It’s no secret that the information technology sector is booming. Companies around the world are investing heavily in automation, disrupting many traditional working environments and creating significant changes in the global labour landscape. Of course, with more technology, comes more data and digital infrastructure, thus creating a greater need for experts who can build and utilise it. Those armed with skills in problem solving and mathematics are being highly sought after for key roles in analytics, programming and security, among many others.
The sheer demand for talent has led many businesses to offer generous perks to attract top candidates. And, as far as job security goes, you’re unlikely to find a more future-proof career.
Here, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 most in-demand IT jobs in Australia. Our ranking takes into consideration several key factors including salary, job openings, and general satisfaction – according to trusted sources like Glassdoor.
Data analysts play a pivotal role in most modern businesses. Their job is to gather, group and apply meaning to raw statistical information according to the industry in which they work. This information is then typically used to guide company decisions. For example, an analyst may interpret key data about the way that customers use or interact with a particular product. Their employer could then take these conclusions and make tactical business decisions based upon them.
As the role requires a wide array of skills, finding a good data analyst is a difficult task for most businesses. Pursuing this career path is likely to yield extremely competitive remuneration.
Key skills:
Almost everyone has used Google Drive or synced their images to the Apple iCloud at some point. But have you ever wondered how those systems came to be? Cloud storage is a computing model by which endless amounts of data can be stored digitally, rather than offline on a hard drive or local storage network. The data does exist in physical form – often across multiple servers – and is managed by a dedicated hosting company. In Australia alone, there has been a significant shift to cloud-based storage in the last seven years, with Deloitte reporting the amount of businesses using paid cloud computing more than doubled between 2012-14 and 2017-18.
Cloud engineers are responsible for designing, building and maintaining key digital infrastructure related to these systems.
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In this advanced digital age, the need for rigorous security measures has never been greater. Businesses who fail to protect their data leave themselves exposed to hackers – a threat which looms across the globe, due to the remote nature of modern information storage.
IT security specialists have an intimate knowledge of data storage infrastructure, from offline systems to cloud storage, and the expertise to protect them from external attacks. They continually monitor and upgrade security systems to protect sensitive data.
Key skills:
Public understanding of artificial intelligence has come a long way since the early 2000’s, when it was little more than dystopian film fodder. Today, countless industries rely on advanced machine learning and AI systems to operate core business functions, from data collection to cyber security.
One day, AI systems may autonomously display human-like qualities, including logical reasoning and creativity, but for now, engineers are needed to give them a helping hand. These skilled IT workers create, maintain and roll out AI technology and work with businesses to improve their operations through the use of artificial intelligence.
Key skills:
Building a website has never been easier. But while most people could create a blog using a Wordpress template, it takes a specialist to create a complex site that is secure and fully functional. Additionally, for a domain to rank well on search engines, it must adhere to certain basic criteria; it should be user-friendly, mobile compatible and efficient – to name a few. That’s where website developers come in.
These developers typically fall into three camps: those who build and code website layouts, those who handle the technical programming of a site and webmasters who maintain sites. Nowadays, most web developers possess an array of technical expertise and handle more than one area.
Key skills:
Similar to a data analyst, business intelligence analysts (BI analysts) are tasked with taking key data – whether internal or external – and applying strategic meaning to it. For instance, data modeling techniques and systems enable BI analysts to pinpoint trends that may assist business decision making, such as highlighting the areas in need of more resources or methods to improve overall efficiency. One key area BI analysts are often assigned is finance – helping companies decrease revenue loss and maximise growth opportunities.
Key skills:
Skilled network and systems administrators play vital roles in IT teams around the world. They’re essentially IT generalists, responsible for day-to-day system operations and management. They perform a wide range of duties, from analysing software problems to the establishment of wide area networks (WANs) and internal intranets. Many network and systems administrators also monitor and upgrade operating systems, assist with security issues and install and test hardware, among other tasks.
Key skills:
As technology makes its way into almost every facet of life, there’s a growing need for experts to handle the creation and implementation of digital projects across all industries, from government to manufacturing and beyond. Skilled IT managers are the ones that ensure key projects meet strategic deliverables and align with a company’s needs. They are typically experienced in many different areas, such as technology, logistics, management and finance, allowing them to analyse tasks and teams from all angles.
Key skills:
Software developers are among the most highly sought after IT professionals in the world. After all, behind every computer program or smart phone application is a team of specialists who have conceptualised, designed, coded and tested it. Software developers are often also responsible for maintaining and enhancing existing software and analysing its overall efficiency.
Due to the increasing demand for software developers, there are ample opportunities for newcomers to gain entry-level positions and grow organically.
Key skills:
Just as customer service team members are essential to any business selling goods or services – whether digitally or in-store – IT support officers play a key role in assisting users with technical issues relating to a particular product or platform. They can be customer facing, speaking directly with clients to resolve their queries, or internal, assisting other staff members. Becoming a support officer is a great pathway into the IT sector and a valuable way in which to learn key skills while establishing industry connections.
Key skills:
The team behind Digital Marketing Directory Australia comprises the following IT Professionals: Social Media Manager, Website Developer and Network Engineers.
