Recently, we wrote about what IT professionals do and why you should consider a degree in the field, here we’ll explore what makes information technology so important in the first place.
As part of this discussion, we’ll cover what information technology entails, how it’s used in modern businesses, and why you should consider becoming an IT expert.
After you’ve learned everything you need to know about the important role that IT plays in modern businesses, fill out our information request form to receive additional details about CSU Global’s 100% online Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, or if you’re ready to get started, submit your application today.
What is IT & Why Are IT Experts So Important?
IT professionals are critical members of nearly every modern organization, thanks to the need for trained technologists in virtually every industry and field.
According to Workforce.com, “Information technology is the study, design, development, implementation, support or management of computer-based information systems- particularly software applications and computer hardware.”
Based on that definition alone, it’s clear why IT professionals are so important to the modern economy.
It’s the IT team that keeps computers running, ensuring that each employee has access to the hardware, software, and support needed to get their job done.
Furthermore, anyone who has ever run into computer problems on the job will know just how important it is to have a skilled, knowledgeable, and capable IT expert prepared to assist them.
Since almost every organization relies on some kind of computer technology to accomplish its objectives, IT experts have become indispensable.
Where Do IT Professionals Work?
Because nearly every organization needs computer experts to keep their systems and software running properly, IT professionals can find work anywhere and everywhere.
IT specialists operate in every industry, from healthcare to education, construction to manufacturing, and any other sector that you can imagine.
Most IT experts do tend to work in offices, but they can also perform their job from home or external sites thanks to the spread of remote access software.
Many IT professionals even work in totally external environments, away from the employees and organizations that they support, thanks to the modern trend of outsourcing IT support to third-party firms or individual technology experts.
In terms of who they work for, you’ll find IT pros employed at every type of organization, including public and private corporations, nonprofit organizations, and state or federal government agencies.
What Do Information Technologists Actually Do?
IT experts are tasked with a variety of responsibilities, with some professionals working in software engineering, others in network administration, and still others in IT support.
Traditionally, information technologists are asked to study, design, develop, implement, support, and manage both computers and computer-based information systems, including handling tasks related to software and hardware.
Some of the most popular job titles for the IT field include:
- Computer Programmer
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Computer Network Architect
- Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Information Security Analyst
And while these experts may be asked to handle dramatically different responsibilities, some common IT tasks include:
- Analyzing technical problems to identify computer requirements needed to solve those problems with appropriate information technology solutions.
- Designing, implementing, and evaluating computer-based systems, processes, components, and programs.
- Identifying, analyzing, and responding to user needs for the selection, creation, evaluation, and administration of computers and computer-based systems.
As you might imagine, IT work can get quite complex, and while that may scare some individuals away from the field, there are some excellent reasons to consider getting into the industry.
Should You Pursue a Career in IT?
This depends on your interests, but if you’re good with computers, you like technology, and you want to help an organization and its individuals maximize their productivity using cutting-edge technology, then IT could be the perfect role for you.
If that doesn’t seem compelling enough, here are three excellent reasons to consider launching a career in information technology:
- IT experts play a critical role in virtually every modern business, meaning this is a great field for establishing a lifelong career.
- The IT industry is evolving and growing rapidly, with demand for IT experts projected to continue growing over the next decade.
- The best IT jobs offer a substantial income, with those professionals reaching the top of the field earning excellent annual salaries.
Let’s look at each of these reasons in additional detail:
IT Personnel Are Critical to Organizational Success
If you’re interested in launching a fulfilling, lifelong career, then you should consider getting into the field of information technology.
As an IT expert, you can have a considerable impact on any organization you work for, helping determine their success by providing the computer-based tools and support needed for personnel to be successful, effective, and efficient.
Many IT experts can help drive organizational success, especially in the modern, global economy, by playing an important role in determining the technology needs, goals, and requirements of the organization.
Importantly, the larger the organization, the more complex its IT needs tend to become, and the more important it becomes that they’ve got reliable IT experts on staff.
