Why you should still consider studying IT in 2023
It’s no secret that technology has taken over the world. But with so many new opportunities available to businesses, South Africa is facing a huge IT skills gap. This has created many attractive benefits for those wanting to enter into this field of work. You could enjoy better job security, vast career options, higher earning potential, greater flexibility, and entrepreneurial freedom. With all these benefits still up for grabs in 2023, you can still start today either as a beginner or as someone just looking to boost their IT skills. We’ve broken down these benefits to help you on your journey to choosing your dream career.
What is Information Technology (IT)?
Before diving into the exciting world of IT it’s important to know exactly what you’re signing up for. Information Technology is the process of using computers, storage, networking and other physical devices and processes to create, store, secure and exchange different types of data and information. To do this, IT professionals maintain, launch, troubleshoot and oversee the security of various computer applications, services and infrastructure. Information Technology is therefore vital for the daily functioning of many businesses.
Most in-demand IT jobs in South Africa in 2023:
With so many career choices out there you may be wondering if Information Technology is a good career. Our answer is yes. According to GrabJobs, Information Technology falls on the list of the most in-demand jobs in South Africa in 2023. We’ve compiled a list of the best paying IT jobs in South Africa that fall within this high-demand list so you can make the best decision when considering Information Technology as a career.
1. Software Development
We wouldn’t have computers or electronics without software. Software developers design, develop, troubleshoot, and maintain software through many different tools and IT skills. This can also include building software systems for networks and devices and meeting with clients to determine the specific needs of a project. Software is built through many different coding and programming languages, which is easily one of the 5 essential IT skills in demand in South Africa. Many different industries such as business, healthcare, defense, and manufacturing need software development.
2. Web Developer
It would be more difficult to direct leads and stand out from the competition without an attractive, well-functioning website. Web Developers build websites and make sure they are running effectively and reliably. There are many different classifications in this field. Some web developers are responsible for only the frontend of the website which means they are in charge of the look and feel of the website. Back-end Development is handled by Back End Developers which focuses on the performance and capacity of the website. Full stack developers on the other hand are capable of performing both these functions.
3. Data Analysis
Data has become increasingly important in the business landscape. Data Analysts are responsible for taking data and processing it into actionable steps that benefit customers and the company. These professionals make recommendations to companies based on the insights they have gathered. Various tools from different industries such as Computer Science, Data Science and Statistics are used for Data Analysis.
4. Cloud Computing Specialist
In the digital age, more businesses are relying on cloud-based systems to store and secure their information and data. A Cloud Computing Specialist is therefore the one responsible for transferring all this important information and data to the cloud. They analyze and advise businesses on the best cloud technology, find opportunities to implement cloud computing technologies, optimize and secure information and data storage, manage data across multi-cloud environments, perform cloud patching when necessary and so much more.
5. Cybersecurity engineer
With so much information being stored digitally and online, it’s important for businesses to protect their data and information. To do this, a cybersecurity engineer steps in to create and manage hardware, software and security policies to protect computers, networks and important information. Therefore, Information Security has become an essential IT skill that is needed for any company. The network solutions that they design are made to defend the company against hackers and any other cyber threat. To keep these systems secure they will continually test and update them to make sure they are running at their best.
Importance of IT in business today:
With so many industries running IT technologies, it should come as no surprise that IT greatly affects many areas of our everyday lives.
- IT affects our personal lives by creating new and faster ways for people to interact with each other, gather information, network, seek help, and have access to entertainment.
- Businesses use IT to help managers and employees to work more productively, solve complex problems, make quicker decisions, predict opportunities and threats to the business, and manage daily operations.
- The financial space has been affected by IT as it creates a rapid flow of data, transfer of money, deals with security concerns, and creates access to global markets. Therefore Information Technology has greatly contributed to the growth of the South African economy as well as other countries throughout the world and we know it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
The difference between IT, ICT and Computer Sciences:
Technical jargon can be confusing for some. Often the terms ICT, IT and Computer Sciences are used interchangeably. However, it’s important to note that these terms don’t have the same meaning. Each profession has its own area of expertise and doesn’t only revolve around computers.
Information Technology (IT) focuses on computer hardware, systems, and how computers process data. You are engaging in IT whenever you are storing, accessing, manipulating, or retrieving information on your computer.
