There are so many logical reasons to make a career out of Information Technology. Just the simple fact that it can last your entire life is an easy one! That, and the dollar signs you keep picturing won’t just be in your dreams, they’ll be in your paycheck (check out our Salary Stats for more details). If that’s not enough, here are a few more reasons why you’ll sleep better knowing you made the right decision.

Beat the Weak Economy
While other professions are faced with cut-backs and lay-offs due to a weak economy, the IT job market continues to remain strong and stable. The Cybercities 2008 report by The American Electronics Association (AeA) shows that the IT field is booming with growth and creating even more lucrative jobs RIGHT NOW. Furthermore, since technology is always progressing at such a rapid rate, companies will continue to increase and “update” staff to support company growth and new technical innovations. 

Progression Even In Recession
Regardless of what shape the economy is in, more and more industries are implementing the use of computer systems to maintain, organize and store company data in an effective and efficient manner, and so the need for skilled IT professionals is increasing. Service industries such as Healthcare, Education, Telecommunications, Security, Insurance and many more all have an IT Department that requires hiring IT professionals. With so many options, be sure to educate yourself to find your perfect fit in the ever-evolving IT world!

Charting the Right Path
You can be sure that whatever path you take to the IT highway, you’ll never come to a dead end. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that unemployment in the IT industry is at a record decade low and the demand for IT professionals is expected to remain strong until at least 2014. Whether you’re starting fresh or have been forced out of another career, now is the best time to choose the IT industry as the vibrant answer to your future.

Job Tech-urity!
An IT career means job security! Unlike so many industries today, a combination of projected growth over the next decade and a shortage of IT professionals will provide a strong and secure future for those entering the field. With the dot com bubble burst in 2000, many mistakenly shied away from IT and therefore not enough people entered the industry. In addition, with the shift from a manufacturing to a service-oriented economy, companies continue to increase their demands for IT professionals. And, of course, technology never, ever slows down, so neither will that demand.

The Force of Our Future
The IT industry is nothing short of exciting. It is the driving force of our world today and IT is constantly changing. Unlike most other careers, the forecast for the future is bright – since IT is our future! The following are some stats on the current outlook of the IT industry:

Occupational Title	Growth Projections up to 2016
Computer Scientists and Database Administrators	37%
Computer and Information Scientists, Research	22%
Database Administrators	29%
Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts	53%
Computer Specialists, all other	15%
Computer Software Engineers	38%
Computer Software Engineers, Applications	45%
Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software	28%
Computer Support Specialists and Systems Administrators	18%
Computer Support Specialists	13%
Network and Computer Systems Administrators	27%
Computer Systems Analysts	29%

As you can see from these few examples, Information Technology has such a vast offering of occupations and therefore a successful job search requires a substantial investment of time, energy and creativity. To make the most of everything, do your research to find which categories (see PC Repair and Support, Network Administration, Web Design and Development, Database Administration, Programming and Security) interest you the most and weigh all your options. Then, prepare your cover letters and resume carefully, brush up on your interview skills and don’t forget about networking. There are many useful tools online that can help you as well, such as online directories, job search sites like www.indeed.com and other general employment placing help.

According to research, the following skills will be in strong demand in the coming year:

Microsoft .NET Development
The demand for individuals who are proficient in Microsoft .NET Framework will continue to grow as more and more companies invest in the web. With this skill, you’ll have the ammunition to ask for a ten percent-higher salary than those who don’t have a shot. Among those occupations that require expertise in .NET are Web Developer and Software Engineer.

Web Design
For more than a decade, one of the fastest growing categories within the IT industry is Website Design and Development. Businesses want a savvy and convenient way to brand their company, sell their products and services, and generate more workflow. The talent of designing websites is essential in jobs such as Graphic Designers, Web Developer, Web Site Editors, Web Site Directors and Creative Director.

Windows Support
Windows support knowledge is the most in-demand technical talent in IT departments today. To become anything from a Computer Technician to a Desktop Support Analyst to a Help Desk Manager, you need the ability to install, configure, manage and maintain Windows servers. And just for that knowledge, you could be awarded ten percent more than other IT Professionals who lack this knack.

Network Administration
Network administration expertise is also in demand and Cisco™ networking experience are the magic words. You could make an average of twelve percent more magically appear on your paycheck as a Network Engineer, Systems Administrator or Telecommunications Manager, for example. If maintaining and troubleshooting Cisco hubs and routers suits you, get the skills you need to pay the bills.

Database Management
These days, it is invaluably important for companies to keep their data well organized and secure and therefore need Business Intelligence Analysts, Data Architects and Database Managers who can help them get the job done right. Microsoft SQL Server and Oracle database proficiencies could mean at least a ten percent higher salary than the rest.