When the pandemic hit and lockdowns began, the world abruptly disconnected from face-to-face interaction. This forced many to turn to their computers for any sort of connection to the world. While technology has always played an important role in our daily life, the pandemic upped the stakes turning technology into a crucial player in our ability to work, play, see the doctor, order groceries, and interact with our friends and family. Losing the internet or having your computer break now wasn’t only a minor inconvenience. Not having working technology or the internet cut you off from the world and the essentials you needed to survive while stuck at home.

By October 2021, it was reported by a Gallup poll that 45% of full-time U.S. employees (and 67% of white-collar employees) worked from home either all (25%) or part of the time (20%). These changes required the appropriate technology and personnel to support this new way of working. Information technology professionals were at the front line during this change to support employees and the networks that served them during this time. In doing this, they proved once again how crucial IT careers are to maintaining the structure of our lifestyle and world.

Still today, the working world doesn’t look the same. Many who teleworked from home during the first year of the pandemic have still not returned to work. Employers were able to see that much of the work that was once done in the office could now be done at home. This forced them to switch to new initiatives and funding within their corporations. This shift has brought about increased investment in IT equipment, information management, and security. Technology and its security are here to stay, the only thing that will change is how advanced it will become and how fast it will get there. For young people deciding on a career or those looking to make a career change that better aligns with the stability, demand, flexibility, and ROI they seek, information technology could be a solid choice— and a choice in which the ability to work remotely often applies.

Computer and information research scientist

Projected percent change, 2020–2030: 22% Much faster than average

Projected employment change: 7,200 new job openings. Median annual wages, May 2020: $126,830
Education: Bachelor’s degree

Computer support specialist

Projected percent change, 2020–2030: 9% As fast as average

Projected employment change: 72,200 new job openings. Median annual wages, May 2020: $55,510
Education: Associate degree or postsecondary non-degree award

Information security analyst

Projected percent change, 2020–2030: 33% Much faster than average

Projected employment change: 47,100 new job openings. Median annual wages, May 2020: $103,590
Education: Bachelor’s degree

Software developer, quality assurance analyst or tester

Projected percent change, 2020–2030: 22% Much faster than average

Projected employment change: 409,500 new job openings Median annual wages, May 2020: $110,140
Education: Bachelor’s degree

Web developer or digital designer

Projected percent change, 2020–2030: 13% Faster than average

Projected employment change: 25,500 new job openings Median annual wages, May 2020: $77,200
Education: Bachelor’s degree

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