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Is Technology A Good Career Path? A Walkthrough

A coding screen with a robotic person in the background

Career — This word defines a significant part of our adult lives. Feeling good about the work one does is essential for overall happiness. Naturally, this has led to many discussions and debates about how one should build a career, what constitutes a promising career, and how success is measured in a career – Is it in terms of money, position, or impact? Is a career path in technology that I should pursue?

These are all questions with no right or wrong answers, and they happen to differ from one person to the next.

Table of Contents:

  1. Building a Technology Career
  2. What Are the Careers in Technology?
  3. Information Technology Career Path
  4. Medical Technology Career Path
  5. Most Popular Technologies on the Web
  6. Places to Find Jobs in Tech
  7. What Should I Do to Start My Career in Technology?
  8. Affordable Courses to Kickstart Your Career in Technology
  9. How Much Do Technology Professionals Make?
  10. Fastest Growing Careers in Technology
  11. Women’s Career Path in Technology
  12. Future of Careers in Technology
Woman in a technology career path.
Do you know what constitutes a promising career?

The critical part of this journey is to realize that, ultimately, it all comes down to the choices one makes, and one’s career path does not magically appear in front of them.

The biggest question all this leads to is:

What constitutes a promising career?

Is it finance? After all, money does make the world go round. Is technology a good career path? Or is it the pursuit of the creative arts? Before answering that, one must take time to ponder on their goals, both long-term and short-term.

When an individual has the larger picture in mind, it becomes easier to make decisions. Reaching that desired level of clarity without being pressured by the timelines of others is highly crucial.

While the focus should remain on building a career where one achieves the maximum possible satisfaction, it is essential to remind oneself that the mindset regarding jobs has undergone a sea change thanks to factors such as:

  • Enhanced life expectancy leads to longer careers.
  • Advancements in technology (and technology is considered a good career path, more on that later).
  • People looking to retire early.

Many have moved past the traditional 9-5 routine and opted for the 2nd or 3rd shift. In this scenario, one must be extra careful in crafting their career path.

The next section of this article delves into detail about this.

Building a Technology Career

A woman sitting at her desk dreaming.
The dream, the drive, and the destination — are all it takes.

The advice of Walt Disney to his team while they were building the Magic Kingdom holds to this day- Build the castle first.

The same is true when setting out to build a career — You need to bring the dream, drive, and destination. These seeds will grow into the tree that is your glittering career. So let us go about examining the 3Ds in detail:

The Dream

The dream is the beginning of a person’s story- Who does he want to become? What is his definition of success?

This dream is imperative as it shapes the rest of his story. Don’t worry if your pursuit changes as you move along your career path. It happens to the best of us and highlights a trait that has made humans the most successful species – adaptability.

The Drive

What is the one thing that will make you get out of bed and want to go to work every day for the rest of your working life?

If you have figured out the answer to this question, congratulations!! You have the drive bit figured out.

The Destination

Your dream must have a destination. While it is crucial to enjoying the journey, the goal gives any task a purpose and direction. You must align your destination to those principles that are dearest to you.

Now that we have the ingredients for a wholesome career, we shall answer the question – Is technology a good career path?

What Are the Careers in Technology?

Career in technology
Careers in Technology

Technology is one of the driving forces in the world today, and naturally, a career in tech promises to be exciting, albeit one marked with so much change that it keeps you on your toes throughout.

But if one is abreast of the trends, the ever-evolving field is also one of the most fulfilling to be employed in.

Going back to the question, “Is technology a good career path? Let us look at some of the most lucrative and in-demand careers in technology.

Data Scientist

The data scientist is at the top of the list, a job that Harvard Business Review (HBR) ranked as the 21st century’s sexiest job.

With most candidates possessing Ph.D. or master’s degrees, data scientist managers can earn up to $250,000 annually.

Software Developer

The presence of many SaaS platforms and other products pushes the demand for quality software developers, which remains a sought-after skill in the market.

