**This article was last updated in May 2020**

In just the last decade, information technology has become one of the fastest growing industries in the world. In fact, Australia’s cybersecurity industry is predicted to bring in around $6 billion in revenue by 2026.¹

As more companies turn to digital means of doing business, the demand for information technology roles will only continue to increase.

If you’re interested in IT, now is the time to start learning the skills you need for a successful career in this fast-growing sector.

Here are 10 emerging careers in information technology which are experiencing the fastest growth and highest demand in the industry:

1. Cyber Security Analyst

As new technologies emerge, so do the number of security threats online. Organisations are spending more and more time hiring employees to be their line of defence when it comes to keeping their data secure. A cyber security engineer is employed by organisations to protect computer and networking systems from cyber-attacks and hackers.

According to a 2018 report by CSO² , Australia only has 7% of the cyber security expertise that it needs, and as a result, the average salaries for Cybersecurity professionals have gone from $117,000, all the way up to $239,000 annually.

2. Database Administrator

A database administrator is responsible for ensuring that data analysts and other company users can seamlessly use databases to find content as required. The role typically includes capacity planning, installation, migration, security, troubleshooting and a list of other responsibilities.

3. AI/Machine Learning Engineer

These engineers develop AI (artificial intelligence) machines and systems that have the ability to learn and utilise existing knowledge. AI is a technology sector that is seeing rapid growth, and will soon become a top investment for many companies.

As more industries look towards automating certain aspects of the workforce, AI/Machine Learning Engineers will be in high demand.

4. Software and Applications Developer

App developers are responsible for using programming languages and code to develop software that helps users complete specific tasks. As user experience becomes an important focus for both end users and vendors, software and app developers will be in huge demand by 2020 (and beyond). According to Government’s job outlook website³ , the demand for Software and Applications Developers is set to increase strongly over the next few years, reaching 146,800 employed workers by 2023.

5. Cloud Engineer

A Cloud Engineer is tasked with all aspects of cloud computing, including management, maintenance, design, and planning.

In the past, companies would typically store their data in large physical databases or even hire database firms, but today, they are turning to cloud storage as a low-cost and effective means of storing data. This is where cloud engineers come in.

It is expected that Cloud Engineers will be in high demand over the next few years, especially as companies seek a hybrid approach to storing in the cloud as well as in-house databases.

6. Network Analyst

A network analyst is typically responsible for the installation and maintenance of all network components within a company. However, as companies begin utilising the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI, network analysts will benefit from having a good understanding of how these technologies work and how they fit within the company network. A good (or bad) network can make or break daily business efforts and efficiency, thus resulting in high demand for network analysts.

Data from the Australian government’s job outlook website⁴  that the number of Computer Network Professionals is expected to increase to 35,200 by 2023.

7. Business Intelligence Analyst

Business intelligence analysts are tasked with collecting data from numerous sources (such as internal software, competitor information, industry trends etc.) in order to get an idea of where the company stands in comparison to other companies and what efforts can be made to cut costs while growing the business. While this may not sound like an information technology job, it is indeed a key role in the industry. Business intelligence analysts often work directly with app developers to create more streamlined software that benefit the company while cutting costs.

8. Computer Vision Engineer

The work of Computer Vision Engineers is closely linked to AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality). These engineers build and improve upon computer vision and machine learning algorithms to detect, classify and track objects.

The future for Computer Vision Engineers is promising. As we see the rise of such technologies as self-driving vehicles, the demand for skilled professionals will continue to grow.

9. IT Manager

As the breadth of technology used within an organisation grows, the demand for IT managers is expected to fall in line with this growth in upcoming years.

IT managers serve as a bridge between business development needs and technical expertise. Simply put, an IT manager is tasked with understanding what a business needs for growth and coming up with ideas for how technology can satisfy those needs. As a cross-functional role, IT managers would benefit from having a background in both IT as well as business operations.

10. Web Developer

Company website functionality and design continues to be extremely important to business success, and web developers remain in very high demand.

A web developer is responsible for every aspect of a company’s website, including the performance, design, and other technical aspects.

The Australian government’s job outlook website suggests that between 2018 and 2023 there will be around 2000 jobs made available every year.⁶ That’s a total of 10,000 jobs in five years.

Securing your future in IT

A career in information technology offers virtually unlimited opportunities for growth.

Most roles in information technology require some level of qualification as well as on the job experience. Whether you’re just starting your career in IT or want to grow your existing skillset, Open Colleges’ partnership Certified Security Professional coursehas been designed to help you develop job-ready skills for the technology industry.

This course has been developed by AIICT (Australian Institute of ICT) in consultation with industry experts, and it will provide you with three CompTIA certifications. These certifications are accredited by International Organisation for Standardisation and the American National Standards Institute (ISO/ANSI) and cover CompTIA A+, CompTIA Networking+ and CompTIA Security+.

While this is an online cybersecurity course, there are set start dates. This is because you will be studying alongside a cohort of other students. You can track your progress compared to your cohort, and discuss ideas and challenges with them as you progress through the course.

Make sure you don’t miss out on our next intake date!

1. Source: https://www.austcyber.com/resources/industryroadmap
2. Source: https://www.csoonline.com/article/3502472/australia-only-has-7-percent-of-the-cybersecurity-expertise-that-it-needs.html
3. Source: https://joboutlook.gov.au/Occupation?search=Career&code=2613
4. Source: https://joboutlook.gov.au/occupation?code=2631
5. Source: https://www.zdnet.com/article/the-10-it-jobs-that-will-be-most-in-demand-in-2020/
6. Source: https://joboutlook.gov.au/Occupation?search=alpha&code=2612