Why you should consider a career in technology
With many businesses relying on technology to help them grow, innovate and stay ahead of the competition, a career in technology enables you to work across many different sectors in a fast-paced and evolving field.
Technology-related jobs are typically well-paid, offering a higher than average salary, excellent benefits, and the opportunity to work flexibly and remotely. Careers in tech offer opportunities for advancement and development within the field. With the ever-increasing reliance on technology in every aspect of business, those with the suitable technical skill set will always find their skills and expertise in high demand by employers.
There are many different career paths in tech. In this article, we explore roles in technology and the skills needed.
Development Jobs
Developers use their skills and knowledge of operating systems to create software for different types of IT systems. The different specialisms within this field are detailed below.
Web Developer
The primary responsibility of a web developer is to create visually appealing and easy-to-use websites. Working in any sector, web developers use their understanding of different programming languages and coding to create web and mobile websites that are secure, responsive, and easy to navigate.
Strong analytical skills, coding, interpersonal skills, creativity, and a working knowledge of programming languages such as javascript enable web developers to be successful in their roles.
Back-End developer
The role of a back-end developer is to maintain and build the functionality that controls a website. This includes servers, applications used to enable the website to function, and databases associated with the website. Back-end developers must demonstrate strong analytical skills, alongside a working knowledge of coding, programming languages, and an understanding of API.
Front-End Developer
Professionals in front-end development focus on building and maintaining the visuals and user-facing features of a website. This can include optimising the loading speed and designing web pages or applications that enable the website to function correctly.
Given that front-end developers work on what users can see, strong graphic design-related skills are beneficial. Proficiency in adobe illustrator, practical experience in coding, programming languages, and interpersonal skills are also required.
Full-Stack Developer
Full-stack developers concentrate on every aspect of web development, including web development planning, API integrations, building user interfacing websites, and using databases in websites.
Their role involves liaising with different stakeholders, so strong communication and interpersonal skills are necessary. Practical experience in coding, programming, and an understanding of APIs and back-end programming languages are essential skills required of full-stack developers.
Design Jobs
Design roles within technology cover the visual look and feel of a website. There are several design-related roles in this field, as outlined below.
Web Designer
Web designers work on all aspects of the design process of a website. This includes liaising with clients on the website requirements and designing the layout of web pages, including any graphics or integrations required. In some cases, web designers may also create content for web pages.
To be a successful web designer, you must have strong communication and interpersonal skills. Creativity,analytical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skill are also required in this role.
User Interface Designer
The role of a user interface designer is primarily concerned with creating the look and feel of a website from the user‘s perspective.
User Interface designers (UI designers) work closely with stakeholders to gather user requirements, then incorporate these into their design to create intuitive and visually appealing websites that meet the client‘s brand and website purpose.
UI designers draw on many skills in their roles. These include stakeholder management, communication, negotiation skills, and flexibility. Strong time management skills and attention to detail are also needed.
User Experience Designer
The primary responsibility of user experience designers (UX designers) is to ensure that the website created meets the user‘s requirements in providing an easy-to-use and navigate experience.
UX designers work closely with UI designers to create user personas and website maps that map the user journey when using the website. They then translate these concepts into wireframes that designers and developers can use.
Analytical thinking, creativity, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills are needed for this role.
Augmented Reality Designer
Augmented reality designers use technology to create 3D images enabling users to enjoy interactive experiences when using a digital product.
Designers may also be required to design machine learning technology for use in the product they are working with. As an augmented reality designer, you need to think analytically and creatively, and having spatial awareness to work in both 2D and 3D. Working knowledge of 2D and 3D software is a must for an augmented reality designer, as are strong communication and teamwork skills, given the role involves extensive liaison and work in cross-functional teams.
Quality Assurance (QA) Jobs:
Roles in quality assurance are centred on upholding and improving the quality of the software development process, ensuring that it is fit for purpose and effective There are various QA roles within technology assurance; these are detailed below.
QA Tester
A QA tester‘s role focuses on ensuring that software and websites function correctly, free from error, and as required by the initial specification set.
QA testers review technical and quality design specifications before executing test scripts and carrying out software testing. They ensure any issues are documented and provide timely feedback to those involved in the design and development process.
As a QA tester, you must have strong communication and negotiation skills. The ability to effectively manage your time and the time of others is needed in this role, as is attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to think analytically.
QA Engineer
The role of a QA engineer in technology involves various responsibilities. These include designing test systems to check for inefficiencies, carrying out risk assessments and analyses, checking for bugs in software, and reviewing user interfaces and the useability of software or websites.
The role requires individuals to demonstrate several skills, including the ability to think analytically, problem solve and have an eye for detail. QA engineers work closely with others, so strong teamwork skills are necessary.
QA Analyst
The duties of a QA analyst are focused on the final stages of developing a digital product before its release to clients.
QA analysts review the code used to create the product, fix any bugs or glitches, and document and report their findings to others involved in the development process. Their role consists of testing the final product, whether a programme, game, or piece of software, ensuring that it functions correctly.
Strong programming skills, analytical thinking, and problem-solving are required to be a QA analyst, as is logical reasoning when approaching problems.
IT Support Jobs
IT support roles cover a range of careers that enable the smooth running of an organisation‘s IT systems and processes.
PC support associate
PC support associates are an integral part of any organisation. The role focuses on providing daily support to employees experiencing issues with their IT systems, identifying the problem, troubleshooting, and resolving it. The ability to keep calm under pressure, communicate effectively with others, and demonstrate analytical thinking are skills required for this role.
IT Support Technician
The role of an IT support technician is centered around the installation and configuration of the IT systems used in an organisation. IT technicians identify software, application, and hardware faults, working to rectify these in person or over the phone.
Due to the nature of their role, IT support technicians need to demonstrate effective active listening and be empathetic yet able to quickly react to situations in a logical and analytical manner.
IT Security Specialist
IT security specialists work to build adequate security into each stage of software development, looking for the best ways to ensure that IT systems and applications are protected from unauthorised access by hackers. They are also responsible for eliminating the IT threat should such a situation arise.
Strong logical reasoning skills, attention to detail, and the ability to think analytically are essential to being an effective IT security specialist.
IT Director
The role of the IT director is to lead and oversee all IT operations, systems, and staff within an organisation. This can include developing and implementing new technologies or creating new IT strategies.
Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills are needed in this role, along with creativity and the ability to make reasoned and logical decisions.
FAQs
Which is the easiest job to get in tech?
When deciding on your preferred tech career path, it is better to consider your skills, abilities, and interests in tech. As there are several career paths within the technology field, by reviewing your skills and area of interest, you can highlight these to any prospective employer to give yourself the best chance of securing a tech role.
What are the highest paying jobs in tech?
Due to the reliance on technology in the business world, roles within the tech in any area of business generally command a higher than average salary. As with any position, salaries are based on an individual‘s level of skill, knowledge, and experience in a particular field.
Do I need a degree to work in tech?
Many roles within tech require individuals to have a degree, often in a related field. This enables candidates to have a basic understanding and working knowledge of systems, programming languages, and the architecture of IT systems to carry out an entry-level role.
What is an entry-level salary in tech?
Entry-level salaries in tech vary according to the specialism or niche worked in. Salaries can also vary depending on the type of business, location, and level of education, i.e., bachelor‘s degree, master‘s, or post-doctorate.
