IT's Where the Jobs Are
In a difficult economy, when the job market is more competitive than it's been in years, it's important to consider career paths that are growing. And there are few industries growing faster than information technology (IT), making earning an online IT degree a smart, tech-savvy move.
IT Is B-I-G
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment in IT occupations will increase by more than 800,000 jobs--which comes to about 24 percent--over the 2006-2016 period, making IT one of the country's fastest growing industries. In fact, network systems and data communication analysts, one of the many jobs available to graduates on information technology shool graduates, is projected to experience 53 percent growth over the 2006-2016 decade, making it the fastest growing occupation in the U.S.
The U.S. Needs More IT Pros
The worry among many interested in IT jobs is that the proliferation of offshoring has put a dent in the job market. Research shows that this is not necessarily the case. In fact, some experts suggest that just as many other countries offshore jobs to the U.S. as do U.S. firms to other countries.
Still others presume that we're still in a post-dot-com-bubble slump, and that there are few secure jobs in the industry, which may be why the Computing Research Association says that enrollments in IT programs in North America have steadily declined since 2002. Meanwhile, employers struggle to find applicants qualified to fill many IT jobs.
If you're interested in a career working with computers, this is a great time to get started, and you might consider an online degree from an information technology school or program.
Why Online IT Degrees Compute
The BLS says that formal training is essential to landing IT jobs; most employers prefer applicants with bachelor's degrees, and some require further certification in certain programs or even advanced degrees. Additionally, business skills are important components of an IT education, as IT starts filtering into every kind of business, and project management and cost-benefit analyses are increasingly the responsibility of IT workers.
So why should you consider an online IT school, as opposed to a traditional program? First, wireless networking capabilities are essential for working in this field. Inherent in completing an online IT degree is a level of comfort in a networking environment. Not only that but being detail-oriented, a good communicator, and a creative problem-solver is important in this field, and when completing an online program. Essentially, completing an online IT program shows potential employers that you already have what it takes to do the job.
Plus, online IT schools are a good fit for working professionals who have limited times in which they can do schoolwork. Online programs still enable you to get one-on-one help from professors and classmates, but at times that are convenient to your schedule and lifestyle.
Online programs require a certain degree of discipline, however, which can be a boon for your resume or a weight to bear. If you aren't a self-starter, or prefer to have face-to-face interactions, online programs may not be for you. Online information technology schools can be a great way to get started on a fast-growing career. Explore this site to learn more.
