Looking for a new role in tech? Here are 5 of the best tech jobs and how to get them
According to data from the latest round of US labor statistics, there are more than 1.4 million unfilled computer science jobs, and that figure is rising all the time. Worldwide, experts predict that the global talent shortfall will hit 82.5 million skilled workers by 2030, up from 40 million today.
From a corporate and economic perspective, this is bad news. There simply aren’t enough people to meet demand. However, from your perspective, it’s great news. It means that you have more job options than ever before.
In this post, we take a look at the five best tech roles right now and how to get them
Java developer jobs
Java developers are responsible for developing applications that use the Java programming language. Responsibilities include:
- Creating user information solutions
- Developing application documentation and assistance tools
- Creating multimedia applications
- Designing and developing user interfaces
- Establishing connectivity with network systems, information servers and search engines
The average base salary is around $78,000 per year in the US, not including bonuses or 401(k) contributions.
To become a candidate for Java developer jobs, you need to:
- Master Core Java (Java SE), understanding basic principles such as operators, loops and arrays
- Learn Java EE (Enterprise Edition), which has additional features, such as web services and distributed computing that large firms use
- Make projects with JSP and Servlets, combining it with front-end technologies, such as CSS, HTML and Javascript
- Learn Hibernate and Spring frameworks, which help with mapping a relationship database to a domain object-oriented model.
Data engineering jobs
A data engineer is an IT worker who prepares data for operational uses. They may work at the backend, supporting their colleagues with data they collect and generate.
Responsibilities include:
- Developing algorithms that transform raw data into information that colleagues can use
- Working with senior management to use data to achieve company objectives
- Analyzing data for compliance purposes
- Building, testing and maintaining database pipeline architectures
- Finding and building datasets that support company needs
Data engineering jobs generally pay well. The national average salary for the role in the US is $112,500.
To become a data engineer, you must:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in a related subject such a statistics or computer science
- Work on your computer engineering, big data and analysis skills
- Find an entry-level job where you can gain experience
- Pursue additional industry-recognized big data and data engineering qualifications
- Pursue additional higher education in mathematics, physics, or engineering
.NET jobs
A .NET developer is a software engineer who builds and tailors applications to businesses’ needs using the Microsoft-provided framework.
Responsibilities include:
- Designing and implementing software development schedules
- Building interfaces and components
- Managing software projects of varying sizes
- Providing assistance to the support team
- Programming .NET applications
.NET jobs pay well. The average developer earns between $70,000 and $95,000 per year.
To become a .NET developer, you’ll need to :
- Get a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field
- Learn the basics of the .NET platform, including .NET Core, .NET Standard, Xamarin.Mono and .NET Framework
- Gain proficiency in various programming languages, including Python, C++ and Java
- Master the skills, focusing on web development, machine learning, C#, SQL or Visual Studio IDE
- Choose a specialty, such as mobile, gaming platforms, desktop or web
Devops jobs
Devops roles help to manage and facilitate movement through the software development cycle. Workers in these roles are responsible for projects all the way from initial coding to deployment, maintenance, updates and termination.
Devop engineer responsibilities include:
- Deploying updates and fixes
- Providing technical support to teams
- Building tools to improve customer experience
- Investigating and resolving technical issues
- Designing procedures for troubleshooting and maintenance
- Building scripts to facilitate easier visualization
- Integrating software with backend systems
- Managing software development lifecycles and setting out timetables
- Coordinating various teams to ensure that the product life cycle remains valid
- Managing control via Git and other systems
There are several different types of devop jobs which all pay differently. Entry-level devops engineers get paid around $98,000 per year, while more senior engineers get $118,000 per year.
To get a devops job, you must:
- Complete a bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field
- Enhance your skills with industry certifications, such as PMI Agile Certified Practitioner or Master of Engineering in Software
- Build industry experience in various cloud technologies, programming languages and scripts
- Earn experience in Linux, Pipelines, Java, AWS, Kubernetes, Ansible Configuration Management, and Powershell Programming
JavaScript Jobs
Currently, JavaScript jobs are in high demand. These professions work with the Java scripting language to add dynamic content to websites. While HTML and CSS provide browsers with instructions on what static images and text to display on websites, JavaScript allows features to update in real-time, without the need for users to refresh their browsers.
JavaScript is foundational, meaning that it is core to most websites, and it comes with a host of features that gives people who work with it tremendous flexibility. Around a third of all programming jobs currently available require understanding of JavaScript in one form or another. Therefore, it’s a great skill to have.
JavaScript jobs are currently in high demand. According to a DevSkiller report, it is currently the most in-demand skill, ahead of SQL, Java and HTML/CSS.
Javascript developers make around $86,000 per year.
JavaScript jobs require you to:
- Analyze code, software reliability and system risks
- Collaborate with both front-end and back-end developers
- Modify designs and specifications of complex applications
To get a JavaScript job, you’ll need:
- A degree in computer science, MIS, engineering or a related field
- Experience with HTML, CSS and JavaScript for building dynamic websites
- Experience with Vue, Angular or React (and perhaps all three)
- Knowledge of HTML5 and CSS3
- Proficiency in both Bootstrap and jQuery frameworks
- Understanding of native JavaScript, such as ES5 and ES6
- Strong understanding of browser compatibility implications