required skills:
Proficiency in statistics, mathematics, coding, and data wrangling.
Expertise in predictive modeling, ML, and deep learning.
Ability to create compelling visual representations of data.
Understanding of business and technology concepts.
Role overview: Cloud architects hold a vital position in the technology landscape and are among the highest-paying IT specialists today. They closely collaborate with IT teams, developers, and business stakeholders. Cloud architects leverage their expertise to understand business requirements and design robust solutions aligning with strategic objectives. As cloud architects are currently key contributors to the success of digital transformation initiatives within organizations, they are highly demandable. Because more and more companies migrate to the cloud, the popularity of this occupation doesn't seem to decrease anytime soon.
Key responsibilities:
Collaborating with IT teams, developers, and stakeholders to understand and analyze user's requirements.
Architecting scalable and efficient cloud solutions that meet business needs.
Ensuring that cloud architectures can handle high loads efficiently, optimizing performance and resource utilization.
Implementing robust measures to ensure data privacy and maintain high-level security standards in cloud solutions.
Developing strategies for seamlessly integrating cloud solutions with existing systems and applications.
Required skills:
Expertise in major cloud platforms such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
Proficiency in designing scalable and resilient cloud architectures.
In-depth knowledge of cloud security practices and the ability to implement robust security measures.
Ability to design and implement seamless integration between cloud solutions and existing systems.
Strong problem-solving skills to address challenges in cloud architecture design.
Role overview: Information security analysts are critical in safeguarding company computer systems and networks from cyber threats and attacks. They typically need to plan and execute strong cybersecurity measures, continuously monitor the networks for potential breaches, investigate security incidents, conduct penetration testing, and maintain robust cybersecurity defense measures. The increasing frequency of cyber attacks and data leaks contributes to the growing demand for information security analysts. No wonder information security analysts are in high demand, with a 32% growth rate in the US alone between 2022 and 2032 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Key responsibilities:
Developing and implementing cybersecurity strategies to protect computer systems and networks.
Monitoring of networks for potential security breaches and unauthorized access.
Investigating and reporting security breaches, as well as implementing corrective measures.
Conducting penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities and assess the effectiveness of security measures.
Updating and maintaining cybersecurity measures to stay ahead of evolving threats.
Educating employees and end-users about cybersecurity threats and best practices.
Required skills:
In-depth understanding of cybersecurity threats and defense strategies.
Proficiency in networks and computer systems to identify vulnerabilities and implement effective security measures.
Technical skills to operate and manage security tools and technologies.
Analytical and critical thinking skills to assess and respond to evolving cyber threats.
Clear communication to convey security concepts and findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Role overview: Often regarded as one of the best-paying tech jobs, a DevOps engineer bridges development and operations teams, facilitating collaboration and optimizing processes. The scope of the role may involve deployment, network operations, and application development, depending on the specific organizational structure. In other words, DevOps engineers seamlessly integrate development and operations within a software development lifecycle. Since organizations continue to prioritize efficiency, collaboration, and automation in their software development practices, the demand for DevOps engineers seems to continue growing in the near future.
Key responsibilities:
Bridging the gap between development and operations teams, fostering a collaborative and streamlined workflow.
Creating and maintaining deployment infrastructure to automate and streamline the deployment process.
Overseeing network operations to ensure efficiency, reliability, and performance.
Using coding and scripting skills to automate processes and enhance system efficiency.
Connecting cloud services to automate processes and ensure smooth integration with the development pipeline.
Utilizing version control systems like Git for efficient collaboration and code management.
Required skills:
Proficiency in coding and scripting languages.
Experience with version control systems, notably Git.
Strong understanding of network operations and deployment infrastructure.
Continuous integration and continuous deployment using tools like Jenkins.
Familiarity with connecting and utilizing cloud services for automation.
Ability to write shell scripts for process optimization.
Role overview: Computer network architects, also known as computer network engineers, play a crucial role in designing and constructing data communication networks for organizations. Their responsibilities span the creation of plans and layouts for various networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. These networks can range from small office connections to large enterprise-scale architectures. In addition to designing networks, they address issues within the network and anticipate future networking needs.
Key responsibilities:
Designing and constructing data communication networks, including LANs, WANs, and intranets.
