Information technology has become the fastest growing and most sought-after industry over the last decade. A challenging environment, opportunities to work on interesting problems and exciting technologies as well as undeniable financial growth are some of the reasons why IT is booming.
If you are hoping to start a career in information technology, it can be difficult to understand where you might fit. In this article, we will explore the different types of IT jobs and career opportunities you can pursue. It will help you realize where your interest lies and the skills you would require to begin an awesome career path.
We will also give you some tips on how you can prepare for your interviews, the expected technical interviews questions, and how you can crack them. So without further ado, let’s get started!
Here's what this article will cover:
- Types of Information Technology Jobs
- How to prepare for an IT job interview?
Types of Information Technology Jobs
While most types of IT jobs require good technical understanding, different types of IT roles can be centered around management, development, hardware, analysis, etc. Let us look at some of these opportunities.
1) Web Developer
Web developers are programmers that work on building websites or web-based applications. These web applications are usually built using a client-server model. Web developers possess expertise in front-end languages like HTML, CSS, and, JavaScript and back-end technologies like PHP, Python, or Java.
A good understanding of design, user interface, and wireframing is also necessary for web development. You may also need to learn about search engine optimization and some SEO tools.
If you hope to land a web development job, you would require a bachelor’s degree in IT or software engineering or some relevant experience in building websites. You can start with learning HTML and CSS to gain clarity in web development fundamentals and then move ahead with other technologies.
2) Programmers
While developers are responsible for the overall design and scope of the product, programmers work on specific parts of the project. They are thus responsible to convert the product design into instructions that a computer can understand. Programmers usually work on several languages like Java, C#, PHP, SQL, JavaScript, etc.
You can consider this career path if you plan to stay heavily connected with coding. Being a programmer requires skills like problem-solving, analytical thinking, decision making, listening, and attention to detail.
A bachelor’s degree in software engineering is necessary to start out as a programmer. You can consider joining internships in good software development companies while you acquire the necessary skillset. This can give you the much-needed edge to secure a job as a programmer.
3) Computer Systems Analyst
A computer systems analyst is responsible to understand the systems requirements within an organization. The primary job is to ensure and if needed modify the systems to match organizational goals. System analysts thus have to consider the available budget and compare it with what they aim to achieve.
A majority of system analysts hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer engineering. However, this can be overlooked if a candidate shows relevant expertise. If you are looking to work as a system analyst, you would require critical thinking and the ability to solve complex problems. You will also have to keep yourself updated with the latest tech advances to ensure the organization uses it to its full potential.
4) Technical Support
The IT role of technical support is primarily responsible to help the end-user with problems. As a part of the tech support team, your job is to answer customer queries and ensure they get their problems resolved. This type of role requires a strong technical understanding of the product. Customer problems can surprise an organization and thus you need to have a knack for thinking from the customer’s perspective.
This is usually an entry-level job and does not require any specific degree in IT. However, companies organize training programs before you join in.
5) Network Engineer
The main job of a network engineer is to plan, design, implement and oversee the computer network that supports in-house services. These services could be in terms of data, voice, calls, and wireless network services.
As a network engineer, you need to hold extremely strong technical expertise and in-depth knowledge in computer networking. A bachelor’s degree is usually needed. Pursuing additional networking courses will give you an added advantage.
6) IT Security
An IT security specialist is responsible to design and implement security protocols for an organization. An organization may have intellectual property that needs to be protected. The inter-organizational data can also be prone to external hacks. An IT security specialist has to design measures to counter such a situation.
If you are looking to land a job as an IT security specialist, a bachelor’s degree is usually expected. You need to have an in-depth understanding of various cybersecurity measures. You would not need any certifications when starting out but you should definitely consider them while you gain some experience. CISM and CISSP are some of the courses you should look into.
7) User Experience Designer
User experience is one of the most important factors that define the success of your product. UX designers collect user feedback to decide how the product flow can be made better. This requires a keen eye for visual design and an in-depth understanding of how your customers think.
