5 IT Career Paths: How to Succeed in the Field of Information Technology

IT is short for Information Technology. Typically, a career in IT relates to working with computer systems, networks and technology to analyze and communicate important information. Technology is continually advancing and demand for skilled IT professionals continues to grow.

If you’re considering a career in Information Technology (IT), there are a lot of different potential avenues you can follow and many in-demand roles in the industry with opportunities for advancement. That’s why we’ve compiled this organized overview of everything you need to know about the 5 core IT career pathways.

1. Enterprise Computing

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• Enterprise computing is the management of large, complex computer systems and software within an organization or enterprise to address its computing needs on a comprehensive scale
• Career options: IT Support, Systems Administration, Network Administrator, Service Technician
• Entry-Level Salary: ~$53,000 (sources: Talent- Enterprise Service Technician, Talent - Computer Systems Technician) 
• Programs to take:
  • Computer Systems Technician
  • Computer Systems Technology

Learn more about enterprise computing careers

2. Development

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• Development is the process of creating, designing and improving software, applications and systems, including the entire life cycle of a software product  from concept and planning through coding, testing, and maintenance
• Career options: Developer, Programmer Analyst, Systems Architect, Full-Stack Developer
• Entry-Level Salary: ~$52,000 (sources: Talent - Developer, Talent - Programmer) 
• Programs to take:
  • Computer Programming and Analysis
  • Web Development and Internet Applications
  • Game Development - Advanced Programming
  • Mobile Application Development

Learn how to become a web developer

3. Analytics

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• Analytics is the act of collecting and organizing data that is generated and stored within IT systems so that it can be used to support decision-making that will help improve an organization’s competitive positioning
• Career options: Technical Systems Analyst, Business Intelligence Implementation Specialist, Information Systems Analyst
• Entry-Level Salary: ~$55,000 (sources: Talent - Technical Systems Analyst, Talent - Information Systems Analyst) 
• Programs to take:
  • Technical Systems Analysis

4. Security

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• A career in Security relates to safeguarding computer systems, networks and data from unauthorized access, attacks, theft and damage
• Career options: Cyber Security Analyst, Information Security Analyst, Forensic Analyst, Risk Manager, Network & Security Technician
• Entry-Level Salary: ~$60,000 (sources: Talent - Cyber Security Analyst, Talent - Network and Security Technician) 
• Programs to take:
  • Cyber Security
  • Information Security Management
  • Network and Security Architecture

Learn more about cyber security careers

5. Systems

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• Working in Systems involves working with computer systems and networks to ensure their effective management, operation, performance and security
• Career options: AI Developer/Programmer, Machine Learning Developer, Health Data Analyst, Health Systems Manager, Business Systems Testing Analyst, Application Integration Analyst
• Entry-Level Salary: ~$72,000 (sources: Talent - Health Systems Manager, Talent - Applications Analyst, Talent - Systems Administrator)  
• Programs to take:
  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Co-op
  • Software and Information Systems Testing Co-op
  • Health Systems Management

Fanshawe’s School of Information Technology provides a broad range of courses in IT to help you get started on your IT career pathway, continually upgrade your skills, and excel in the IT sector. Fanshawe’s global network of industry partners gives our grads a leg up with exceptional graduate employment rates.