Exploring the World of IT Career Paths

Information technology (IT) plays a significant role in our daily lives. When we send messages via email, manage data in an electronic spreadsheet, use social media, play video games or shop online, we are using information technology. When we use VPN or an antivirus program to protect our personal information and devices from bad actors, we are utilizing information technology.

The list of IT career paths is about as diverse as the potential applications of information technology in our daily lives. And according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in computer and IT occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2024 to 2034.¹

In this article, we explore six IT-related career domains:

1. Software development
2. Network administration
3. Cybersecurity
4. Data analysis/analytics
5. Cloud computing
6. Project Management

Software Development

Software development refers to the process of creating computer software--a set of instructions or programs that tells a computer what to do. Software is programmable and intangible, making it distinct from computer hardware, i.e., the physical parts of a computer (RAM, graphics card, motherboard, etc.).

• Software Developers--Generally

  To develop software, developers determine a product's core functionality (based on an assessment of how the end user intends to use the product) and its security requirements. Software developers may work with computer programmers who write code, or they may write it themselves. There are different types of software developers.²

• Applications Software Developers

  Applications software developers design computer applications. Game developers, for example, create video games for consumers. Others, such as database developers, create and maintain information databases.²

• Systems Software Developers

  Systems software developers create the operating systems that enable computers and most consumer electronics to function. They often build the interface that allows a user to interact with the computer or other electronic device or app (such as a mobile phone or mobile app).²

• Web Developers--Generally

  Web developers are a type of software engineer that creates and maintains websites and web applications.³

• Front-End Web Developers

  Front-end web developers use programming languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript to develop the user interface (UI) and the user experience (UX) of a website or app--i.e., the front-facing parts of the website that the user interacts with^3,4 (hence, the "front end").

• Back-End Web Developers

  Back-end web developers are responsible not for the user-facing parts of a website but rather the server side of web applications--i.e., their framework and functionality^3,4 (hence, the "back end" that users do not see).

• IT Project Managers

  Developers who oversee a software project through all phases of the project life cycle and work to ensure that the project deliverables are completed on time and on budget may be known as information technology (IT) project managers.² We discuss IT project managers in more detail below.

Skills and Qualifications for Applications and Systems Software Developers: Aspiring applications software developers and systems software developers typically must hold a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology, engineering or mathematics. They must also have a strong programming background.²

Skills and Qualifications for Web Developers: Educational requirements for web developers can vary. While some employers may hire candidates with a high school diploma and demonstrated ability (either through prior work experience or completion of a project), some prefer candidates who hold a bachelor's degree in computer programming or computer science. Knowledge of different programming languages and of multimedia publishing tools may also be required. Back-end developers should be well versed in HTML and understand other programming languages, such as SQL and JavaScript.³

Network Administration

Network administration is an IT field focused on ensuring that computer networks are meeting an organization's needs.

• Network Administrators

  Network administrators install, configure and manage computer infrastructure (e.g., routers, switches and cables) supporting computer networks, such as local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). They may assist in designing and analyzing network models or managing telecommunication networks.⁵

• Computer Systems Administrators

  Unlike network administrators, who focus on tangible infrastructure, computer systems administrators (or just "systems administrators") set up and maintain computer software and operating systems. They ensure that servers and email and data storage networks are operating properly, and they implement software updates as needed. Some may even provide IT support to users experiencing hard-to-resolve technical problems.⁵

Skills and Qualifications for Network and Computer Systems Administrators: To become a network or computer systems administrator, candidates typically must hold a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field, such as engineering.⁵

Cybersecurity

CISA defines cybersecurity as "the art of protecting networks, devices and data from unauthorized access or criminal use and the practice of ensuring confidentiality, integrity and availability of information."⁶ Ransomware and other malware, phishing scams, data theft and AI-driven attacks are just a few examples of common cybersecurity threats.⁷ Whether we are sending and receiving email, logging into our bank account, using GPS to get from point A to point B, or accessing, storing or sharing our digital medical records, cybersecurity measures are what stand between us and an unlimited number of bad actors and threats.

• Information Security Analysts

  Information security analysts plan and deploy security measures to protect an organization's computer networks and systems. They monitor computer networks for security breaches, use firewalls and data encryption programs to protect information, identify network/security vulnerabilities that can be exploited, stay current on the latest security threats and IT security trends, and help to develop their organization's disaster recovery plan.⁸

Skills and Qualifications for Information Security Analysts: To prepare to pursue an information security career path, a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology, or in engineering or math, is typically required.⁸

Data Analysis/Analytics

Data analysis looks for meaning in data. More specifically, it is the process of discovering insights and trends through the collecting, cleaning, analyzing and interpreting of data. These insights can assist an organization in its strategic decision-making.

Data analysts may use various tools to perform data analysis, including statistical software, programming languages, data visualization tools, machine learning libraries, spreadsheet software and database management systems (DBMS).⁹

• Data Scientists

  Data scientists build and use analytical tools and techniques (like complex algorithms and machine learning) to glean insights and make predictions about what will happen next. These insights and predictions are then used in decision-making. Data scientists typically begin a project by gathering data through various means, e.g., by accessing other organizations' databases or through the use of web-scraping tools. They then take this raw data and clean it so that software programs can read it. Data scientists also develop and test new computer algorithms and data analytical models to support machine learning that classifies the data and assists in making predictions.¹⁰

Skills and Qualifications for Data Scientists: To pursue a data scientist career path, a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in mathematics, computer science, business or engineering may be required. On top of having knowledge of computer science, math and statistics, aspiring data scientists must understand data-oriented programming languages and how to use statistical, database and other specialized software.¹⁰

• Management Analysts

  Management analysts, also known as business analysts, business consultants or management consultants,¹¹ make recommendations to improve an organization's efficiency and make it more profitable, and they usually work on a contractual basis.¹² Organizations hire management analysts to develop strategies for staying competitive, and so what a management analyst works on from project to project may vary.¹² Their duties include collecting information about the problem or process they are investigating, analyzing the organization's financial and employment data, developing new solutions or improvements to existing systems or processes based on the data analysis, and then communicating their recommendations to management.¹²

Helpful hint: You can think of the difference between management analysts and data scientists this way: the former base their recommendations on analyses of historical data, whereas the latter use scientific processes and tools to make data-based predictions about the future.