Web Developer

Web developers are coders. Unlike doing software, they build online platforms, websites, or apps. They can be front-end developers using coding languages such as:

  • Html
  • CSS
  • Java Script
  • JQuery

The most popular front-end professionals are:

  • Front End Developer
  • Front end Designer
  • Web Designer
  • UI/UX Designer

The back-end developers use code languages like:

  • Python
  • PHP
  • Java
  • Ruby
  • Golang
  • C#
  • Ruby on Rails
  • .Net

The most popular back-end professions are:

  • Back-end Developer
  • Java Developer
  • Software Developer

Information Security

With the number of data records breached & the costs associated with them going up astronomically every year, information security or cybersecurity professionals are becoming highly valued members of any organization.

Computer Research Science

This field requires highly qualified candidates with a Ph.D., so while the competition is intense for the few who make it, it is a gateway to a gratifying career.

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Computer research scientists work on algorithms to enhance the efficiency of machines or analyze business data.

Apart from the ones listed above, computer systems analysts, sales engineers, and network administrators demand a good salary.

Information Technology

These generally range from system managers to CIOs or CTOs and manage an organization’s technology needs. Employers prefer a bachelor’s degree in computers and an MBA for these roles.

With many such opportunities, one would think the answer to “is technology a good career path?” is undoubtedly yes!

But a few other aspects need to be examined before concluding.
Let’s get into more detail about the information technology carer, one of the most critical fields in the tech industry.

Information Technology Career Path

Information technology has become one of the most in-demand careers in the world. And with good reason – the field offers many opportunities for growth and career progression.

Here are a few of the best information technology careers for you.

Infographics howing the careers in information technology
Careers in Information Technology

Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts protect data and systems from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. They work in various industries, including government, business, and education. Information security analysts typically have a degree in information technology or a related field.

Information security analysts work to protect the integrity of data and systems by protecting information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. They use various methods, including cyber security software, to detect and prevent breaches.

To be an information security analyst, a candidate must have strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of computer security principles and practices. They also need excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Database Administrator

Information technology (IT) professionals are critical in managing and maintaining an organization’s computer systems. A database administrator oversees the operations of a company’s databases, including data storage, access, security, and integrity, and reports to the IT manager. A database administrator typically holds a degree in information science or engineering.

Database administrators are responsible for the day-to-day running of a database. They design, develop, and maintain the database system and ensure that it meets the organization’s needs.

Network Administrator

Network administrators are responsible for the maintenance and security of a computer network.

They ensure that all traffic passing through the network is safe and secure, all users have the necessary permissions to access the network, and all devices connected to the network are correctly configured.

In addition, they may be responsible for monitoring and managing the network’s performance.

Systems Administrator

A systems administrator is responsible for efficiently and securely operating information technology (IT) systems. Systems administrators typically work with a team of other IT professionals to ensure the smooth running of the organization’s IT infrastructure. They also monitor system performance and troubleshoot problems.

Systems administrators are responsible for a computer system’s overall operation and security. They monitor system performance and ensure that all systems are functioning correctly.

A systems administrator typically has a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field and 5 to 10 years of experience in IT management. Systems administrators design, implement and maintain software applications, networks, databases, and servers.

Information Technology Manager

Information Technology Managers are responsible for the overall operation of the organization’s IT department, including everything from budgeting and staffing to developing and implementing technology solutions.

They ensure that the information technology infrastructure meets the organization’s needs and develops and implements policies and procedures to use information technology effectively.

To be successful in this career, managers need excellent organizational skills, computer knowledge, and project management experience.

Medical Technology Career Path

Medical technology is a growing field that offers many career opportunities for students interested in healthcare technology.

