By Robert Half Technology, Special for USDR
Not everyone is born with a knack to hack, but a new survey shows most people find technology careers attractive. Three-quarters of non-IT (information technology) professionals polled said the technology field holds appeal for them. Salary potential and job opportunities and the ability to be innovative were cited by respondents as the top draws.
“Considering the broadening role of technology in business and its prominence in everyday life, as well as the ongoing conversation around opportunities in tech, it’s easy to understand the appeal of the industry,” said John Reed, executive director, Robert Half Technology. “With a low unemployment rate, and a projected overall salary increase of 5.3 percent in 2016, the widening demand for technology talent makes now a great time for interested job seekers to find their place in the tech field.”
View an infographic based on the research findings.
U.S. working professionals were asked, “Would you find a career in the technology field appealing?” Their responses:
|
YES, because … |
NO, because … |
||
|
Salary potential & job opportunities |
38% |
Uninterested in the technology industry |
12% |
|
Ability to be innovative and constantly learning new things |
24% |
There is too much continued learning/training |
4% |
|
The tech industry has an appealing culture |
13% |
I believe tech is stressful/high pressure |
3% |
|
75% |
19% |
||
|
* 6% of respondents already work in tech |
“Many tech jobs require a college degree and training, but some have fewer barriers to entry and can be attractive career paths for those who are looking to transition into the field,” said Reed. “Those who have strong interpersonal skills and the aptitude for technology may be strong candidates for tech support jobs, for example.”
We’ve put together a list of three roles where, with a few relevant courses or certifications, non-IT professionals can get their start in the industry:
|
Job Title |
2016 Average
Starting
Salary
|
Description |
Transferrable Skills |
|
Help Desk/ Desk Side Support |
$35,000 – $50,250 |
• Manage service requests relating to all technology, including: workstations, servers, printers, networks and mobile devices • Certifications such as HDI, Microsoft or CompTIA are sought after by hiring managers |
• Interpersonal skills • Problem-solving abilities • Customer-friendly attitude • Ability to be calm in stressful situations |
|
Network Associate/ Network Administrator |
$76,250 – $112,000 |
• Maintain and administer systems and technologies • Monitor and ensure appropriate performance of systems/technologies and resolve issues • Provide testing and integration of systems • Microsoft certified system engineer (MCSE) status or Cisco certified internetwork experts (CCIE) are most typically desired. |
• Strong written and verbal communication skills • Problem-solving abilities • Detail-oriented |
|
Data Analyst/Report Writer |
$ 74,500 – $114,500 |
• Analyzing complex data systems and documenting data elements, compiling detailed reports using reporting tools such as Crystal Reports, and making recommendations based on findings. • Employers seek candidates with experience in major database platforms, such as Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle and IBM DB2. |
• Strong analytical, quantitative and problem-solving abilities • Excellent communication skills • The ability to work independently and collaboratively with data systems teams • Excel expertise |
About the Research
The survey of workers was developed by Robert Half Technology and conducted by an independent research firm. It includes responses from more than 300 U.S. workers 18 years or older and employed in office environments.
About Robert Half Technology
With more than 120 locations worldwide, Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of technology professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. Robert Half Technology offers online job search services at rht.com. Follow Robert Half Technology at twitter.com/RobertHalfTech or visit our technology blog at blog.rht.com.
SOURCE Robert Half Technology
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