The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) profession differs from IT and Computer Sciences as it focuses on the way digital information is communicated. This takes other technological devices into consideration other than just the computer.
Computer Sciences, on the other hand, is a broad field that focuses on the software of a computer. A computer scientist will use coding, computer theory, algorithms, and programming skills to study the processes of a computer and develop new software.
5 Benefits of studying IT:
Despite IT being around for a while, developing your information technology skills can still have many benefits:
1. IT is in high demand in South Africa and worldwide
Luckily for you, by entering into this space, you can be a part of a continually growing industry that has a steady stream of work that can last your whole career. Overall, the more experience you have and the more IT skills you obtain, the more in demand you will be.
2. There are many IT career options to choose from
With IT continuing to rise worldwide and in South Africa, you could take your career in many different directions. There are many different fields of IT for you to choose from. This means that you can choose a specialisation that suits your needs and career goals. Remember, do what you love and love what you do.
Additionally, technology is always changing which means that new career options may pop up throughout your career. This may be an attractive factor for you if you get bored of doing the same thing for too long. Most of the skills you pick up are transferable and can be used in a different role. Popular IT professions include IT support manager, Support Analyst, IT Technician, Data Analyst, Web Developer and Web Designer.
3. There is a high earning potential in IT
The large IT skills gap can also work to your advantage financially. This can help you secure a position in a successful company or startup that can provide various company benefits and high compensation for your services.
Furthermore, by choosing a niche profession, you can become a specialist in an area that not many people are knowledgeable in. This can open the door to working on exciting projects that offer higher pay.
Lastly, developing your skills and gaining more experience can also work to your advantage. With a higher level of expertise, you can be trusted to take on managerial roles. This can help you reach higher ranks in the company and open up greater earning potential.
4. You can choose your work style
One of the major advantages of working in technology is that you can work from anywhere in the world. Covid-19 has paved the way for remote working becoming the new norm. Therefore, there are various remote positions available for you to choose from. This means that you can enjoy working from the comfort of your home, cut back on daily commutes, create more flexible hours, and improve your productivity.
However, for those that enjoy the office environment, there are also benefits for you. With IT being used in various industries you can choose your ideal working style. If you’re a team player, you can choose to work for a company with a larger employee base. For those that enjoy working on their own or in smaller groups, there are plenty of smaller companies for you to choose from.
5. It opens up the possibility to freelance or start your own IT business
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, IT might be just what you need. Remote working has made it possible for many digital professionals to start up their own businesses or freelance after work hours. This can be a great way to form a steady flow of income, improve your skills and experience and make valuable connections. You can decide the hours you’d like to work, who you want to work with, and which niche you’d like to delve into. Even if you don’t become the next Steve Jobs this experience will look great on your CV and develop your skills quicker.
What are the requirements to study IT?
With all these benefits in mind, you may feel ready to start your journey in IT. However, there are a few requirements that you need to consider before applying.
Each university has its own qualifications that come with different entry requirements. This is important to keep in mind and to enquire about before signing up for the course. There are a variety of higher certificates, diplomas, undergraduate degrees, and post-graduate degrees that you can work towards in the IT space.
To work towards a higher certificate, you would need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) minimum of 30% in language and teaching of the higher education institution. Additional requirements may be needed depending on the institution’s requirements.
In order to get a diploma you would need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) minimum of 30% in language and teaching of the higher education institution. You would also need a rating of 3 (40 – 49%) or more in four NSC 20 credit subjects. This doesn’t include Life Orientation.
And lastly, To qualify for a bachelor’s degree, you would need a National Senior Certificate (NSC) minimum of 30% in language and teaching of the higher education institution. You would also need a rating of 4 (50 – 59%) or more in four NSC 20 credit subjects. This doesn’t include Life Orientation.
Next Steps:
Once you have all the requirements covered your next step would be to choose the right training provider. Edge ICT provides IT qualifications in South Africa that are of a high quality and suit industry standards. Whether you are starting out in IT at entry level or a seasoned professional wanting to brush up on your tech skills we have solutions for you. Reach out to one of our representatives today to help you on your journey to landing your dream job in IT.