There is a great demand for qualified medical technologists in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories nationwide. A career in medical technology can be both challenging and rewarding. Some jobs include:

  1. Health Care Software Developer
  2. Health Care Technician
  3. Medical Laboratory Technologist
  4. Pharmacy Technician
  5. Radiology Technologist
  6. X-Ray Tech
  7. Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Students interested in pursuing a career in medical technology should have good analytical and problem-solving skills. They should also be able to work well under pressure and be detail-oriented.

Most Popular Technologies on the Web

According to the website builtwith.com, which evaluates technology used across the Internet, we list the most popular technologies the websites use below.

Why is this important? Knowing the number of websites using the technology can increase your chances of getting a job in the field if you learn the most popular ones. However, don’t forget there is also the factor of competition that has to be analyzed.

Here are the most popular technologies and the number of websites using them:

  1. Apache: 59,305,025
  2. Google Adsense: 39,321,436
  3. PHP: 37,937,791
  4. Google Analytics: 34,621,248
  5. WordPress: 30,999,031
  6. Amazon: 20,182,120
  7. Google Apps For Business: 13,241,221
  8. ASP.NET: 11,439,967
  9. Cart Functionality: 6,761,063
  10. New Relic: 5,734,513
  11. Shopify: 4,961,820
  12. WooCommerce: 4,821,266
  13. Wix: 4,611,313
  14. Squarespace: 4,052,954
  15. Angular JS: 3,973,467
  16. MailChimp: 3,758,800
  17. Ruby On Rails: 2,249,130
  18. Joomla!: 2,232,061
  19. ASP.NET MVC: 1,861,012
  20. Stripe: 1,837,498
  21. Drupal: 1,696,747
  22. Hubspot: 1,646,731
  23. Zendesk: 1,482,279
  24. Laravel: 1,298,119
  25. Rackspace: 1,281,918
  26. Zoho Mail: 1,134,796
  27. Omniture SiteCatalyst: 1,075,349
  28. Criteo: 1,071,486
  29. CodeIgniter: 841,711
  30. Optimizely: 705,876
  31. Magento: 684,698
  32. AdRoll: 661,414
  33. OpenCart: 589,221
  34. PrestaShop: 587,148
  35. Salesforce: 580,768
  36. ClickFunnels: 464,040
  37. Adobe Experience Management: 454,647
  38. Taboola: 429,016
  39. Magento 2: 415,882
  40. Pardot: 376,297
  41. Marketo: 333,808
  42. Adobe CQ: 244,812
  43. Sitecore CMS: 243,380
  44. Eloqua: 230,843
  45. Zen Cart: 193,110
  46. Magento 1.9: 152,581
  47. BigCommerce: 143,401
  48. Infusionsoft: 130,834
  49. Umbraco: 108,071
  50. Liferay: 107,162
  51. osCommerce: 83,543
  52. Demandware: 80,807
  53. Magento: 75,547
  54. Oracle Commerce: 52,866
  55. Shopify Plus: 45,252
  56. nopCommerce: 39,581
  57. RevContent: 27,562
  58. Volusion: 26,385
  59. Magento 1.7: 12,217
  60. Ektron: 9,820

Places to Find Jobs in Tech

Identifying companies that are the right mix of new-age and robust is essential regarding technology.

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Robustness indicates that they have been in this business to see a few downturns and adapt to change. One could be wary of new-age companies that dabble in the latest trends and don’t have a service or product that offers tangible benefits.

However, some companies always make it to the “Best Workplaces in Technology” or similar lists. Some of the notable entries are:

  • Google
  • Cisco
  • Salesforce
  • Adobe
  • Hubspot
  • LinkedIn
  • Nvidia
  • Microsoft
  • SAP

Common attributes that employees look for while deciding where to pursue a career in tech are:

  • Compensation and employee benefits.
  • A sense of pride in what they accomplish.
  • A flexible work culture that allows them to take time off when necessary.
  • Proud to tell others about their company.
  • Transparent higher management.
  • Well-equipped at work for higher efficiency.