Skills and Qualifications for Management Analysts: To become a management analyst, holding a bachelor's degree is typically required; however, employers may prefer candidates with an MBA. Several years of relevant work experience may also be needed.¹²

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing is delivery of computer services (e.g., file storage, file sharing, video/audio streaming, collaboration/communication apps) over the internet. Cloud computing involves the storage and transmission of data via remote servers ("the cloud") rather than through the use of hardware, and there are different types, including infrastructure as a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and software as a service (SaaS).¹³

Skills and Qualifications for Cloud Computing: Although various cloud computing career paths--such as cloud engineer, cloud administrator and cloud architect--may sometimes be classified under the broader category of "computer network architects," their requirements for entry may vary. Earning a bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., information technology or computer science), gaining experience in an IT career path involving cloud-based tasks and earning cloud computing certification could help you prepare to pursue opportunities the field.¹⁴

IT Project Management

Project managers (PMs) oversee projects through the various phases of the project life cycle, from project initiation through closing (delivery). They manage a project's schedule, timeline, procurement, staffing and budget; lead the technical staff and guide their work; and may act as the main point of contact for a client.¹⁵

Information Technology (IT) Project Managers

IT project managers are a type of PM specifically focused on an organization's IT-related activities, such as IT infrastructure and security. IT project managers plan, coordinate and direct computer-related activities in an organization. They are involved in developing and achieving an organization's IT goals. Some may oversee an entire IT department, while others may focus specifically on IT infrastructure, support services or cybersecurity. In addition to analyzing, planning and directing IT-related installations and upgrades, IT project managers may establish and maintain process to promote IT security, conduct cost-benefit analyses for new projects and justify their funding, and determine IT department personnel needs.¹⁶

Skills and Qualifications for IT Project Managers: Unlike project management generally, which typically requires holding a bachelor's degree in project management or a business field,¹⁵ pursuing an IT project management career path typically involves holding a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology or a related field, plus relevant work experience.¹⁶ Management information systems (MIS) degree programs, comprising a mix of business and computer classes, are another option.¹⁶ Some organizations may require candidates to hold a graduate-level computer science, business or information technology degree.¹⁶

Is an IT Degree Program Right for You?

Within the world of information technology, there are many different potential IT career paths. Depending on your interests or existing skills sets--programming and coding, computer hardware, data analysis, project management, etc.--you may be drawn more to certain roles than to others. But an interest in analyzing data, in solving problems and in technology is the common thread running through the various roles that appear in this list of potential IT career paths. If you have that, then pursuing an IT degree program could be a good fit for you.

Trident University International offers several degree programs for those who are interested in the technology field:

IT Management:

• Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Management (BSITM)
• Master of Science in Information Technology Management (MSITM)

Cybersecurity:

• Associate of Science in Cybersecurity (ASC)

Computer Science:

• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (BSCS)

Business Administration:

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Ph.D. in Business Administration

Request more information today, or apply now

¹ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Computer and Information Technology Occupations," https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/ (visited Feb. 6, 2026).
² Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers," https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm (visited Feb. 6, 2026).
³ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Web Developers and Digital Designers," https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm (visited Feb. 6, 2026).
⁴ Indeed Editorial Team, "A Guide to Front-End vs. Back-End vs. Full-Stack Development" (Dec. 19, 2025), https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/back-end-vs-front-end-vs-full-stack-development.
⁵ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Network and Computer Systems Administrators," https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm (visited Feb. 6, 2026).
⁶ CISA, "What Is Cybersecurity?," CISA Blog (Feb. 21, 2021), https://www.cisa.gov/news-events/news/what-cybersecurity.
⁷ Gregg Lindemulder, Matt Kosinski & Alexandra Jonker, "What Is Cybersecurity?," IBM, https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/cybersecurity (visited Feb. 6, 2026).
⁸ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Information Security Analysts," https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm (visited Feb. 6, 2026).
⁹ Alagar, "What Tools Do Data Analysts Use?," International Association of Business Analytics Certification (IABAC) (Feb. 5, 2024), https://iabac.org/blog/what-tools-do-data-analysts-use.
¹⁰ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Data Scientists," https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm (visited Feb. 6, 2026).
¹¹ National Center for O*NET Development, O*NET Online, "13-1111.00-Management Analysts," https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1111.00 (visited Feb. 6, 2026).
¹² Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Management Analysts," https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm (visited Feb. 6, 2026).
¹³ Alan Zeichick, "What Is Cloud Computing?" (Apr. 10, 2025), https://www.oracle.com/cloud/what-is-cloud-computing/.
¹⁴ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Computer Network Architects," https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm (visited Feb. 17, 2026).
¹⁵ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Project Management Specialists," https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/project-management-specialists.htm (visited Feb. 6, 2026).
¹⁶ Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Computer and Information Systems Managers," https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm (visited Feb. 6, 2026).

Trident University International cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. REQ2193224 2/2026