They’re the IT jobs you need to make a motza.
Hot on the heels of research showing IT gurus are the Aussie workers most likely to score double-digit pay rises of up to $50,000 this year comes more proof they’re in demand.
Another study reveals the big three IT areas of the future: the ones you can pinpoint to future-proof your career.
Australian companies are spending up big to protect themselves against cybersecurity breaches, find tech-savvy ways of interacting with their clients, and manage the wads of information flooding into their databases, the research commissioned by specialist recruitment company Robert Half found.
And there aren’t enough bodies to fill the jobs: the 160 Australian chief digital information officers (CIOs) revealed, showing demand for technology professionals specialised in the areas of cybersecurity, app development and database management will dominate the technology job market in 2017 and beyond.
It means computer hackers are an increasingly valuable asset; that there’s never been a better time to develop “an app for that”; and anyone who can wrangle Big Data into forming an orderly queue can earn big bucks.
Basically, the technology sector in Australia has grown faster than the number of people with the skills.
“The importance of having measures in place to protect the integrity of IT systems, as well as the right IT talent who specialise in specific areas of IT, should not be underestimated in an increasingly competitive market,” says David Jones, the Senior Managing Director at Robert Half Asia Pacific.
SO how do you score one of the big gigs?
IT AND DATA SECURITY
On the back of security threats and breaches doubling in the past year, More than half (58%) of CIOs say this is the area within IT and technology which will create the most jobs over the next five years, the research revealed.
It’s another sign that computer hacking is now a respectable profession: and so-called “white hats” “white hat hackers” (computer security specialists who breaks into protected systems and networks to test and assess their security, using their powers for good) are rewarded handsomely.
“The increasing rise of “ethical hacking” is becoming a crucial business priority as companies seek to cover any weaknesses or vulnerabilities in their IT systems,” Mr Jones says.
That’s especially true for financial institutions, and telecommunications companies who have large online databases of their customer’s banking details.
Cyber-security consultants can command from $120,000 to $150,000 a year.
To become one, you need to be across the latest system modifications and technological advancements to stay abreast of any new developments in cyberthreats.
A degree in computing, computer science, mathematics or network engineering is best.
Discretion is paramount.
IT risk managers ($115,000 to $160,000) and risk and compliance managers ($120,000 to $180,000 typically come from an IT auditing background, and a degree in economics, finance, computing or business studies is a bonus.
APPLICATIONS DEVELOPMENT
If you’re one of those people who, rather than just saying “there’s an app for that”, can actually create one, you’re in demand.
“As Australian companies increasingly adopt innovative methods, developing new technology tools to improve the customer experience will be a crucial factor driving their business agenda,” Mr Jones says.
“Developing apps for businesses requires the correct expertise and qualified IT personnel, a trend that will surge demand for IT professionals skilled in applications development.
For software developers ($75,000-$150,000), software engineers ($75,000-$150,000) and development managers ($120,000-$200,000) a degree and a technical background in computer science, computer software engineering, software programming and development, engineering, mathematics, electronics or physics is a massive advantage.
Then you’ll need sound commercial and business awareness and the ability to communicate complex procedures to other non-tech-heads.
DATA MANAGEMENT/BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE DEVELOPERS
“With the right IT talent to properly manage databases and maximise the potential of Big Data analytics, organisations can focus more on their customer needs,” Mr Jones says.
Developers ($90,000 to $145,000) and managers ($115,000 – $200,000) need the same formal qualifications in computing, computer science, business studies or economics, combined with specific industry and management experience. The key is understanding business results and translating that into analytics to be able to create dashboards.
Database administrators ($75,000-$110,000) and analysts ($90,000-$100,000) will find a degree in mathematics, computer science, statistics or economics beneficial. They’ll also need experience in data models and reporting packages, and the ability to analyse large datasets and write comprehensive reports.
“They will also need to possess an analytical mind and inclination for problem-solving as well as strong attention to detail, as data analysis and reporting is very precise work,” Mr Jones says.
Online Source: www.news.com.au