To get your career started as a UX designer, you would need a bachelor’s degree in either engineering or design. Familiarising yourself with wireframing tools is important. You can start by studying product management to build a better understanding of this role.
8) Quality Assurance Tester
The main job of a quality assurance tester is to ensure that the products released by the company meet the quality standards of the industry. This involves understanding the design of the product and ensuring it is error-free. QA testers are usually a part of product-based companies that require consistent maintenance and updates post-deployment.
As a QA tester, you should ideally hold a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering. Relevant certifications will also help you gain an edge. You also need to have clear communication so that you can document the test cases efficiently.
9) IT Technician
IT technicians provide desktop or network support to either the employees or to their clients. They usually work closely with the support team. Technicians are also responsible to train the staff with new software or systems if needed.
To start a career as an IT technician, you would need a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or an associate degree in networking. To crack an entry-level interview, you need to have clear ideas in computer networking and apply them to the industry you choose to work for.
10) Database Administrator
Database administrators are responsible to maintain databases that are compatible with the organization’s needs. This is done using database software. They can also be responsible for other database-related activities like migration, backups, database design, capacity planning, and performance monitoring.
This is usually a senior position and you might start as a database analyst or just as a developer before moving into this role. You will need a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or management of information systems (MIS) degree to get into this type of IT role.
11) Computer Scientist
This profession is usually involved in research and development and plays an innovative role. A computer scientist is responsible for writing software that could improve the efficiency of the company and could help the employees. This role also expects you to push limits in innovating the existing technology, create new functions, and build better languages.
You will need a bachelor’s degree in engineering to get a shot at this position. However, many companies can also expect a master’s degree as well as other certifications. This is not an entry-level job and you can hope to start as a developer to slowly reach this position.
12) Software Engineer
Software engineers are responsible for identifying issues and patterns to improve overall system quality. They can suggest improvement opportunities in various applications within a software company. These types of jobs in IT field demand in-depth technical knowledge, problem-solving ability, and hands-on experience in various programming languages.
If you want to start a career as a software engineer, you will need a bachelor’s degree in software engineering. Some companies would also expect a master’s degree in software engineering as this role demands a higher caliber.
13) Data Scientist
Data scientists use analytical skills to identify patterns and trends in data. They do so through machine learning algorithms that are programmed to predict certain outcomes. These trends are then used to make business decisions that can drive a company to profits.
Data scientists need to have a combination of skills like industry knowledge, decision making, technical understanding, programming, and skepticism of existing assumptions. You will need both a bachelor’s as well as a master’s degree in IT engineering. Certifications in machine learning and data analysis can also give you an edge in cracking this position.
14) IT Director
IT directors monitor the management, strategy, and execution of several departments within a company. Their main job is to ensure that the work done by various departments and teams aligns with the company's goals. They thus oversee teams as well as work with higher management.
Since this is a management-oriented job, you may require a managerial degree or relevant experience along with a bachelor’s degree in engineering.
15) Management Information Systems Director
MIS directors are typically involved in managing a company’s information technology activities. They plan, install, and monitor software to meet the overall IT goals of a company. They are also responsible to monitor the budget and advice on implementing new technology to push the organization’s goals.
To get a job as an MIS director, you would need an MBA specializing in IT. You can also pursue an MIS course to secure this position.
16) Web Administrator
Each company is built on a hierarchy and the access given to every employee is customized according to his position. A web administrator is responsible for granting the right access to each employee in the company. His main responsibility is to help users understand the systems they are using.
This position can be pursued by anyone who has a high school diploma or a bachelor’s degree. However, depending upon the demands of an organization and the complexity of work, some technical certifications will definitely help.
17) Applications Engineer
Application engineers are usually hired to work closely with a sales team. Their primary job is to identify the challenges that customers are facing while using or applying their company’s solutions. They need to have strong knowledge about industry trends and the specific products they are focused on.