Demand for IT Experts is Projected to Continue Growing
Demand for IT experts is projected to continue rising over the next decade, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting that the employment of computer and information occupations will grow by 15% between 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the rate of growth for all occupations.
BLS explains that this growth will be driven by a greater emphasis on cloud computing, along with an increasing need for IT experts to help with the collection and storage of big data and information security.
Knowing that the IT field is projected to continue growing, you can be confident that the demand for IT skills and abilities will remain strong, making it much more likely that you’ll be able to find a good role in the industry after you’ve completed your training and earned the proper educational credentials.
Rising demand also signals that it’s a good time to get into the industry, as growth should stimulate not just new entry-level positions, but also an increase in more important and more senior-level roles.
IT Professionals Have Excellent Earnings Potential
Skilled IT experts are capable of earning excellent salaries, with the BLS reporting excellent compensation for some of the most common accounting positions, including:
- Computer and Information Systems Managers / 2021 Median Pay: $159,010
- Computer Network Architect / 2021 Median Pay: $120,520
- Information Security Analyst / 2021 Median Pay: $102,600
- Computer Systems Analyst / 2021 Median Pay: $99,270
- Computer Programmer / 2021 Median Pay: $93,000
Keep in mind that this is just a small list of some of the more popular job titles for IT experts and that getting your degree in the field and breaking into the industry could open up thousands of different career opportunities.
No matter what specific role you end up choosing to pursue, the important thing to remember is that if income potential matters to you, you’ll have a good chance of enjoying a lucrative career in this space should you choose to stick with it.
How To Launch Your IT Career
While you can get an entry-level role in IT without first completing a degree program, it will be easier to land a good job in the field if you complete an IT degree program.
Why? Because the best way to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities you’ll need to become a professional IT expert is to study the industry in a serious academic setting, like CSU Global’s online B.S in Information Technology program.
Our 100% online IT program provides all the training, knowledge, and experience you’ll need to launch a successful, lifelong career as an IT professional.
Furthermore, choosing to study with us ensures that you’ll graduate with a degree that’s respected by the IT hiring managers you’ll need to impress when it comes to looking for a job in this competitive industry.
Should You Get Your IT Degree Online?
Yes, you can and should consider getting your degree in information technology online at CSU Global.
Our accelerated IT degree program was designed to be completed entirely online, providing our students with far more flexibility and freedom than competing, traditional, in-person programs.
Accordingly, studying online with us will make it far easier to juggle your educational pursuits with other existing work and family responsibilities, as our program offers several important conveniences, including:
- No requirements to attend classes at set times or locations.
- Access to monthly class starts.
- Accelerated, eight-week courses.
If you’re looking for a streamlined, flexible degree program that will interfere as little as possible with your existing responsibilities, then you should think about studying with CSU Global.
Why Should You Pick CSU Global’s Online IT Program?
Our online B.S. in Information Technology program is an excellent choice for anyone looking to launch a lifelong career in this competitive, yet exciting, and innovative field.
This program is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, and it was designed to provide you with industry-relevant, workplace-related training and skills.
All of our instructors have direct, recent experience in the field, and our program has won several top rankings, including:
- A #1 ranking for Top Low-Cost Online Bachelor's in Computer and IT Programs, Great Value Colleges.
- A #2 ranking for Best Online Bachelor's Degrees in Information Technology, Cyber Degrees.
- A #3 rankings for The Best Information Technology Degree Programs of 2021, Best Value Schools.
Our alumni’s experience in the real world signals that this program helps to prepare them for successful careers, with graduates reporting an annual starting salary of $77,010 one year after graduation, and a 15% pay increase one year after completing their degree.
Finally, CSU Global also offers competitive tuition rates and a tuition Guarantee to ensure your rate won’t increase as long as you remain enrolled.
To get additional details about our fully accredited, 100% online Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology please give us a call at (800) 462-7845, or fill out our Information Request Form.
Ready to get started today? Apply now!