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what are the challenges that I have to face while being in IT field?
What are the pros and cons?
#career #job #IT #Techology #career-path #job-search
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11 answers
Updated
Dallas’s Answer
There are a lot of potential challenges in the IT field however it does depend on what type of IT career you pursue, as different careers focus on different skill sets. Some of the careers available focus on software and programming while others focus on the hardware and others are heavily involved with clients and users which provides challenges of it's own.
Almost every career requires problem solving skills and continuous education. Information Technology is a rapidly expanding field that is constantly incorporating new innovations, and experiencing new problems that must be solved.
As an example, programming in an integral to keeping information secure and to developing new apps, programs, games and websites. A few examples of jobs that utilize programming are Information/Cyber Security Analysts, Programming, App Development, Server Administrators, and Game Development. Some of the potential challenges are fixing code that has security flaws or that causes bugs and glitches or needing to utilize a programming language that you might not have ever learned. When writing or fixing code even one syntax error such as a semicolon or period in the wrong place in the thousands of lines of code, can cause an error for the entire program.
The pros to IT: It is constantly in demand and will continue to be, the field itself continues to progress and there are many potential careers. It provides job security and can be financially rewarding.
The cons to IT: It can be frustrating at time when attempting to solve problems or integrate new systems or software.
Find a career in the IT field that interests you to use as a starting point.
Almost every career requires problem solving skills and continuous education. Information Technology is a rapidly expanding field that is constantly incorporating new innovations, and experiencing new problems that must be solved.
As an example, programming in an integral to keeping information secure and to developing new apps, programs, games and websites. A few examples of jobs that utilize programming are Information/Cyber Security Analysts, Programming, App Development, Server Administrators, and Game Development. Some of the potential challenges are fixing code that has security flaws or that causes bugs and glitches or needing to utilize a programming language that you might not have ever learned. When writing or fixing code even one syntax error such as a semicolon or period in the wrong place in the thousands of lines of code, can cause an error for the entire program.
The pros to IT: It is constantly in demand and will continue to be, the field itself continues to progress and there are many potential careers. It provides job security and can be financially rewarding.
The cons to IT: It can be frustrating at time when attempting to solve problems or integrate new systems or software.
Dallas recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much. I appreciate it.
I will follow your advice.
Nancy
Updated
Steve’s Answer
IT is a relatively new field, and as such it is changing and growing at an astounding pace vs. other fields and careers. The biggest challenge is keeping current with the latest developments and technologies. For example, programming languages that you learned in high school or even in college may no longer be popular by the time you graduate and start your career. New tools, interfaces, and tech are constantly emerging and supplanting existing technology. Getting a solid IT education is a strong foundation, but continuing education is the key to success.
Continue to take classes from time to time, even after graduating.
Join technical and professional societies, subscribe to newsletters, attending meetings and listen to speakers.
Read technical magazines/journals, blogs, newsfeeds, etc.
Network with other professionals in your field of interest.
Steve recommends the following next steps:
Thank You So Much.
Nancy
Updated
Robert’s Answer
As other's have already commented, it depends on the area of IT you're in. The biggest challenge I have is keeping with the latest technologies, hours and stress for my field as a Network Engineer. Technology changes a lot and very fast. You may also have to work after-hours/weekends or perform on-call rotation.
A nice article that I found on the Pros/Cons... https://www.leaderquestonline.com/blog/pros-and-cons-it-professional/
A nice article that I found on the Pros/Cons... https://www.leaderquestonline.com/blog/pros-and-cons-it-professional/
Thank You So much.
Nancy
Updated
John’s Answer
Since IT is a very open ended thing, I would have to say that the wide casted net of technological advances are the main challenges. As a 14yr IT, it is quite difficult to have a working knowledge of every piece of an Information System or device that gets plugged into a wall. Keeping up with last tech is daunting, but once you focus on a specific aspect of the industry, then it will become easier and less of a task. It becomes a welcoming challenge.
Find a focus area within IT
Take a few IT classes in varying fields to understand the differences
Find an internship in a field and live the life as a tech
John recommends the following next steps:
thank you so much
Nancy
Updated
David’s Answer
This will depend on what area of IT field you will be in, you can be Computer Programming, Computer Science, Information Sciences, Management Information Systems, Software Engineering, Systems Analysis and more. Most IT profession has to face is the IT departments are suffering from gaps in critical skills areas such as cyber security, cloud computing and DevOps. Even IT professionals who are offered professional development opportunities are struggling to keep up. The rate of technological change is outpacing training. It is like saying almost every month there is a upgrade or update in the IT network for almost everything. And you have to keep yourself update and on going as well to be able to follow up with the changes that is happening, back in the day we were looking at 3 to 6 months but now is every month if not every other weeks. It is not easy being in the IT field if you cannot follow the trend as it move.
But you can consider these Top 12 challenges IT professionals are facing as part of your guideline to consider the pros/cons of IT.
- Workload
- Cybersecurity
- Skills gaps
- Digital transformation
- Cloud computing
- Hiring
- Budget
- Leadership support
- Analytics and data management
- Automation
- Project management
- Career growth
But you can consider these Top 12 challenges IT professionals are facing as part of your guideline to consider the pros/cons of IT.
- Workload
- Cybersecurity
- Skills gaps
- Digital transformation
- Cloud computing
- Hiring
- Budget
- Leadership support
- Analytics and data management
- Automation
- Project management
- Career growth
thank you so much.
