7 IT Career Paths and How to Get Started in 2023

Information technology (IT) has become a crucial aspect of our daily lives, shaping our world in ways we never thought possible. As technology continues to evolve, the demand for IT professionals is increasing. The IT industry is vast and diverse, with various career paths to choose from. In this blog post, we will discuss seven popular IT career paths and how to get started in 2023.

Software Developer
Software developers are responsible for creating, designing, and testing software applications. They work on different projects, from building mobile applications to developing computer programs. A degree in computer science or software engineering is necessary to become a software developer. In addition, having knowledge of programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++ is essential.
Salary: $94,600pa 
To get started in 2023, you can take courses on programming languages and work on open-source projects to build your portfolio. Participating in hackathons and coding competitions can also help you gain experience and exposure.
Data Analyst
Data analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make informed decisions. They use data to identify patterns and trends, which can be used to improve business performance. To become a data analyst, you need a degree in data science or statistics. You also need to have knowledge of data analysis tools such as SQL, Excel, or Tableau.
Salary: $72,274
To get started in 2023, you can take courses in statistics and data analysis. You can also work on personal data projects to gain experience and build your portfolio.
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity analysts are responsible for securing computer systems and networks from cyber threats. They identify and address security vulnerabilities to protect sensitive information. To become a cybersecurity analyst, you need a degree in cybersecurity or a related field. You also need to have knowledge of security tools such as firewalls, antivirus software, and intrusion detection systems.
To get started in 2023, you can take courses in cybersecurity and ethical hacking. You can also participate in online security competitions and work on personal cybersecurity projects to gain experience.
Cloud Engineer
Cloud engineers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining cloud computing systems. They work on different projects, from building cloud-based applications to developing cloud infrastructure. To become a cloud engineer, you need a degree in computer science or a related field. You also need to have knowledge of cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
To get started in 2023, you can take courses in cloud computing and work on open-source cloud projects to gain experience. You can also obtain cloud certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Google Cloud Platform Associate to increase your chances of employment.
Network Administrator
Network administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining computer networks. They monitor network performance, install software updates, and troubleshoot network problems. To become a network administrator, you need a degree in computer science or a related field. You also need to have knowledge of network protocols such as TCP/IP and network management tools such as Cisco Network Assistant.
Salary: $10,890
To get started in 2023, you can take courses in network administration and work on personal network projects to gain experience. You can also obtain network certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate or CompTIA Network+ to increase your chances of employment.
UX Designer
UX designers create intuitive, user-friendly interfaces for digital products and services. They work on different projects, from designing mobile applications to developing website interfaces. To become a UX designer, you need a degree in design, human-computer interaction, or a related field. You also need to have knowledge of design tools such as Sketch or Adobe XD.
Salary :$1,21,373
To get started in 2023, you can take courses in design and work on personal design projects to gain experience. You can also participate in design competitions and attend design conferences to increase your exposure.

Jobs: Software engineer, software developer, senior software engineer

Getting started: Learning the coding languages used in software development will be key to landing a job in the field. Try starting with commonly requested ones like Python, Java, or Ruby.

Early career jobs: Data center technician, database administrator, data analyst

Mid-career or senior jobs: Data scientist, data engineer, data architect

Getting started: If you’re interested in becoming a data technician, some background knowledge of IT support might help. If the idea of working directly with data is more enticing to you, consider getting a certification in data analytics—like the IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate 

or 

the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate.

Read more: 7 In-Demand Data Analyst Skills to Get Hired

Early career jobs: Information security analyst, cybersecurity analyst, cybersecurity engineer

Mid-career or senior jobs: Senior cyber engineer, information security manager, ethical hacker

Getting started: Getting a grasp of basic cybersecurity principles can help launch a career in this space. Consider building experience by earning an entry-level certification, like the CompTIA Security+ or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certifications.

Read more: 10 Popular Cybersecurity Certifications

Salary: $81,435

Projected job growth: 27% (LinkedIn 2020 Emerging Jobs Report) [10]

Early career jobs: Cloud engineer, cloud computing programmer

Mid-career or senior jobs: Cloud architect, cloud consultant

Getting started: If you want to break into cloud computing, you’ll likely want to have cloud-specific knowledge. You can earn cloud certifications or find coursework to complete.

Read more: 5 Cloud Certifications for Your IT Career

Projected job growth: 3%

Early career jobs: Network administrator, systems administrator, network implementation technician, systems analyst

Mid-career or senior jobs: Network engineer, systems engineer, network security engineer, cloud network engineer, senior systems administrator, computer network architects

Getting started: Several certification options exist for networks and systems, like the CompTIA Server+ or the Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). Otherwise, you can start as a generalist on the IT help desk and work your way into one of these specialities.

Read more: 6 Network Certifications for Your IT Career

Early career jobs: UX Research Assistant, Interaction Designer, Visual Designer