How many industries can boast abundant job openings, high salaries, and short-term training programs? With computer careers, you've got all of the above--and then some.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), many computer careers that feature above-average wages and high projected job growth require no more than a bachelor's degree for entry.
Take computer applications software engineers, for instance. These IT professionals analyze users' needs and design, construct, and maintain general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. With a four-year degree in computer science or software engineering, you could be one of them, raking in about $82,000 a year, according to BLS calculations.
Perhaps you're better suited to a career as a computer systems software engineer. These software engineers coordinate the construction and maintenance of a company's computer systems and plan their future growth. And a bachelor's degree in computer science or computer information systems can be all it takes to start banking an $87,250 annual salary.
Maybe software engineering isn't your top pick. Consider computer systems analysts, who solve computer problems and apply computer technology to meet the individual needs of an organization. The best part? A bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems can help you command $72,230 a year.
Here's another in-demand computer career to consider: network systems and data communications analysts. These IT professionals design, test, and evaluate systems such as local area networks, wide area networks, the Internet, intranets, and other data communications systems. A four-year degree in computer science or information science can stand you in good stead to score a $67,460 annual salary.
If you're looking to break into a computer career with even less than a bachelor's degree, Computer Certifications are the way to go. A+ certification, for instance, is a popular credential that validates the knowledge and skills of entry-level computer service technicians. Training for these computer certification exams takes far less time than a degree program, and the designation is widely recognized by major hardware and software vendors, distributors, and resellers.
Those already in the field who want to advance their computer careers without enrolling in another degree program will also discover that computer certifications offer a ticket to success. Current network analysts, systems analysts, systems engineers, technical consultants, or technical support engineers with at least a year of experience should consider earning their Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer certification. Computer certification is a short-term process that reaps long-term career results, including increased competency and productivity.
Ultimately, accessible training, job opportunities, and sky-high salaries come together in a career combination that can't be beat. When you've got a computer career, you'll always have a lot to be thankful for.
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