If you are looking to start a career as an application engineer, the most important skills you require are good communication and an ability to understand customer problems. A bachelor’s degree in computer engineering is also needed. Some companies can also expect a few years of prior experience before hiring for this role.
18) Data Quality Manager
Data quality managers are responsible for designing the data management protocols for an organization. Resolving issues, maintaining company standards and effective communication are some of the necessary skills for this role.
To start a career as a DQM, you will require strong analytical and quantitative thinking, good communication skills to collaborate with different stakeholders, and solid management skills. It is one of the most sought-after
19) Help Desk Technician
Help desk technicians are closely aligned with a company’s support cell. Their main task is to provide technical solutions to resolve software and hardware issues within an organization. They are instrumental for the smooth functioning of day to day activities in an IT company.
A help desk technician should possess a strong knowledge of computer systems, hardware, and software. An openness to learn new things and stay updated with the latest technology is very important. You would need an associate’s degree in computer science or a related field to work in this role.
20) IT Coordinator
IT coordinators are responsible for building protocols on using IT across various departments within an organization. They are also responsible for providing training and tech support for systems and networks.
While it is not necessary to have a great educational qualification to secure a job as an IT coordinator, a bachelor’s degree is usually preferred. A clear understanding of the several networking protocols is a must.
21) Cloud Systems Engineer
Cloud systems engineers work in collaboration with software architects, operations, sales, and marketing. Their job is to evaluate data processing within an organization’s cloud infrastructure. They are responsible for deploying and supporting solutions within the customer data centers.
To begin a career as a cloud systems engineer, you will need expertise in SQL, R, and Python. It is also important to have knowledge of cloud service providers.
22) Multimedia developer
A multimedia developer has the ability to combine graphics, sound, animations, video, and text to build integrated multimedia programs. This position demands design as well as development knowledge.
This role requires a high level of creativity and imagination. Design thinking plays a key role in a multimedia developer. A clear technical understanding along with development experience can make you eligible for this highly interesting position.
23) IT Consultant
IT Consultants work from the outside of a company and are hired by a company to evaluate its overall infrastructure, management and strategies. The IT consultant then suggests process improvements and solutions that can help the company growth.
If you are looking to try out IT consultancy, you will require an in-depth business understanding. Excellent communication and organizational skills are extremely important for this role. This position does not specifically focus on a particular degree but gives more importance to prior experience.
24) Software Analyst
A software analyst is a bridge between software developers and software users. His main responsibility is to analyze or study the software domain and prepare documentation that could be relied upon by the team.
Most software analysts hold a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, however, you can grab this position if you show some relevant experience or training. It is important for software analysts to define clear test cases and have a clear communication with the team.
Now that we have explored the different types of job roles in the IT industry, let us try to understand how you can approach an IT interview. This is the trickiest part of landing yourself your dream job since you have to convince an organization of your value.
How you face your interview depends a lot on the position you are applying for. Here are a few tips:
a) Know everything about your resume: You should be confident about why you have presented a certain skill and experience in your resume. The worst impression is when you aren’t sure about your own skill set.
b) Practice answers to most common questions: Some questions like ‘tell me about yourself’, ‘why do you plan to work for us’ etc are expected to come up in an interview. Research on these common questions and design answers that will set you apart from other candidates.
c) Research the company you are applying for: Knowing about the history of the company, its values and its vision show your preparedness for working with the company.
d) Find out the type of interview you would be facing: Make sure you know in advance if you would be facing an IT technical interview or a brief introduction interview. Prepare according to the type of interview.
e) Research about the position you are applying: Finally, learning more about your job profile is not just important for cracking the interview but also beneficial for your own growth.
The secret to success is to always stay curious and open to learning. The IT industry seems to be extremely competitive and tough from the outside but in reality it always welcomes anyone who is willing to learn and grow. There are plenty of different kinds of IT jobs to choose from. With a little bit of dedication you will be in a position to kickstart your career in no time!
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