Increasingly, hiring managers in the technology field expect candidates to be technically proficient and up to date on current information technology (IT) practices. Professionals who demonstrate their ability to design, implement, and evaluate computing-based solutions are in high demand.
William Paterson University’s online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program prepares students for in-demand opportunities in the growing IT field. Students graduate from this flexible online program with a working knowledge of data mining and analytics, computer networking, systems administration, software design and cybersecurity.
Career Paths for IT Graduates
Depending on the type of position IT candidates are pursuing, a range of soft skills will be required, including communication skills, presentation skills and the ability to work with a team on multi-stage, time-sensitive projects. While leadership skills, organizational skills and creativity also strengthen credentials, keeping up with relevant technology is key. Based on a candidate’s interests and goals, an IT professional might consider specializing in any of the following areas:
Coding and Programming: In addition to soft skills, a top fundamental hard skill is coding. Every organization has programs and applications written in various languages or combinations thereof. Candidates proficient in the most common languages are in high demand.
Cybersecurity and Networks: A working knowledge of computer networks, cybersecurity, cloud services and IP setup is required for those who want to specialize in this area.
Systems Engineering: Systems engineers are highly skilled at installing, setting up and maintaining computers and software within an organization.
Virtual Operating Systems: Virtualization connects services to hardware systems, operating systems, servers and desktops. IT professionals specializing in this area help manage automation, big data, cloud technology, configuration management tools and hybrid workloads.
Cloud Computing: Cloud computing skills are increasingly important since companies use the cloud to leverage technologies like artificial intelligence. Infrastructure, platforms and software are the three main types of cloud computing services.
Forces Redefining Workforce Strategies
Current market and talent trends are shaping hard and soft skills across industries. Five forces prompting executives to rethink their workforce strategies are:
- The Expanding Roles of AI, Machine Learning and Big Data – 78% of businesses consider generative AI tools a competitive opportunity.
- The Entrenchment of Distributed Work Models – Only 12% of leaders with flexible work policies are shifting back to on-site work.
- Shorter Skill Lifespans – Obsolescence is on the rise and employers expect 39% of key job skills will change by 2030.
- Automation and Process Reengineering – 30% of hours worked in the U.S. are predicted to be automated by 2030 due to Generative AI technologies.
- Credential Diversification – Skill validation is becoming more agile and context-specific, from technical certifications to behavioral assessments.
Adapting to the ever-changing IT landscape is crucial for organizations across all industries. A future-thinking approach to adopting emerging technologies and a commitment to maintaining a technically proficient workforce help businesses achieve operational excellence. Areas to plan for include:
- AI systems and automation engineering
- Cybersecurity and data governance
- Cloud-native infrastructure and edge computing
- Advanced analytics and decision intelligence
- Sustainable and resilient operations
- Digital product and platform development
- Bioinformatics and emerging tech specialties
Career-connected Learning
While the pace of technology-fueled change will result in millions of jobs being displaced worldwide, millions more are being created. Those new jobs tend to pay more and offer better career opportunities. As today’s employers struggle to fill those jobs, they are moving quickly to adapt hiring and talent-development practices, including investing in workforce training.
Career-connected learning (CCL) bridges classroom learning with workforce opportunities, creating a pathway for job-seeking students to acquire in-demand skills and credentials. By aligning curriculum with what employers are seeking, educators are improving the quality of their programs. Partnering with employers to create hands-on work experiences for students helps fuel sustained economic growth while positioning students and employers for success.
The Information Technology Career Pathway
It is critical for IT professionals at every stage of their career to make connections, whether they are operating at a junior or executive level. Keeping up with technology, policy and trends is also important while cultivating relationships and finding opportunities to support others develops highly valued leadership skills.
IT professionals must also possess excellent communication skills, as the ability to successfully collaborate with stakeholders and teams is essential. In addition to overseeing teams, IT leaders work on larger institutional initiatives and interface with upper-level management.
The Value of a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology From WP
The online BSIT from William Paterson University prepares graduates to thrive in the rapidly growing IT field. The program’s carefully curated coursework — including Fundamentals of Information Assurance & Security, Fundamentals of Web-Based Information Technology and Systems Analysis and Design — equips students with in-demand knowledge and skills.
Graduates can immediately apply these insights in the workplace while setting a foundation for earning an advanced degree. As new opportunities emerge, candidates with the right background and approach will stand out.
Learn more about William Paterson University’s online Bachelor of Science in Information Technology program.
