The tech industry is one of the workforce’s fastest-growing sectors and often appeals to veterans. If you possess a knack for tech and engineering and want a career that promises a steady future, here are some of the best in-demand tech jobs that you should know about:
Cybersecurity Analyst/ Information Security Analyst
If your military background includes protecting critical information, the world of cybersecurity may be perfect for you. As a cybersecurity analyst, your job is to protect important data from cyber criminals and hackers. Companies will often hire a cybersecurity team to protect the technology that their business depends on. Cybersecurity analysts may also be responsible for maintaining firewall software, keeping up on the latest IT trends, recommending security advancements and helping new users to install and use new technology.
Analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming or a similar field. However, due to the industry’s rapid growth, some workers enter the occupation with a high school diploma and relevant industry training and certifications, which might include military experience. The average salary for this industry ranges from about $99,000 to $102,000 per year.
Software Developer
If you have a background in programming or coding, becoming a software developer may be a fantastic career choice. As technology grows and advances, software developers are needed to create and maintain applications that allow companies to complete their day-to-day tasks most efficiently.
Although writing code is not their primary responsibility, developers must have a strong background in computer programming. They’re responsible for analyzing a client’s needs and designing a program that will fit them well or upgrading their current software to best comply with new technology trends. Software developers may also recommend new software, create various models and diagrams showing programmers the software code needed for an application and work on maintenance.
Software developers typically need a bachelor’s degree in information technology or a similar field. Certain positions may also require a master’s degree. The average salary for this industry is about $109,000 per year.
Data Analyst
Data analysts are responsible for gathering, analyzing and interpreting sets of data. While many companies utilize data analysts to study and expand their consumer base, data analysts work in a variety of fields in business, finance, science, government and criminal justice. Data analysts may need to make models and graphs of their findings, interpret the results as they pertain to specific situations and present their research to executives.
Data analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree in data analytics for entry-level positions but may need a master’s degree for higher-level positions. The average salary for this industry is about $64,000 to $97,000 per year.
IT Project Manager
Management positions are great for veterans as they allow them to demonstrate their knack for leadership, project completion and teamwork. Becoming an IT project manager allows veterans to take their experience in the tech world and combine it with their advanced skillset in leadership. As an IT project manager, you would be responsible for planning, implementing and completing technology projects. This may require multi-tasking, the ability to adapt, extreme attention to detail, interpersonal skills and organization—traits veterans have from their time in service. IT managers may also be put in charge of budgeting, hiring collaborators and the actual distribution of the tech project.
To become an IT project manager, you must have a bachelor’s degree and a background in information technology. Knowledge in business and project management is favorable. The average salary for this position is about $94,500.
Sources: BrainStation, Coursera, BLS, TechOne, ZipRecruiter
