Who needs Santa when Scotland’s technology and computing industry is getting a gift-wrapped 2017?
An annual survey for industry body ScotlandIS says an overwhelming number of IT companies expect sales to rise and staff numbers to increase next year.
And it’s professionals with software and development skills who will be in greatest demand – a figure borne out by current vacancies on s1jobs.
If these healthy predictions aren’t enough to persuade you to consider a career in IT, here are our top ten perks.
- Change
Whether you’re a developer, in a management position or on a helpdesk, the world of IT is changing all the time. Being at the cutting edge of innovation, research and development makes for an exciting working environment.
- Variety
It’s the spice of life and IT offers all the flavours you want. The roles are numerous: architect, developer, analysis, security, networking and management. Given the pace of change, a new job title has probably been added since you started reading this.
- Money
IT pays well across many areas. Recent vacancies on s1jobs include a software engineer being offered up to £55,000 and architecture governance manager with a salary tag of £45-60,000. Even at graduate level it can pay well.
- Demand
There’s rarely a business out there that doesn’t need some IT input and this means there are lots of opportunities. According to ScotlandIS, the sector employs 80,000 people in Scotland but more are needed to fill a growing skills gap.
- Toys
Tecchies love cool gadgets and this means you’ll get access to the latest laptops, software programmes or phones. Hubba, hubba!
- Travel
Many technology firms have links nationally and internationally and this means work trips, overseas projects or even permanent positions abroad. Perfect for those who love the excitement of packing a suitcase.
- Satisfaction
Whether you’re working in software development or on an IT helpdesk, you’re helping to bring about change one keystroke or one line of code at a time.
- Fascination
IT is all about finding solutions and this calls for creative thinking. Every new problem means a new solution so you’ll always be learning in order to keep up with technology.
- Flexibility
Leaving behind the 9-5 and a need to be office-based, many IT firms lead the way in flexible working and that’s because they know it’s what many employees are after.
- Skills
If you decide IT isn’t for you there’s no chance of you being stuck in a career cul-de-sac. The transferable skills learned here can prepare you for many other roles.
Discover what IT can do for you with s1jobs