Information technology is one of the most advanced professions globally. As we become increasingly dependent on technology, the demand for highly skilled specialists grows. That’s why we present 10 reasons why Vancouver residents should consider a career in IT. Read more on vancouver-future.
Flexible Work-Life Balance
Working in IT virtually guarantees the ability to work from home. While more companies are returning to office settings, many software development departments are still allowed to work remotely. Moreover, if you’re aiming to work for a Vancouver-based company, some conduct interviews online, allowing you to work from another country. Vancouver values comfort and intelligent professionals. Working from home helps save money on fuel, insurance, and vehicle wear and tear if you have one. Not to mention, IT specialists can focus on family, friends, and personal projects while others must be tied to their workplaces.
Valuable Connections
A significant part of IT work involves helping others solve their problems. This requires patience, empathy, and persistence. Generally, employees only socialize with those in their department. However, IT professionals interact with various individuals across departments. It’s one of the best professions for extroverts to make friends and network. In Vancouver, newcomers are consistently supported as they climb the career ladder. This makes it easy to build connections that open doors to numerous opportunities for growth and advancement.
Plenty of Room for Growth
IT specialists are all about constant development. Whether it’s SD-WAN, virtualization, or cloud technology, this niche continually demands new skills. With this in mind, organizations and companies are always seeking ambitious people. This ongoing demand for professionals offers IT specialists ample opportunities for growth and advancement.
For example, if an organization adopts AWS as an infrastructure solution, they will need people proficient in AWS Console, EC2 Instances, CodeDeploy, and other tools—each managed by different individuals. These roles are crucial, providing the chance to enhance skills and take on more responsibilities.
IT Professionals Are in High Demand
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2022 to 2032, IT employment is expected to grow much faster than the average for all professions, with approximately 377,500 annual job openings projected. By choosing a tech-focused career, you’re guaranteed job security for the foreseeable future.
Remember, IT is not just a set of skills; it encompasses a diverse range of professions, from support staff to software architects, all of whom are in high demand. Unlike actuaries, for example, who mainly work in insurance, IT professionals can choose from a broad spectrum of industries. This flexibility allows individuals to find work that aligns with their preferences, whether in large organizations or side projects.
Valuable Skills Beyond the Workplace
Vancouver residents recognize that most IT jobs are not limited to workplace tasks. For example, a doctor does not perform surgeries or consultations outside the hospital, and lawyers don’t draft contracts in their downtime. However, in IT, work skills often translate into valuable freelance opportunities.
A software developer can write code for other paying clients outside their day job. A system administrator can troubleshoot, build, or repair PCs for small clients. IT support staff can resolve issues, install complex systems, or update configurations for private clients. A step into IT opens up a world of possibilities, many of which are exciting and rewarding.
IT Skills Enable Creative Problem-Solving
IT allows for creative solutions both at work and in everyday life. This is especially true for coding professionals. Software developers often encounter challenging problems requiring unique solutions. They are given the creative freedom to solve issues as they see fit. This constant stimulation sharpens the mind and keeps the job fresh.
For roles like helpdesk or system administration, while not directly involving coding, they also face exciting challenges daily. Although system administrators often work with shell scripts, they also spend considerable time applying configurations, keeping the work dynamic and engaging.
IT Careers Don’t Require Higher Education
Many high-paying opportunities traditionally require higher education—at least in Vancouver. However, IT is different. Companies like Apple, Google, Tesla, and Netflix don’t require college degrees for applicants. While a degree is valuable, it’s no longer a necessity for securing a well-paying job.
Instead, entry-level IT positions can be attained through experience and/or certifications. After completing the required training, you can easily apply for various IT vacancies. Moreover, as previously noted, continuous learning is a vital part of this profession due to the ever-evolving nature of technology.
If You Love Learning and Growing, IT Is Perfect for You
IT is the ideal career for those who are curious and enjoy asking questions. Everything from Active Directory to cloud engineering falls under the IT umbrella. Unlike many other professions, this field’s learning never stops.
Countless certifications—such as CKAD, Network+, or CCNA—cover a wide range of topics to satisfy even the most inquisitive minds. By studying more, you can tackle a broader range of issues that people face daily. Helping others is one of the most fulfilling aspects of an IT career.
IT Is a Meaningful Career
Unfortunately, over 20% of Canadian adults feel their jobs lack purpose. If you fall into this category, IT could be the career for you. Think about how technology has impacted your life and the lives of those around you over the past decade.
Consider this: Most banking is now done online. Social interactions largely take place online. Even political campaigns rely heavily on data. All these sectors need professionals who understand the intricacies of their work. IT is accessible and has a global impact, touching every aspect of life.
Many IT Professionals Earn High Salaries Early On
One of IT’s most significant advantages is its potential for early financial success. In Vancouver, IT professionals are highly respected because their work demands skill, knowledge, and time, deserving competitive pay.
According to Indeed, the average national salary for a software developer is around $110,000 annually. System administrators earn similar figures. From the outset, entry-level IT positions can offer significantly higher pay compared to other professions.