Careers in Tech Industry Showing Resiliency

Technology fuels today’s economy, resulting in a rise in tech-related employment. Defying expectations of cutbacks, hiring freezes and layoffs, tech sector employers in the U.S. added workers for the 23rd consecutive month, and tech unemployment rates continue to fall. While industries such as hospitality and travel took a hit in recent years, careers in the tech industry demonstrated their resiliency.

The Computing Technology Industry Association, or CompTIA, a leading voice for the $5 trillion global information technology ecosystem, reported that companies across the economy hired an estimated 84,000 new tech workers in September. Nationally, around 30% of all job postings were for tech-related positions, many offering flexible remote work options.

Considering the misconception that one must be a technical wiz to succeed in a tech role, job seekers often overlook these positions. As a result, employers are desperate for tech talent and, in many cases, are willing to train suitable candidates to fill positions. Steven Ostrowski, CompTIA’s senior director of corporate communications, said tech careers are a plausible option for those just entering the workforce, career-changers and even veterans.

“People can learn the technical skills easier and quicker than soft skills,” he said.

The chief information officer of the state of Michigan, Laura Clark, noted that “technology has paved a new and better path for Michigan residents.” However, online activity via digital avenues has “created an ever-increasing need for cybersecurity measures to keep sensitive information safe.” Clark said the state is partnering with educational institutions throughout Michigan to promote careers in information technology and “to make Michigan a hotbed for IT talent.”

“Cybersecurity is the most in-demand job if you’re looking for work, and the hardest to fill if you’re looking to hire,” said Ostrowski. “You don’t have to look far from the daily headlines to see why cybersecurity is so important. As a result, companies are searching desperately for cybersecurity workers at all career levels.”

Workers in data science, analytics and mining are also in demand.

“Companies collect data from their customers and, for the longest time, struggled to figure out how to use that information to be more efficient, to do more business and to connect with their customers better,” said Ostrowski. “They’ve finally figured it out, and now they need the people who can implement it.”

Help desk and technical support employees are also in demand. While those are entry-level positions, there is an elevated level of responsibility as these are frontline workers.

“There’s tech backing every business and industry; it’s everywhere we turn. Thus, there’s a need for tech workers,” Ostrowski said.