Now that we know of great companies to work for, the next question is, how do we get there?

What Should I Do to Start My Career in Technology?

Starting career in technology visual representation
Starting a career in technology

So, you have answered the question – Is technology a good career path? Now comes the hard part- How to gain experience?

Firstly, when it comes to technology, newbie or not, one must be ready to experiment and willing to start at the bottom.

Build your skills

It is good to remind yourself at this stage that everything counts. Learning SQL to build a website using WordPress helps build on handy skills to hone later.

Get industry certifications

Don’t fret if you are without a relevant college degree. Industry certifications take only a few weeks to a few months to complete, especially entry-level. These provide a foundation for your career and assure employers you have the necessary skills.

Start programming as early as possible.

The tech world has two kinds of people – Those who can code and those who cannot. The importance of learning to code cannot be stressed enough.

Apart from arming you with a valuable skillset that will keep you employable throughout your career, it opens up many more avenues of growth.

You don’t have to focus on learning multiple languages. Start with one and focus on the logic of the algorithms, and you are good to go.

Apply to jobs

Firm the theoretical part and start applying to jobs as early as possible. It is a great way to get a pulse of the relevant and in-demand skills in the market and know what is expected of you in an interview.

Take failure in your stride, and do not get demotivated by a few rejections.

Affordable Courses to Kickstart Your Career in Technology

Youtube is a great starting point for learning anything new, with countless free videos. Once you go through a few playlists of your preferred tech skill and decide to pursue it in greater detail, there is no shortage of affordable resources on the web.

There is also the option of a Coding Bootcamp. Coding Bootcamps are short and intensive training programs that help people get a job without a four-year degree.

It is essential to do your research while looking for a Bootcamp taking into account factors such as:

  • Costs
  • Location
  • Mode of instruction
  • Job Placements
  • Payment Options

Here are a few sites and boot camps to help you get started.

Websites:

  • Data Camp
  • W3Schools
  • Udemy

Bootcamps:

  • Actualize
  • Academia de Código
  • BrainStation
  • Bottega
  • Career Foundry

How Much Do Technology Professionals Make?

One of the biggest motivators in answering the question “Is technology a good career path” is money.

People with coding skills and tech know-how are the most well-paid among the working population, with senior IT managers earning upwards of $100,000 a year.

They are followed by artificial intelligence (AI) engineers and information security analysts, who make over 110,000 annually. Web developers, full-stack developers, and cloud architects are next in line with yearly salaries around the $100,000 mark.

Experts in new-fangled and emerging tech, such as blockchain developers and data scientists, are at the top of the food chain commanding $150,000 or more yearly.

Staying up-to-date and relevant with market trends is a must if a person wants to be amongst the highest-paid professionals, and this can only be achieved by constantly upskilling.

Pursuing certifications or courses is an excellent way to future-proof one’s career in the fast-changing world of technology.

Fastest Growing Careers in Technology

A combination of factors such as:

  • The emergence of new technologies that include Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality(VR), blockchain, and more
  • The increased presence of threats online, like hacking, phishing attacks, fake news, and identities on social media
  • The fact that every firm now is a digital or technology organization in some sense of the word
  • Replacing human labor with machines, aka automation, has caused tremendous growth in this sector, and tech jobs are a big part of more traditional companies.

Here’s a list of careers currently in demand and will continue to be so in the foreseeable future.

Web Developer

Web development is a skill that is highly valued in the technology space. There are two categories of web developers: Front-end web developers and back-end web developers.

Front-end developers work on the look and feel of a website or app, whereas web architects or back-end developers handle the technical construction of the website as they manage the server side.

There is also a third category: Full-stack web developer. This development covers front-end and back-end responsibilities, from the server to the user interface.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML) Engineer

As the world continues to make more significant strides toward automation, professionals with AI/ ML skills in fields such as Natural Language Processing (NLP), economic forecasting, and image recognition will continue to be in great demand.

