What Are You Waiting For? 9 Reasons to Work in IT
People change jobs and even change careers frequently. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the typical American worker changes careers around 12 times before they retire.
If you're contemplating a new career, are unhappy with your current role, or simply want to try something new, consider a career in IT. This growing job market has plenty to offer new-to-the-field workers and you may already have relevant tech skills needed for entry-level tech jobs. Let’s take a closer look at the top nine reasons to work in tech.
Take your free skills quiz and start your journey to a new career in IT.
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Use and build upon the skills you already have
Tech is not all math and science. In fact, you can build on skills you already have. Alongside technical skills, the skills that typically matter most include soft skills like communication, project management, and problem-solving. While technical skills are important, they can be learned more easily than a strong work ethic, a natural curiosity, and the ability to work well with others. If you’re committed to learning, and do so with the right tech training, you can gain hardware, cybersecurity, coding, and other technical skills that may help you enter and advance in tech.
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Tech pays well
It's no secret that many technology careers pay well. The average annual earnings of people in computer and information technology occupations are $104,420 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
While tech salaries will vary based on job role, level, and location, tech has ample opportunity for advancement in terms of both responsibility and salary. If financial security is a concern, a job in tech could provide you with the peace of mind you need.
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The tech job market is growing
Professionals with the right set of skills have endless job opportunities in IT. CompTIA’s State of the Tech Workforce 2024 reports that the replacement rate for tech jobs during 2024-2034 is expected to average approximately 350,000 workers each year, or 6% annually.
Additionally, employment in the tech industry is expected to grow at twice the rate of overall employment across the economy over the next decade. With this positive market trend comes the opportunity for career growth, better job security, and opportunities for advancement as you gain more skills. The tech job market is growing and if you’re new-to-the-field or are a career switcher, now is a great time to explore tech roles.
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Tech can feed your curiosity
You may be wondering “which tech career is right for me?” One of the major benefits of working in tech is that the field is ever-evolving, with many technology careers to choose from.
Tech innovation, evolving tech roles, and new technologies mean your job will never be boring. You also may be able to learn new skills and level up into new tech job opportunities.
If you love learning, like to be kept on your toes, and are up for a challenge, a tech job may be right up your alley.
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Work in any industry
Tech workers are not limited to just startups or technology solutions providers. Having the right tech skills means you can work in different industries. Tech professionals are needed in private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Whether you want to work in education, finance, healthcare, or even the auto industry ––you can work in a field that fuels your passion.
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Get the work–life balance you’re seeking
Tech workers report higher job satisfaction because of the work-life balance their tech careers bring them. Many tech careers boast a standard work week, with plenty of time off for vacations, illness, and holidays. Others allow you to work remotely and some offer flexible schedules that compensate you on a project-by-project basis.
No matter where you land in IT, you'll likely have a pretty great work–life balance, which means less stress, more time with loved ones, and a better quality of life overall.
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Career growth the way you want
The tech industry can help you grow in your career the way you choose. Whether you want to grow in your career or want to shift in your current track, you have the power to decide how you want your work life to look.
With the right tech training, you can level up your skills to explore new tech roles including cybersecurity, data science, and others. You can also grow in tech and pursue middle manager or senior manager roles.
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Show off your creative side
Tech is all about finding innovative solutions to complex problems, and the most impactful tech workers are also often the most creative.
You likely won't arrive at those solutions through linear thinking alone. Creativity is an underrated skill that will help you meet your goals on a day-to-day basis. The ability and desire to take creative risks on the job will help you in almost all tech roles.
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You can help people
Whether you're working tech support to solve everyday challenges or developing solutions behind the scenes, your skills and specialized knowledge will help make other people's lives simpler.
Being able to help people, whether they are end users or your team members, can improve your overall job satisfaction. This translates to a rewarding career that you can feel proud of, even years down the line.
Assess your skills and find the right tech job
Tech is a rapidly growing field, with plenty of opportunities for growth, advancement, and impact. If you are considering a career in tech but are not sure where to start, CompTIA can help.
You don’t need a vast resume of technical skills to make your mark in the tech space, those skills can be learned over time. Rather, understanding the skills you do have and what tech role they best align with can help you create a path forward in an exciting tech career.
With our free skills quiz, you can match your skills to tech careers that best complement your current abilities. As you learn more about tech careers, you can narrow down more specialized roles so that you can map out a plan forward in tech.
You have what it takes to land a role in IT. Explore your skills and discover the many exciting technology roles that await. Take our free skills quiz to discover your skills and the best tech roles they align with.
Want to explore tech salaries, job roles, and more? The CompTIA Salary Tracker can help. Unlock the possibilities and start planning for your future in tech.
