The Lowdown
There are a number of jobs you can get with a Diploma of Information Technology, and with the IT booming, it’s no surprise that a Diploma of Information Technology is a qualification in high demand. In fact, the Australian Government predicts that the Professional, Scientific and Technical services sector (of which Information Technology is a part) will increase by 10.2%, or 106,600 jobs by May 2023.
But it’s also important to bear in mind that these figures (and many similar job growth figures) have not been adjusted to account for the unforeseeable but seismic shift that COVID-19 has had on the technology industry. In a matter of a few months, businesses, government, and numerous other services shifted their entire operations online – with many of them deciding to keep these arrangements even after the pandemic abates. Gartner estimates that 91% of teams in Asia Pacific have implemented work from home arrangements since the beginning of the year, and from a software usage point of view the numbers are staggering. Zoom announced that their user numbers had jumped from 10 million in December to 200 million in April, and Microsoft announced that video calls on Teams jumped 1,000 percent in the month of March.
So what does that all mean in practice? Well, it’s reasonable to predict that the next few years will see a surge in need for skilled Information Technology professionals across a range of jobs and technology types. If you’ve ever thought about studying a Diploma of Information Technology, now is the time – and with that in mind, we’re taking a look at three jobs you can get with a Diploma of Information Technology – just a tiny fraction of the possible career paths available.
Job 1: Data Centre Technician
A data centre is a physical premises that organisations use to house their cloud-based data – which could include everything from application data to email, customer data or other sensitive data types. Because their business is data safety, data centres require a huge amount of physical security such as backup power supplies, cooling mechanisms, fire suppression; as well as network security including firewalls and intrusion protection measures.
As a data centre technician, your responsibilities would fall across all of the physical and network-based aspects of maintaining and upgrading the data centre. On the physical side, you may install and configure new equipment, evaluate heating and cooling systems to ensure they are operational and can meet equipment temperature conditions, and engage with other surveillance and physical security measures.
On the network side, you will analyze servers and network systems to identify and initiate repair of firmware issues, monitor system processes to ensure smooth operations and engage with clients around detailed logs and reports of their data.
The average salary for a Data Centre Technician in Australia is $105,000 – and with the global cloud computing market expected to grow 17% in 2020, this is a role that is certain to be in high demand over the coming years.
Job 2: ICT Business Analyst
ICT Business Analyst roles sit at the intersection between two areas that are central to any business – technology and profit. Essentially an ICT Business Analyst has responsibility for identifying, optimising, and improving technology systems and processes within the organisation – with the ultimate goal of making things run more smoothly, and saving (or making) more money.
A role as an ICT Business Analyst would suit someone who has a keen interest in both technology and business. In order to excel in the role, you are required to really get under the skin of the business – to interview staff members, interact with C-level personnel to identify their goals – and then take that knowledge and implement systems that will support those aims. That might include recommending, purchasing and installing new software as well as supporting the business in the transition to new systems. You will also be required to evaluate and refine existing and new systems, and provide further recommendations on how they can best be optimised to streamline business operations.
ICT Business Analyst roles attract a median salary of $118,000 and the Australian Government predicts strong jobs growth over the next five years.
Job 3: Software Developer
A Software Developer role would be ideal for those with a qualification in Information Technology that is paired with an understanding of programming languages and a knack for creative problem-solving. If you want to know what a software developer does, think about a computer program – the browser you’re using now? Built by a developer. Your favourite music app? Developer. They are the masterminds behind the platforms, apps and programs we all use in daily life.
As a software developer you will do a lot of coding, so it’s wise to keep up to date with popular programming languages. You may work for a software or app development company, in which you will analyse user needs and then strategise, build and test software (or an update to existing software) to meet those needs. Alternatively, enterprise organisations also have requirements for software developers who sit within their IT teams and assist with the ongoing development or implementation of software and business projects.
The median salary for a software developer in Australia is $105,000, however senior developers and contractors can earn in excess of $200,000 in certain jobs. And as we all know, apps and programs are constantly being updated with new features and patches, so this is a very strong career choice from a growth perspective.
Supercharge your career with an online Diploma
Whether you’re entirely new to the Information Technology world or looking to upskill, it’s easier than ever before to get an online qualification that can set you up for future success.
Lumify Group’s Diploma of Information Technology is a great way to gain the knowledge and skills that will help you thrive at tackling and solving real-world problems in an IT role. The Diploma is designed across key areas such as security and networking, as well as administration and management of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in a variety of workplace settings.
The Diploma is strongly geared towards employability, with proficiencies in implementing and managing common information systems and software including Microsoft Windows Desktop Operating Systems, Microsoft Server Operating Systems, Linux Operating Systems and Virtualisation Platforms.
To supercharge your career with a Diploma of Information Technology, get in touch with us today.