Creating detailed plans and layouts for data communication networks.
Assessing security needs and developing plans to address them in network architectures.
Performing proper maintenance and upgrades for network hardware and software.
Required skills:
Expertise in networking technology, including designing and implementing various network types.
General knowledge of computer science principles relevant to network design and management.
Knowledge of computer and network administration for effective network maintenance.
Effective interpersonal and presentation skills to communicate complex network concepts to stakeholders.
Role overview: IT project managers hold a very important role in the technology sector, overseeing the planning, initiation, and execution of complex IT projects and initiatives. Connecting technical teams and stakeholders ensures alignment with a project's overall vision and goals. IT project managers facilitate a mutual understanding of potential hurdles, create comprehensive project plans, and uphold accountability for meeting deadlines and budgets. That’s why there always be a strong demand for professionals in this role.
Key responsibilities:
Developing comprehensive project plans outlining IT project scope, timelines, and goals.
Meeting with stakeholders to determine project scope, objectives, and timing.
Working with technical teams to identify potential barriers and formulate strategies to overcome challenges.
Monitoring project progress and addressing unexpected issues promptly.
Facilitating effective communication between technical teams and organizational stakeholders.
Required skills:
Strong understanding of IT concepts, technologies, and project requirements.
Proficient organizational skills.
Ability to create and execute comprehensive IT project work rollout plans.
Robust problem-solving skills.
Good communication skills.
Leadership qualities.
Proficiency in managing project budgets and ensuring financial accountability.
Role overview: As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, the demand for skilled Big Data Engineers continues to surge. These professionals are pivotal in designing, building, and maintaining the intricate infrastructure to handle and process large-scale data sets. Big Data Engineers construct the frameworks that enable organizations to harness the full potential of their data.
Key responsibilities:
Collaborating closely with data scientists and analysts, ensuring that data is not only accessible but also optimized for analysis.
Creating efficient and scalable data pipelines to streamline data flow within an organization.
Integrating diverse data sources to provide a comprehensive view for analysis.
Implementing strategies to enhance large-scale data sets' storage and retrieval processes.
Required skills:
Knowledge of technologies like Hadoop, Apache Spark, Apache Kafka, and other tools for handling large-scale data.
Familiarity with cloud-based solutions.
Competence in programming languages like Java, Python, or Scala to develop and optimize data processing algorithms.
Understanding data structures and modeling techniques.
What occupation to choose if you’re going to switch to IT?
If you’re willing to transition into IT, a tech job centered around programming is the most robust and future-proof choice. Why so?
Stability
The stability of programming is evident in its indispensability; this profession is immune to obsolescence in the foreseeable future. Programming remains the cornerstone of IT as the driving force behind AI development, the creation of new software, and the ongoing maintenance of applications.
The most popular domain in the IT world
Not only does programming boast the distinction of being the highest-paying sector, but it's also one of the most sought-after domains in the industry. The demand for Java programmers is growing. Glassdoor alone currently has more than 11,500 job openings in the U.S. and tens of thousands of vacancies worldwide.
Proficiency in programming, even at a fundamental level, proves invaluable for professionals across the IT world, enhancing communication within the development team and with clients.
The programmer has lots of careers
Developers can create server-side applications for finance and big data. If we talk about Java, it is used to create Android programs, web applications, embedded systems, ML models, and scientific applications. This means developers can easily transition to another tech field if they want to grow or change their occupation type. More precisely, Java can be a valuable skill in software development, data science, artificial intelligence, and more fields.
All-round mental development
Moreover, beyond its practical applications, programming provides a great mental workout. Coding encourages logical and critical thinking, fosters attention to detail, and develops analytical skills.
All this makes coding a tempting and enriching choice for anyone wanting to develop.
While our list of the 10 most popular IT occupations in 2023 includes diverse roles, a common thread ties these occupations together — proficiency in programming. And we believe that Java can become the backbone of most of these roles. Being a versatile and powerful programming language, Java's practical applications extend far beyond traditional software development. Java may be a fundamental skill for crafting AI algorithms, architecting cloud solutions, or managing IT projects.
It doesn't matter if you're an IT beginner or a career switcher, learning Java basics can open numerous opportunities in this fantastic tech world. Seize the future with Java and propel your career to new heights!
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