As the job market becomes more flexible with remote working and the economy runs more dependent on digital platforms, the need for information technology (IT) skills has skyrocketed. Employment for a variety of computer science and IT roles is projected to grow almost 15% between now and 2030 – that’s faster than projections for all other occupations combined!  

The talent gap between the economic demand for these jobs and the ability to supply that demand with qualified individuals is significant. In addition to that, international students make up between 50% and 80% of the most highly-educated undergraduate and graduate students, across both science and engineering fields. International students and graduates have the advantage when entering newer technology markets. 

That’s great news for you!  

To put it simply, if you’ve ever been interested in putting your skills into a new IT career, now’s the time.  

But which job is right for you? 

There are so many opportunities waiting for you to use your skills and knowledge to make a difference in today’s technology market. A lot of organizations need workers with technical knowledge and support to navigate our ever-changing digital and online world today. You could be just the person to help them – and have a fulfilling and lucrative career doing it. 

Here are 5 of the fastest growing IT jobs to consider for your next career move: 

1) Technical Specialist 

A Technical Specialist is someone who coordinates an organization’s use of technology. This means they understand a company’s procedure in order to assess the need for any new or updated technological processes to make them more efficient and effective. They can also supervise computer configuration and manage cybersecurity needs.  

2) Desktop Specialist 

Desktop Specialists maintain the hardware and software systems for an organization. These IT professionals manage software updates and hardware installations, vet and recommend new programs, and provide troubleshooting support for fundamental technical issues. 

3) Help Desk Specialist 

Help Desk Specialists are responsible for providing assistance with technical issues and are the main internal support for troubleshooting software, hardware, or any other computer systems used by an organization’s staff. These tech wizards can answer questions and address potential issues in user or system errors. 

4) LAN Administrator 

Local Area Network, known as LAN, Administrators maintain the server and security of their organization’s network through the equipment and computers being used. They help configure their local area network and do routine maintenance checks and repairs to restore connectivity and stability.  

5) Systems Administrator 

Systems Administrators are responsible for the daily operations of network and computer system management. Their tasks include organizing, installing, and supporting computer systems across an organization’s network. This can include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), intranets, any network segments, and other communication or data systems used in a company’s technical processes.  

If any of these IT careers sound great but you’re not sure how to get started, check out  CSI’s CompTIA/Microsoft Track of the Networking Career Program. This comprehensive, hands-on program combines instructor-led classwork with an online learning platform. The goal is to give you the best way forward in your career with a strong foundation of fundamentals in technology with practical training in computer networking and information tech resources and procedures. 

To stay competitive and knowledgeable in any information technology or computer science position, getting your professional certification is the best way to get into one of the fastest growing industries to date. 

A certification exam preparation course and fee for 1 exam are included within this program, focusing on CompTIA© exams and the new generation of Microsoft© Exams. International students must take a computer-based standardized ACCUPLACER® ESL Test in order to enroll. 

With CSI’s CompTIA/Microsoft Track, you’ll be trained by information technology experts in their field.  After completing the exam, international students may be eligible to apply for up to 12 months of OPT work authorization to gain experience in their field of study.  

Tech companies aren’t looking for traditional degrees like they once were. Instead, they want people with real-world certification and experience. Computer Systems Institute has a goal to help international students get the education, training, certification, and career they’ve always wanted by providing both theoretical and hands-on approaches to your education and training.  

Contact us today to find out more! 

Resources: 

1 Occupational Handbook, Computer and Information Technology. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm 

2 ’International Students in Science and Engineering’ NFAP Policy Brief. https://nfap.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/International-Students-in-Science-and-Engineering.NFAP-Policy-Brief.August-2021.pdf 

3 ’Networking Career Program: Get the Technology Skills You Need For The Career You Want’. CSI Now. https://www.csinow.edu/programs/networking-career-programs/