Technology & Digital Careers

Technology and digital careers cover far more than programming. They include people who help coworkers fix a frozen laptop, who keep networks running, who analyze data, who build websites, and who protect systems from attacks. Nearly every industry, from hospitals to retailers to schools, employs technology staff.

What the work is like

Much of the work happens at a computer, and many roles can be done remotely or in a hybrid arrangement, though entry-level support roles are often on site. The work rewards curiosity and persistence. Problems rarely have obvious answers, so you will spend time researching, testing and trying again.

Technology changes quickly, so ongoing learning is part of the job. People in this field often study for new certifications or learn new tools throughout their careers.

Entry points

There are several common ways in:

• IT support or help desk roles are a frequent starting point. Entry-level certifications from industry organizations can help show basic knowledge.
• Self-taught or bootcamp paths in web development or data analysis rely heavily on a portfolio of projects.
• Community college certificates and degrees in IT, networking or programming offer structured learning at lower cost.
• Apprenticeships in IT support, networking and software development are growing. Search Apprenticeship.gov for programs.

How careers often progress

A common path starts in IT support and branches into networking, systems administration, cybersecurity or cloud computing. Web developers may specialize in front-end design or back-end systems. Data analysts may move toward data engineering or management. Experience and certifications usually matter more than titles.

Skills that transfer in

Customer service experience is valuable in support roles, where you will help frustrated people under time pressure. Office experience with spreadsheets, scheduling software or databases is relevant to data and administrative technology roles. Any experience teaching or training others helps too.

Questions to research before you commit

• Which role matches how you like to work: helping people, building things, or analyzing information?
• Which certifications appear most often in local postings?
• Can you build a small project to test your interest before paying for training?
• Look up median pay for your area on CareerOneStop.

Where to learn more

The Occupational Outlook Handbook’s computer and IT section describes these occupations in detail. Our guide to free and low-cost career development lists affordable ways to start learning, and legitimate remote work opportunities explains how to evaluate remote postings safely.