IT jobs forecast: Demand continues to rise

If you’re looking for a career in IT, 2024 may be your year. As more businesses incorporate technology to enhance their services and decision-making processes, the demand for skilled IT workers will continue to rise in the coming year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that computer and information technology occupations will grow 15% between 2021 and 2031.

A rising tide

As technology increasingly integrates into workplace practices, the demand for IT professionals continues to rise. This makes for a smaller pool of candidates as demand outstrips supply for qualified candidates in some regions, making it difficult for companies to find and attract new talent for available positions. Positions that remain open for extended periods can then result in changes in revenue and affect the appeal of the company as a whole for candidates, as positions open for extended periods can affect the perception of the company in the job market.

According to Forbes, because of this continuous rapid growth, hiring trends are changing for this sector, making it more entry-level-friendly for those with alternative education or minimal experience in the industry. This change in hiring trends makes it ideal for those new to the job force or wanting to transition from other careers without a serious investment in hefty education programs that aren’t ideal or feasible for some.

Job variety

As the technology sector undergoes an enormous boom, the job titles in this industry have also expanded. This means there are plenty of unique jobs available that can best fit your skills, knowledge, education, and expertise. Some roles you may find in your job hunt include:

Blockchain engineer
Cloud architect
Computer systems architect
Data scientist
Information security engineer
Software developer

However, the foundation of these jobs is the same, given they all require a basic understanding of technology fundamentals. Moving beyond the basics, many roles in the industry also require a knowledge of technical programming languages and how they work to provide a service or enhance user interfaces.

Skills

IT jobs all rely on a basic understanding of technology. From there, you can focus on developing your skills in various aspects of IT and acquire vastly different technical abilities. Some common technical skills often used in many IT roles include:

Cloud computing
Data analysis
Development operations
Information security
Programming languages
Systems and networks

Soft skills are those additional attributes you use regularly but may not contribute directly to executing highly technical, niche tasks. Many soft skills enhance your technical abilities and help you foster strong relationships in the workplace, which can, in turn, benefit your career. Common soft skills beneficial in an IT workspace include:

Analytical thinking
Attention to detail
Communication
Problem-solving
Project management
Time management

“With a highly positive outlook between now and 2031, you can expect the IT market to grow along with the need for talented individuals with a variety of skill sets that include both technical and soft skills.”

Perks

As the competition for landing top IT talent increases, many employers now offer more than just higher salaries. Many companies provide their employees with financial assistance toward earning advanced degrees, with some giving employees full reimbursement. Advanced degrees may include a Master of Science in Information Technology, a Master of Science in Information Systems, and a Master of Library and Information Science.

Additionally, many employers offer flexible work arrangements to attract top talent — including alternative schedules, remote work opportunities, hybrid working practices, compressed workweeks, summer hours, job sharing, and sabbaticals. Larger companies may also provide other unique benefits, such as free lunches, available snacks, catered meals, company events, paid parking, and commuting reimbursements.

Hiring workers of all ages

Companies plan to fill open IT positions with candidates from diverse backgrounds. Since there is more demand than availability of qualified individuals in this field, many companies accept candidates of all qualification levels. This includes students yet to complete their education, individuals who have completed alternative education, such as a coding boot camp, or those who have retired and are looking to return to work in the IT sector.

The skills gap persists

Since technology has expanded to require various skill sets, so has the skills gap between the employers’ needs and the employees’ capabilities. Many employers are creating plans to help overcome these gaps by either hiring new talent or educating the existing employee workforce to reduce the gaps.

According to Emeritus, companies can close their skills gap by identifying overlooked talent and creating or expanding training programs. What this means for you as a potential employee is that you can participate in these training programs to develop your IT skills, making you more competitive in the evolving job market.

Understanding your job prospects in the IT industry can help you decide whether to enter this market. With a highly positive outlook between now and 2031, you can expect the IT market to grow along with the need for talented individuals with a variety of skill sets that include both technical and soft skills. If you’re ready to start your IT job search, create a profile so IT employers can find you and better understand how well your skills align with their available roles.