5 Awesome Perks of Earning an Information Technology Degree

Information technology is a vital part of all kinds of companies, from innovative start-ups to long established corporations. Every organization needs assurance that it can efficiently communicate and connect with others, and those with information technology degrees are integral to keeping the world moving.

As technology continues to become more integrated into the workplace, defining the parameters of IT becomes more complex. One thing is for sure -- the demand for tech-savvy workers is continuing to grow, and an information technology degree opens up a wide range of professional opportunities including becoming a software developer.

Check out five of the top perks you can expect when you enter the workforce with a degree in this field.

1. IT is a growing field: The IT job market as a whole is expected to continue growing in the coming years, with computer system designs and related services predicted to see annual growth of 3.2 percent until at least 2022, according to U.S. News & World Report. Since IT is necessary to so many industries, IT grads will likely continue to see a demand for their professional skills.
2. You can work in numerous industries: Whether you’re interested in research or retail, tech support or development, an IT degree allows you to enter the job market and specialize your skillset. For example, if you’re passionate about cyber security, you can set your sights on a career as an information security analyst.
3. Flexibility: If the workplace isn’t your thing, many IT jobs also come with the ability to work from home. For those who like the idea of working from the comfort of their living room, IT could be the perfect career choice.
4. Problem-solving: If you have the knowledge and skills to tackle computer problems, you can apply those skills to solve other day-to-day problems as well. Learning the ins and outs of IT will help you look at problems differently and apply those skills accordingly.
5. There’s always room to grow: Once you’ve entered the workforce with bachelor’s degree, there’s always the opportunity to go back to school and earn a graduate degree. Graduate degrees, such as an online MBA, can provide an even greater variety of employment options.

Chris LaBounty is an academic and technologist with more than 20 years of experience in higher education and technology. He has developed and managed programs in information technology, mobile applications, networking and software engineering. In addition to teaching and leading academic programs, Chris has worked as a certified field engineer and Java Enterprise developer. He lives in Minnesota with his family and enjoys the outdoors.