The importance of technology in business, and in our everyday lives, has grown more than ever during the pandemic. So much so, that it will come as no surprise to hear that the IT industry is booming, and this upward trend will continue.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be an additional 531,2000 new computer and information technology occupations coming to the market in upcoming years. But for now, there is a shortage of qualified IT professionals.
So, whether you’re a new graduate looking for a fulfilling job in tech, or a seasoned worker thinking of changing career, the tech industry is definitely something you should consider. Not only are IT jobs in great demand, but they offer good salaries and exceptional benefits too.
If you don't have much experience but you’re looking at starting a new career in tech, check out our list of the best entry-level IT jobs around today. We’ve also added some job requirements and average salaries too, so you’ll have an even better understanding of the roles listed below.
1: Quality Assurance Analyst
QA Analysts ensure that a piece of software is reliable, fully functional, and error-free before it goes onto the market. Their role involves creating test plans, executing tests to identify flaws and weaknesses in a product, and reporting bugs so that developers can fix them.
Requirements
The position of a QA Analyst requires a number of technical skills:
- Knowledge of the main testing concepts (methods, test types, techniques and tools)
- Understanding of the software development life cycle and the different approaches (Waterfall, Agile and Scrum)
- Knowledge of various desktop and mobile operating systems: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android.
Soft skills like an eye for detail, strong analytical and communication skills are also very desirable.
Salary
Based on data collected from Indeed, the average salary of a QA Analyst in the US is $60,398 per year.
2: Sales Engineer
Sales Engineers sell tech products or services to businesses. They prepare presentations that explain all the technical aspects of their products to prospective customers, they collaborate with sales teams to help them close deals, and provide post-sales support to those who need it.
Requirements
Excellent communication skills, problem-solving skills, and the ability to present complex information in an easy-to-understand way are essential for this role.
Additionally, a Sales Engineer must have a solid understanding of the technological solutions his or her company offers to customers.
Salary
According to Indeed, a Sales Engineer's average salary in the United States is $92,665 per year.
3: Business Analyst
In short, a Business Analyst is a person who helps businesses become more effective by analyzing their processes and information systems. By doing this they find areas that can be improved, and they suggest solutions to problems that are discovered.
Requirements
Since this role is a bridge between IT and business, a Business Analyst must have a good grasp of both fields.
A degree in Business, Finance, or Management might give you an advantage over other candidates, but it’s not mandatory.
Key skills needed include analytical thinking, problem-solving, and exceptional communication skills. As for technical knowledge, this position does not require coding, but an understanding of different operating systems, database concepts, hardware capabilities, and SDLC methodology is expected.
Salary
Based on Indeed data, the average salary for a Business Analyst in the US is $78,227 per year.
4: Front-end Web Developer
If you’re looking for a more creative job, a Front-end Web Developer role might be a good fit for you. Front-end Web Developers link together the worlds of design and technology. They’re responsible for implementing the visual elements that users see and interact with on web applications.
Requirements
In their work, Front-end Web Developers use HTML, CSS, JavaScript with jQuery, and JS frameworks (AngularJS, Backbone, Ember, or ReactJS), so you’d need to understand and know the majority of these.
Necessary soft skills include creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to work in a team.
Salary
According to Indeed, the average salary for a junior Front-end Web Developer is $64,561 per year in the United States.
5: Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect data to analyze. They use this data to find trends, and they provide actionable advice to decision makers based on this information. For example, they might look into how to price a new product or how to reduce transportation costs.
Requirements
A good foundation in probability and statistics, knowledge of programming languages like R or Python, proficiency in working with databases, and understanding of data visualization are among the most important technical skills to have for this role.
Other necessary competencies include analytical thinking and excellent communication skills.
Salary
Based on Indeed data, the average salary for a Data Analyst in the US is $73,310 per year.
6: Technical Writer
If letters are more appealing to you than numbers, you might be interested in a Technical Writer position. Technical Writers create documents relating to technological products and services, such as instructions manuals, FAQs, or training guides.
Their duty is to transform complex technical jargon into easy-to-understand information.
Requirements
Excellent written communication skills, and the ability to write clearly and concisely are fundamental for this role. You also need to be able to consistently output accurate documentation.
A degree in English, Journalism, or Communication is a significant advantage.
Salary
According to Indeed, the average salary for a Technical Writer is $58,217 per year.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many lucrative entry-level positions available in the IT industry right now. And you can choose a role that fits your interests and talents best.
While you might think that most of these roles require a particular set of technical skills that you don’t have, you’ll be surprised to know that you can learn all the necessary skills you need for the jobs above in a reasonably short period of time.
For example, our Manual QA course lasts only 6 weeks. And our Sales Engineer course will prepare you for a new job in 4 weeks.
Take your first step today by enrolling on to one of our courses! You can start building your promising career in tech right now.
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