5 Tips for Students Considering Information Technology Degrees

5 Tips for Students Considering Information Technology Degrees

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career field of Information Technology is a booming one. For entry-level positions, the average annual salary is slightly above average, and in order to get the job a person usually only needs an associate’s degree or just some kind of technical certification, although some require a bachelor’s degree in order to obtain the job. Also, the entry-level positions in Information Technology are growing at a slightly higher than average rate (15-20%) But, the mid-level and upper-level jobs are where all the money is at. These types of jobs are growing anywhere from slightly above average to way above average (20-35%) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Also, the average salary is anywhere from $70,000 a year to more than $100,000- and that is the salary you start out with!
So, needless to say, the future outlook for Information Technology students is indeed a bright one. Most students that come out of Information Technology colleges have a job already lined up for them when they graduate, because there is a high demand for Information Technology specialists, and not nearly enough people to fill the positions available at the time. The other good news is that the Information Technology career field is projected to keep growing, well, because computer and the need to secure information within them is not going anywhere. So, here are five questions to ask yourself, should you consider i becoming an Information Technology student:
1. What kind of degree do you need?
The degree requirements vary from job to job within the Information Technology sector, so it is key to know what kind of job you want and what kind of degree you will need for that job. Some jobs, like a Computer Support Specialist, only requires an associate’s degree at most, and some of them do not even require that.
2. Where should I go to school?
Sometimes taking online classes is the best way to go because it is less expensive and you can get a degree quicker. But, other times, going to an actual college is the best idea- especially if you want to go into a highly specialized field, rather than just an entry-level position.
3. What skills do I need?
Learning skills is oftentimes more important than the actual degree. You will need to learn various programming languages, as well as various types of softwares. You will also need to know how to manage databases and networks.
4. Is it right for you?
This is key because this is what you may be doing for the rest of your life. If the job does not excite you, and you are just in it for the money, then you may want to pursue a different path.
5. Is it worth it?
Some degrees in IT are very expensive to pursue, so it is important to look into what the average person makes in that job and to calculate whether or not it is worth it in the end.