Looking for a Career in IT? Here are the 6 Different Career Paths You Can Take

The IT industry remains to be one of the highest job generators in India, and here’s a fact to prove it. Nasscom has predicted that the Indian IT sector to clock 7-9% growth in FY19 itself. So, if you are aspiring to forge a career in the IT field, it’s worthwhile to know the various career paths you can take, along with the skill you’ll need to excel and the salaries you’ll draw in each one of them.

Right then, let’s look at the 6 different career paths you can take in IT.

Software programmer

Job Profile

A software programmer also known as software engineer or architect is a professional employed to create programs and mostly writes the code utilized by system applications and software products we use. They are well versed in different programming languages like C, Java and Python etc. and understand how software and hardware function.

Often programmers are part of the meeting held between company and client to understand client needs and provide technical inputs and approach before executing the job. Programmers work in teams and perform designated roles assigned by their programming lead and managers.

Key Skills

Analytical thinking, proficiency in programming languages, communication skills and teamwork

Salary
 

Source: Payscale

Opportunities

Opportunities exist in application development firms, mobile app development firms, software enterprises and online retail companies.

Network engineer

A network engineer also known as network analyst performs the duty of planning, installing and maintaining each network component within an organization. As a network engineer you can be a part of an IT company specializing in troubleshooting projects or could be part of government departments, multinational companies and will be working directly with the team of programmers, designers and IT managers to design systems. Network engineers are also in charge for security, data storage and disaster recovery strategies.

Key skills

Knowledge of hardware, software and programming, analytical skills, problem-solving skills

Salary


Systems analyst

Job Profile

Systems analyst as the name suggests are professionals that specialize in analyzing business requirements to design a solution based on both business and technical aspects.  They are responsible forgathering and structuring the client-side requirement, costing and timelines for the project and drafting a feasible solution for the stakeholders.

A system analyst must have business and technical domain knowledge along with sharp communication skills. Programmers move up to a systems analyst role after few years of experience. 

Key skills

Business and IT domain knowledge, analytical skills, presentation and communication skills.

Salary

Source: Payscale

Opportunities

System analysts play a pivotal role in software development companies. Opportunities exist in client side as well.

IT security

IT security professionals specialize in protecting computer systems, data and servers of an organization from external cyber threats and unauthorized access. They create barriers by employing firewalls and different security systems to ensure an organizational data is safe.

IT security professionals also conduct audits and constantly monitor network security for lapses and anomalies.

Key skills

One must have a thorough knowledge of IT concepts, architecture and coding skills. Administrative skills and soft skills are also important.

Salary



Source: Payscale

Opportunities

Opportunities exist in software firms, telecom companies and ISP services.

Software Tester

Job profile

A software tester, also known as QA tester, plays a vital role in ensuring the quality of the software in development and deployment stage. He tests the software for bugs and errors by conducting manual and automated tests. Assessing the code is a key role played by software testers.

Key skills

Analytical mindset, attention to detail, problem spotting and solving skills, organized and time efficient.

Salary


Source: Payscale

Opportunities

Opportunities exist in application development firms, mobile app development firms, software enterprises.

Technical support

Job Profile

Every organization needs support in installation, maintenance and optimal performance of computer systems. A technical support professional performs this role. His profile also consists of diagnosing hardware and software issues and providing support to his organization personally or over phone.

Key Skills

Good knowledge of latest software and hardware, a problem-solving mindset and good communication skills.

Salary
 
Source: Payscale

Opportunities

The opportunities for a tech support virtually exist in every firm, from software to banking and healthcare etc. Opportunities exist in both public and private sectors.

Enhance your employability

Today, to be industry ready from the first day of joining, freshers needs to acquire skills that may not be included in their graduate program. IT jobs are constantly evolving in an ever-changing industry landscape.

Recruiters today place soft-skills in the top 3 skills possessed by freshers. It’s imperative that students develop excellent communication skills as well as people skills to enhance their employability.

Manipal ProLearn’s School of Jobs offers classroom training programs and IT bootcamp training programs that are industry specific and provides intensive training by experienced industry experts and faculty. These hands-on training sessions include concept training with case studies, real-life examples & role plays to make students industry ready.