How to Pick a Career in IT

The occupations list in computer and information technology from U.S. Department of Labor:

OCCUPATION	JOB SUMMARY	ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION	2016 MEDIAN PAY
Computer and Information Research Scientists	Computer and information research scientists invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, medicine, science, and other fields.	Master's degree	$111,840
Computer Network Architects	Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets. These networks range from small connections between two offices to next-generation networking capabilities such as a cloud infrastructure that serves multiple customers.	Bachelor's degree	$101,210
Computer Programmers	Computer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow.	Bachelor's degree	$79,840
Computer Support Specialists	Computer support specialists provide help and advice to computer users and organizations. These specialists either support computer networks or they provide technical assistance directly to computer users.	See How to Become One	$52,160
Computer Systems Analysts	Computer systems analysts, sometimes called systems architects, study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures, and design solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. They bring business and information technology (IT) together by understanding the needs and limitations of both.	Bachelor's degree	$87,220
Database Administrators	Database administrators (DBAs) use specialized software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They make sure that data are available to users and secure from unauthorized access.	Bachelor's degree	$84,950
Information Security Analysts	Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyberattacks increases.	Bachelor's degree	$92,600
Network and Computer Systems Administrators	Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks.	Bachelor's degree	$79,700
Software Developers	Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks.	Bachelor's degree	$102,280
Web Developers	Web developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the look of the site. They are also responsible for the site’s technical aspects, such as its performance and capacity, which are measures of a website’s speed and how much traffic the site can handle. In addition, web developers may create content for the site.	Associate's degree	$66,130

More on IT managers and hardware engineers:

Computer and Information Systems Managers	Computer and information systems managers, often called information technology (IT) managers or IT project managers, plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They help determine the information technology goals of an organization and are responsible for implementing computer systems to meet those goals.	Bachelor's degree	$135,800
Computer Hardware Engineers	Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers.	Bachelor's degree	$115,080

Most of the IT occupations do need Bachelor's degree on computer science and information technology related areas. Since IT is the bridge between business and technology, some of business knowledge (e.g. financial, marketing, economics) will help you on the jobs. Some of the occupations under IT do need Master's degree (e.g. MBA or MIS for IT management jobs) even PhD's degree (e.g. data scientist, machine learning expert).  Because the salary and projected jobs in technology job market, it's important to build a competitive package with clear defined career objectives, the traditional college educations, and IT certifications. 

Some of the qualities and skills to reach your career goal in IT:

• Creative and ability to learn quickly: Using technology to solve the real-life problems or business issues does require the IT professional to think out of the box. The design of software product must be appealing as well as functional. The technology is updated very quickly every day! It's required the IT professional has the learning ability on any new released technical language, frameworks, and software etc. 
• Analytical and problem-solving skills: Analyze the problems and assess the solutions to meet the systems' requirement, users' needs and business improvements.
• Speaking and writing skills: IT professionals must be able to communicate effectively with customers and co-works. Good speaking and writing skills will help IT professionals to demonstrate the products and give clear instructions to use the products.
• Multitasking and interpersonal skills: IT professionals need to work on many problems and tasks at the same time with different types of people. The interpersonal skills such as team player, listening skills, open-mindedness, and honest will help the individual to work professional and focus on delivering high qualified products.
• Math skills and logical thinking: Demand on IT professionals will dramatically increase from greater emphasis on cloud computing, big data, AI, and IoT. The advanced math knowledge and talent for reasoning will be required on those areas. 
• Leadership and organizational skills: Architect or IT managers should be able to direct and motivate a team. Make decisions to reflect the best interests of a company's short-term and long-term strategy.

We can prepare career plan since high school:

• Take advanced math and science courses from your school such as AP physics and dual enrollment on pre-calculus.
• Take computer science courses such as AP computer science principles from your school, or register pre-college IT class, or attend summer camp on IT.
• Take on-line coding or certificates training classes for tech-crazy students considering a career in computer science.
• Apply the university from best undergraduate computer engineering programs. Stay tuned for the incoming post on this topic.

When we talk about how to plan IT career path, the following areas need to be considered:

• Individual contributor vs. manager role: if you have strong leadership skills and good interpersonal skills, you may want to setup your career goal from entry level IT professional to IT manager, then Chief of Information Officer. But if you enjoy coding, systems, and/or research, you may want to be individual contributor from junior to senior level IT professional, even subject matter expert in certain IT area (e.g. data, machine learning, internet of things, IT language, hardware)
• Technology vs. business: if you like work some on business side instead of just technology, you may want to setup your career goal as business analyst, product manager, or marketing on IT. 
• Corporate professional vs. entrepreneur: you have the freedom to create the product you passionate about and willing to learn every aspect of the business with risks/challenges as an entrepreneur.

Technology is changing everyday and there will be more occupations on IT. So be flexible about your career plan in IT industry. Most young people even many adults don't know what they what to be until work in few different jobs. Enjoy learning the new technology and give yourself enough time to find the suitable career. Please leave your comment if there is any question or topic need to be elaborated.