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Are you looking for a fun job in a rapidly growing sector that focuses on development and innovation? Then be sure to consider a switch to IT. With technology playing an increasingly important role in our daily lives, tech professions are more in demand than ever. Not only because of the increasing complexity of digital issues, but also because of a significant staff shortage in the industry. In this article, we dive deeper into the opportunities in the IT sector and how you can best retrain to these promising professions.
Within the IT sector, there are various professions that are considered promising. Think of positions such as data analyst, programmer and online marketer. These are among the top 10 most popular occupations, and are seen by the UWV as “tight occupations” - positions where the demand for staff exceeds supply. But it's not just UWV that says this. If we look at the difficulty of filling these vacancies, we see that 70% of IT vacancies are considered “difficult to fill”, while this is an average of 40% across all professional groups. This means a plethora of job opportunities for tech enthusiasts and IT novices.
Perhaps you think that a career in IT is only for engineers with years of experience. Nothing could be further from the truth. As a reschooler, you actually bring valuable experience, even without prior knowledge about IT. It's mainly about the learning curve you're willing to embark on. Fortunately, the IT sector offers plenty of opportunities for flexible learning paths, and many companies are looking for diversity in their workforce. So, your past doesn't have to be an obstacle to a future in IT!
Nowadays, it's not just young, recent graduates who are making the switch to IT. Experienced professionals from other sectors are also increasingly focusing on developing tech skills. Why? First, the IT sector offers a high degree of security through the growth and influence of technology. It comes with an attractive salary, as entry levels range from around €2,500 to €3500, while management positions often exceed €5500. In addition, the IT industry offers flexibility, with the ability to work remotely at more and more companies, which promotes work-life balance.
It starts with following the right retraining process. But how do you know what might suit you? Start your orientation on LinkedIn and other platforms. There, you can look for opportunities with keywords such as Full-Stack Developer, React Developer, JavaScript Developer, Front-End Developer, or Web Developer if you want to work as a programmer. If you think data is more for you, look for jobs with the following keywords: Data Analyst Python, Business Data Analyst, BI Specialist, PowerBI Specialist, SQL Specialist, Data Scientist.
Then take a good look at what is being asked of you, what type of company it is and whether that role at that company would make you happy! Many companies also offer special traineeships, which are perfect for newcomers to the industry.
It is important to prepare yourself for these opportunities already during the course. For example, if you're considering becoming a programmer, build a portfolio during your education. Participate in open source projects or apps. For data analysts, on the other hand, it is essential to work on relevant projects and gain experience with tools such as SQL and PowerBI. Also, don't forget to update your LinkedIn profile and resume accordingly. Show what you can do!!
Each retraining process is different. That is why it is crucial to make a step-by-step plan that suits your situation. Consider how much time you want to spend learning and how quickly you want to make the transition to a new job.
Sometimes you just need a little help choosing the right path. A consultation can clarify this and prepare you for what to expect.
Ready to take the step to a career in IT? You are already further than you think. With the increasing demand and the wide opportunities within the industry, you are in the right place for a valuable, versatile and exciting career in the IT sector.
You may still be unsure whether an IT position is really right for you. In that case, it is good to know that there are several paths that lead to success. In addition to courses in programming or data analysis, you can also consider a course in Online Marketing.
