Want to find a job that’s both well paid and provides security? Then consider entering the field of Information Technology! Businesses rely on IT professionals for any number of computer issues which may arise, such as analyzing data, managing information systems, and developing new programs and systems to help run the business more smoothly, for example.

IT is a diverse field, with several career paths to choose from. You could be a software engineer, chief technology officer, programmer, database administrator, software developer, web designer, webmaster, or systems analyst, for example. As an IT professional, you are constantly learning and expanding upon your knowledge.

IT professionals are no longer relegated to the backroom, nor do they only work in technology businesses. Most companies, regardless of the field, require an IT department. Matt Hamlet, a recruiting leader for PricewaterhouseCoopers, talks of the changing role of the IT professional. “I think the role of the IT person will be to help an organization figure out what it takes to be competitive in an ever-changing industry,” he says.

There are now greater job openings for IT professionals. According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, job prospects for IT professionals are expected to grow by 18 percent from 2006 to 2016. Jobs within the IT industry are proving to be stable careers, as people continue to rely more and more on the internet and computers.

Businesses are continually investing in their IT departments, as they understand how integral they are to their success. “It’s critical to keep employees on the leading edge of technology in order to keep your organization marketable,” says Hamlet.

The internet is constantly growing. Cisco Systems predicts that IP network usage will surpass 500 exabytes per year within three years. Now, I know you’re probably wondering, “What’s an exabyte?” Well, an exabyte is equal to a billion gigabytes. That is to say, it’s an incredibly large percentage of data. It’s little wonder that IT professionals are in demand. Companies need them to help make sense of the growing documents and data online. Those businesses who continue to invest in the growth and advancement of their IT departments will have the edge over their competitors. Lucrative job opportunities are growing daily, so why not take the plunge and consider a career in IT today!