The tech industry accounts for nearly 10% of the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP). Further cementing this status is the fact that nearly every organization, no matter its size or purpose, has adopted some piece of information technology infrastructure, software or service. From cloud computing and cybersecurity to data management and software design, information technology (IT) has become essential across industries. 

The massive growth and nearly universal adoption of internet-connected tools have created a huge demand for IT professionals. Degrees in tech have been growing at the fastest rate of any academic major.  

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects computer and IT occupations to grow by 15% this decade. Many students, as well as professionals seeking a career change, are taking notice of the demand for IT skills. Earning an IT degree can help you take advantage of this demand, whether you’re looking to move into a leadership position, pivot into a new industry, or strengthen your technical expertise. If you’re an experienced professional exploring what you can do with an IT degree, understanding the different career paths available is the first step toward advancing your career. 

Here are a few popular and rewarding concentrations IT professionals can pursue: 

Information Security 

One of the fastest-growing areas within IT is information security. As cyberthreats become more advanced and data breaches more frequent, organizations need skilled professionals to protect their systems and valuable data stored online. Organizations of all sizes have increased their digital footprint, and the risks have increased as well. Each user, whether of social media, a proprietary platform, or even an email account, can be exploited, and IT security professionals are on the front lines of combating these risks. 

Cybersecurity professionals focus on safeguarding data, building secure networks, and training employees on best practices, such as how to safely manage passwords, detect fraudulent communications, and practice safe internet use. People are drawn to this aspect of IT because it can touch every part of an organization, from hiring practices to product development, marketing and sales, and an organization’s data storage infrastructure. 

Software Development 

Software development often comes to mind first when people think of careers in technology.  Generally, developers design, build and maintain the applications and systems that power mobile apps and enterprise databases. Software developers spend their days writing and testing code, creating innovative solutions, and collaborating with teams to improve performance and user experience. 

The types of projects that designers work on will change depending on organizational needs. A software-as-a-service (SaaS) startup may use a particular set of languages and tools on the cutting edge, whereas a large financial organization might use tools that are older and more established or even proprietary to the organization or industry.  

This is also an area likely to involve new artificial intelligence (AI) tools, which many believe will become a major component of the field in the coming years. This sort of role is ideal for people who enjoy learning new things and being nimble. The constant growth and change characteristic of the tech sector is not likely to go away anytime soon, so developers will need to move quickly with the latest shifts and adopt new practices enthusiastically. 

Data Infrastructure 

The rush to build and integrate new AI tools has created an astronomical demand for an already rapidly growing element of the tech sector. The massive computing and energy needs of AI tools have led to a projected 70% growth in data centers. This is becoming a much more crucial and challenging piece of the tech industry, and organizations from established tech companies to scrappy startups are looking to augment their teams with data infrastructure expertise.  

Data infrastructure experts are focused on both the software and hardware that their organization uses, ensuring that they are maximizing their data storage hardware in the most efficient way possible. As these demands become more energy-intensive, there will be added pressure on organizations to find ways to improve efficiency and save money. Professionals in this area often have opportunities to work on both strategic planning and hands-on implementation, making it an appealing choice for those who like to see tangible results from their work. 

Roles in this field include data engineers, systems architects, and cloud operations managers, which will only become more important and require training as highly demanding AI tools become standardized.  

IT Education Options at Columbia Southern University 

A degree in information technology can provide advanced knowledge to help you lead large-scale data projects or manage teams supporting critical systems. Whether you’re ready to move into a management role, specialize in cybersecurity, or pursue emerging opportunities in AI and cloud computing, an information technology degree can help you get closer to accomplishing your goals. 

CSU also recognizes the value of your past experience. Eligible students may be able to transfer credit for previous coursework or relevant professional training, helping you finish your degree faster and focus on your career goals. 

Learn more about our online information technology programs here.