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Data Scientist

Data is the fundamental building block of organizations today. With vast data available, enterprises always look for professionals who can make sense of it and leverage it to create groundbreaking products or services.

The primary job of data scientists is to present information in a manner that allows for easier decision-making.

Information Security Analyst

It is essential to secure all the data that enterprises have with them. Here an information security analyst plays a crucial role in preventing attacks on data.

Computer Research Scientist

Computer Research Scientists work constantly redefining the boundaries of computing technologies. They also envisage innovative algorithms to solve problems faced by society today.

Database Administrator (DBA)

DBAs are professionals entrusted with all activities involved in maintaining a database environment, which is essential. All the data that firms possess are stored in several databases that are accessed frequently. DBA work on various aspects of databases, such as:

  • Scale
  • Access Privileges
  • Migration
  • Replication or backup

Women’s Career Path in Technology

Woman in technology career
Women in technology: how often do you hear it?

The importance of a diverse workforce representative of all sections of society cannot be understated. One dimension needs to be addressed while answering, “Is technology a good career path?”

This report elucidates how companies with a diverse workforce have more engaged employees, hire better talent and enjoy better retention rates than companies that do not focus on diversity.

The lack of women in the tech workforce is quite staggering. While women constitute nearly half of all employed adults in the US, the number drops to 25% when considering computing and mathematical roles.

Another reason for the lack of gender diversity in the tech workforce is that fewer women pursue STEM degrees, although these numbers have increased substantially recently.

Many women also face discrimination in the workplace and feel that they need to work harder to prove their worth compared to their male counterparts.

Women have also reported being underrepresented in business meetings and industry bodies.

A glaring pay gap exists primarily because women are engaged in low-end peripheral STEM roles. Lastly, there is a leadership vacuum regarding women in tech.

Though the percentage of women in IT leadership roles has grown from 21% in 2018 to 24% the following year, nearly twice the number of men feel likely to get promoted to executive positions.

Ways to Address the Gender Gap at the Workplace

  • Diverse hiring pools for promotion, hiring, and board members
  • Flexible working options
  • Unconscious bias training for managers.

Future of Careers in Technology

A young boy creating a robot at a lab.
The future looks brighter.

While the progress of technology by leaps and bounds has enhanced our standard of living and created numerous opportunities, it has also given rise to rising income disparity, stagnant household incomes, and a lack of gainful employment.

The growth of technology is also changing the way jobs are viewed. Many qualified professionals are a part of the ever-growing gig economy. They prefer to work freelance or on contract instead of seeking full-time employment.

There exists a yawning gap between the real-world work requirements and the courses taught in educational institutions.

Increased automation has also led to high uncertainty over many jobs. As many as one out of every five people are employed2 in current employment, a number expected to reduce.

Apart from staying current, employees could greatly benefit by focusing on higher cognitive skills such as writing, critical thinking, soft skills such as empathy, ability to un-learn and relearn.

They can also learn a new language, train new colleagues, and drive organizational diversity. These, coupled with their technical skills, will give them an advantage over their peers.

The Bottom Line

Herein lies an untapped opportunity to digitize assets and operations and train workers using digital tools. A majority of the population in underdeveloped or emerging economies is still offline. These regions could emerge as hubs of work and innovation in the future.

To put it mildly, the answer to Is technology a good career path?— is a resounding yes.

The technology path has the right ingredients for a great career:

  • High demand.
  • Great companies to work with.
  • High salaries.
  • A promising and growing future from new technologies, code languages, and applications.

The youth across colleges worldwide will have to arm themselves with relevant abilities and display agility in soft skills to face disruptions that will continue to be the hallmark of technology.

If you want to know more about other career paths, check out this career path list on Totempool. You can make your choices with solid information before moving to a particular industry.

As more industries are published on the website, we will keep updating the list for you. If you want to learn how to choose your career path, check out this article.

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