Nancy
Updated
venkataramana’s Answer
IT is a vast field. Lots of opportunities in IT.Some of the challenges to be considered:
1) Ever changing field, what you learn today becomes obsolete tomorrow
2) Be on the Edge of the Technologies to survive
3) Lay Offs are very common
4) you may get 9-6 job or may have to work in shifts as well
5) Lot of competition and peer pressure
6) Automation and Innovations are key driving forces and you need to be good at both
7) Working under a Manager and need to be in good books of your superiors to get good hikes and growth
1) Ever changing field, what you learn today becomes obsolete tomorrow
2) Be on the Edge of the Technologies to survive
3) Lay Offs are very common
4) you may get 9-6 job or may have to work in shifts as well
5) Lot of competition and peer pressure
6) Automation and Innovations are key driving forces and you need to be good at both
7) Working under a Manager and need to be in good books of your superiors to get good hikes and growth
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
You have gotten a lot of great feedback here. All jobs have challenges, but right now, you have a chance to find out what the pitfalls are. I commend you for this effort. I would challenge you to determine how you want to use your IT skills. Find the aspect of IT that you are passionate about, that you would do even if it didn't earn you a paycheck. Is it coding? Is it video game creation? Is it health technologies where you can create software to save people's lives? The world is going digital. The Internet of things need good minds behind that technology. There is power there. So find something that you are passionate about. That will help you stay passionate during hard times and help you stay curious. That curiosity will be very important as IT changes so fast that you will constantly need to educate yourself. If you don't keep up, you are going to fall behind very quickly. Make sure to be a life long learner.
Good luck with your choice.
Good luck with your choice.
thank you so much
Nancy
Updated
Sethu’s Answer
Hello Nancy,
Information Technology is wide and continues to grow at a rapid pace every day. Here are some PROS and CONS.
PROS
1. IT is diverse, so you will have plenty of choices to test your interests and then specialize.
2. Learning potential is enormous.
3. Positions relating to problem solving and programming are gratifying.
4. IT can be used to solve problems in every field of study. More options to navigate through your career.
5. High demand technology jobs offer very good pay and perks.
CONS
1. You technical skills could become obsolete very quickly
2. Some IT positions require 24x7 availability. Work-life balance may become difficult.
Information Technology is wide and continues to grow at a rapid pace every day. Here are some PROS and CONS.
PROS
1. IT is diverse, so you will have plenty of choices to test your interests and then specialize.
2. Learning potential is enormous.
3. Positions relating to problem solving and programming are gratifying.
4. IT can be used to solve problems in every field of study. More options to navigate through your career.
5. High demand technology jobs offer very good pay and perks.
CONS
1. You technical skills could become obsolete very quickly
2. Some IT positions require 24x7 availability. Work-life balance may become difficult.
thank you so much
Nancy
Updated
Syed’s Answer
Hi Nancy,
In IT, you'll be faced with constantly having to stay on top of the latest technological advancements in order to stay current. This means that you have to spend a lot of time outside of work getting certifications, doing online training and attending meetups.
Outsourcing makes it so that you can lose your job any time to someone who is cheaper overseas.
IT budgets are constantly under scrutiny by Finance & Accounting. Delays in timelines create friction with the business users who rely on the output of IT.
At the end of the day, IT is at the mercy of the business. They don't drive the narrative so much as react and respond to what the business leaders dictate. You won't be at the forefront of the company driving decisions and won't have the same glamour and respect as the Product, Sales and other client-facing people.
In IT, you'll be faced with constantly having to stay on top of the latest technological advancements in order to stay current. This means that you have to spend a lot of time outside of work getting certifications, doing online training and attending meetups.
Outsourcing makes it so that you can lose your job any time to someone who is cheaper overseas.
IT budgets are constantly under scrutiny by Finance & Accounting. Delays in timelines create friction with the business users who rely on the output of IT.
At the end of the day, IT is at the mercy of the business. They don't drive the narrative so much as react and respond to what the business leaders dictate. You won't be at the forefront of the company driving decisions and won't have the same glamour and respect as the Product, Sales and other client-facing people.
Updated
Kinnari’s Answer
Being in IT means being competitive all time.
You have to keep learning new skills based on current demand. Need to have open mind with respect to learning new technologies.
There will always be risk of job security due to high demand of IT professionals in market.
One must be prepared for workload as that comes by default in IT sector.
To sustain in IT field one need to have adaptive nature as demands from business changes rapidly.
Maintaining work life balance is very crucial in IT else it leads to stress.
You have to keep learning new skills based on current demand. Need to have open mind with respect to learning new technologies.
There will always be risk of job security due to high demand of IT professionals in market.
One must be prepared for workload as that comes by default in IT sector.
To sustain in IT field one need to have adaptive nature as demands from business changes rapidly.
Maintaining work life balance is very crucial in IT else it leads to stress.
Updated
Alfred’s Answer
As others have pointed out above, "being in IT field" can mean a million and one things, so I believe it would be helpful to explore the different high-level job functions in the IT field, and see which ones sound appealing to you. Then and only then will you be able to find out both the challenges & the pros/cons for those specific areas you are interested in.
As you can imagine, with the "IT field" being very diverse, both challenges & the pros/cons can be very different depending on your interest areas
As you can imagine, with the "IT field" being very diverse, both challenges & the pros/cons can be very different depending on your interest areas