The field of information technology is growing rapidly, and now is the ideal time to pursue a lucrative, rewarding career in it. So what are IT employers looking for in future employees? And how can you ensure that the skills you’re gaining in school will remain relevant years from now in this dynamic field?
At Marymount University, we’ve recently introduced eight new specializations within our Information Technology degree program. These new specializations — Business Analysis, Cloud Computing, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Data Science, Digital Forensics, Game Design & Development and Network Security — reflect growing trends within the industry and represent our response to the need for more professionals with these specialized skill sets. Read on to discover how pursuing one of these new specialization tracks can help you master skill sets that will benefit your future career in information technology.
1. Develop strong skills in statistical analysis with a specialization in Data Science.
Data science, a fast-growing subset of computer and information research, is an attractive career opportunity as there is a high demand for individuals with the ability to analyze and interpret data. This skill is becoming increasingly valuable in the IT industry because growing numbers of companies are collecting large amounts of data and need to be able to understand this data in order to make strategic decisions. In addition to data scientists being in high demand, you can easily expect to earn six figures in many positions!
If you decide to pursue a specialization in Data Science at Marymount, you’ll study data analytics and data science applications and learn how to manage big data effectively. Whether or not you end up working in the data science field specifically, being skilled in statistical analysis is useful in a variety of industries. More broadly, specializing in Data Science will help you strengthen your analytical abilities and problem-solving skills, which will benefit you even if your future career doesn’t involve data.
2. Stand out by strengthening your creative thinking abilities when you specialize in Game Design & Development.
Imagine spending your work days developing and testing video games for mobile, online and home console devices. Does this sound like your dream job?
The specialization in Game Design & Development at Marymount can help make this dream a reality. While the work may seem like fun and games, the courses that you’ll take (which will include Computer Animation, Storytelling and 3D Modeling) will help you hone your creative thinking skills. As a game developer, creativity is at the heart of what you’ll do. Simply being tech-savvy won’t cut it — you’ll need to be innovative as well.
Even if you don’t end up designing and developing video games in your future career, developing your creativity through courses such as these will benefit you in whichever IT path you pursue. Creativity is a multipurpose soft skill that is in demand in many tech-focused jobs. IT professionals are constantly looking toward the future, anticipating and developing solutions for potential tech problems and needs. This sort of forward-thinking requires a lot of imagination and creative problem solving. Employers, therefore, seek out tech professionals who are able to conceive unique solutions. Employers are aware that those with a creative mindset have the ability to shape the future of IT, and they’re looking for individuals with this coveted, versatile skill.
3. Gain a comprehensive knowledge of the nature of IT by specializing in Cloud Computing.
Cloud computing — the ability to run applications, support business operations, store and protect data and perform other computing functions through an online, offsite web server, as opposed to a traditional on-premise hardware network — is the next big opportunity in IT. Considering that nearly all organizations use cloud computing in their operations, there is a startling lack of individuals who have skills in this field. This shortage, which is likely due to the fact that cloud computing only became mainstream recently, presents a significant opportunity for ambitious, tech-savvy students.
Through this specialization at Marymount, you’ll gain knowledge of cloud computing that will provide you with a strong, integrated IT knowledge base. Moreover, being able to tell a future employer that you have skills in this area not only makes you a strong candidate for jobs related to cloud computing, but it also demonstrates that you’re aware of current trends in IT and that you have the ability to adapt to future trends as well. In this rapidly changing field, the ability to adapt is an increasingly important soft skill.
Marymount’s new specializations provide you with the skills to succeed in your IT career. Each of these specializations, which reflect growing trends within the industry, will provide you with valuable, multipurpose skill sets that will benefit you in the information technology industry and beyond.
If you’re interested in mastering these skills (and others!), we encourage you to request more information today so that you can dive into each of these specializations in greater detail. We’re excited to help you become a leader in IT!
