Four reasons to choose a career in IT, even if you don't know tech

Four reasons to choose a career in IT, even if you don't know tech

Expanding your tech skills isn’t just for those with a background in IT. Regardless of your skill level, you can gain the skills to land an in-demand career in the tech industry.

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Technology is an important part of every industry. As innovation inspires growing demand for technical skills, a career in IT has become more viable than ever. 

In 2021 the number of IT professionals in the Australia workforce grew by more than 64,000 — a trend that continued into 2022 and beyond1. As such, now is the perfect time to gain the skills of tomorrow and take advantage of the exciting opportunities that come with an IT career.   

Two people standing in front of a large computer screen, one is facing the computer, the other is facing the camera

1. There's plenty of in-demand tech roles right now

As technology and information systems continue to weave their way into everyday life, the breadth of the tech industry only increases. This means more IT jobs, and with them, the need for professionals with the tech skills across many industries and sectors. 

According to recent studies by the ACS and Deloitte, Australia’s technology workforce has grown by 5.5%, and the total number of technology roles in Australia is set to grow to 1 million by 20241. 

Learning new IT skills can expand your tech knowledge and even combine with your existing skills in other areas, such as HR and management. This will give you a stronger understanding of your industry and future-proof your skillset. 

Even with little to no understanding of information technology or data systems, an IT course like the Master of Information Technology is the perfect place to start. No matter your technical background, RMIT’s Master of Information Technology can help you gain the proficiency and theoretical base to work as a skilled IT consultant, cloud architect, mobile application developer, web developer or system analyst.   

2. It's a connected career that allows you to network

Gaining IT skills means more than just getting the expertise and specialisations to work with tech at a professional level. It’s also a great opportunity to get a foothold in an industry with so many new connections.  

In fact, you can begin networking and meeting members of the IT industry before you even complete your studies. 

Master of Data Science student Tannya Varshney described working with industry as one of the most beneficial aspects of her studies, especially since it led to her gaining an internship with an RMIT industry partner. 

“We participated in a Datathon. ANZ was the main sponsor and the competition was about Melbourne public transport data,” said Tannya. “Myself and a few of my classmates grouped together and developed an app that would tell you a better transport for your journey. You put in your journey, your time and then it calculates whether you should take a car or public transport for your specific journey and that is how I got an internship from ANZ.” 

While all of RMIT’s IT courses offer chances to gain industry-connected experience and hands-on learning, the Master of Data Science teaches you the theory behind analytics and computer science, giving you a peak behind screen at the software and data that makes technology tick. 

Seven students working on laptops in a high-tech lab

3. You can specialise in tech that's relevant to your current field

Emerging technology is taking many shapes — advancements in cyber security, the integration of artificial intelligence and better simulation technology with VR and AR, just to name a few recent innovations. 

As this tech expansion occurs, so does the necessity for professionals who understand them. A recent survey found that 156,000 new technology workers will be needed to keep up with the pace of transformation in Australian businesses in the coming years.2 Meanwhile, most Australians have little understanding of coding, blockchain, AI and data visualisation, leaving a huge opportunity for those that are willing to upskill.2

Even with no experience or existing IT technical skills, you can excel one of the fields of study with the right course. Moreover, the benefits of this can lead you to an exciting new position within your existing industry. 

With flexible study options, you can even begin upskilling at RMIT with a course like the Master of Cyber Security while you work.  

4. Expertise in IT gives you improved employability

Whether you are looking for a job in software engineering or just want to develop your CV with some future-focused skills, a postgraduate IT course can help you achieve these goals and more. 

Not only are your horizons expanded by gaining expertise in a tech course, but they can immediately lead to new roles as was the case for Master of Analytics graduate Charlotte Gerhards. 

“Due to the industry relevant subjects taught in my course I was able to gain a great range of skills that are highly in demand at the moment which helped me immensely in securing a graduate role.”  

The future of work and the technology of tomorrow are becoming increasingly connected. Get ahead of the game and ensure you’re ready for what’s next. 

 

 

Story: Jacob Johnston 

 

Sources

1 ASC."Australia's Digital Pulse report 2022". ASC, https://www.acs.org.au/insightsandpublications/reports-publications/digital-pulse2022.html. 

2 RMIT Online. “Ready, set, upskill: Effective training for the jobs of tomorrow”. RMIT Online, 2022,  https://online.rmit.edu.au/insights/2021. 

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torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

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