top IT jobs futureTechnology increasingly rules nearly every aspect of our daily lives. From the software powering our handheld devices to the servers behind the Internet we’re surfing, computer technology is everywhere. The information technology professionals that help design, build and repair these networks are some of the most highly sought employees in the world.  A January 2015 article in the U.S. News & World Report ranked IT jobs as the “up and coming” careers for the foreseeable future.

 

They ranked the following jobs high on their top annual rankings of the top 100 jobs:

  • #3 – Software developer
  • #7 – Computer systems analyst
  • #8 – Information security analyst

So what exactly do these jobs entail that make them so desirable?

A day in the life of a software developer

Software developers are usually divided into two distinct job categories:

  • They create software applications and databases
  • Or, they build operating systems like Linux or iOS

software developer job growthSoftware developers are the creative brains behind some of the computer programs you are probably using every day. These experts create video games, design apps and sites like Facebook. They love computers are technically savvy but also have great imaginations.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers make an average of $93,350 annually. The job outlook is expected to increase by 22% over the next 10 years.

What does a computer system analyst do all day?

A computer systems analyst can understand and analyze hardware, software, and the functioning parts of data networks to determine the best operating systems. They also are keenly aware of business functions, and create the best technology platforms to help businesses function effectively. Computer system analysts spend their days researching and learning about technology, preparing cost and benefit analyses for corporate review, and then installing, testing and training on these systems when their companies upgrade.

computer system analystComputer system analysts may be computer geeks, but they are also people-oriented, because their jobs require constant interaction with the users of these technology platforms. The CSA can work at computer design firms or in any other industry from health care to finance to academia.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics cited the 2012 median income as $38.31 per hour or $79,680 annually. The job outlook is outstanding: jobs for computer system analysts are expected to expand by an additional 25% by 2022.

Why is an information security analyst so important?

It seems as if the news is reporting almost daily on data leaks affecting state agencies, health care providers, and the business world. As the threats to our electronic data continues to rise, keeping our information systems safe from cyber-attack is becoming an increasing concern across the IT industry – and the world.

These days, cyber security rests in the hands of information security analysts. ISAs design computer network security systems, monitor their effectiveness at keeping our information secure, and troubleshoot data breeches. Their job is to stay ahead of hackers, and in today’s technology-driven world, the importance of this task cannot be discounted. ISAs focus primarily on three key areas:

  • information security analyst job growthRisk assessment, which includes analyzing and predicting various threats to data security.
  • Vulnerability review of the weaknesses of the organizations firewalls and IT security systems.
  • Security planning, including installing hardware and software that encrypts data and places barriers between the cyber threats and corporate or government data.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the job outlook for this career is excellent, and expected to grow by 37% by 2022. As of 2012, the median income was $86,170 annually.

Enter the Fun & Stable Field of Technology

If you’re seeking a technology degree, consider ECPI University. Our College of Technology offers the most relevant curriculum to pursue a degree that could help you achieve your career goals in these lucrative and stable fields. Our classes are geared toward the working adult, and the curriculum is practical and hands-on. We have strong ties to the business community and offer externships that allow you to practice these skills in a real world environment before you graduate with your associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree. Contact us today to find out how ECPI University can help you get started. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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