In-Demand IT Careers for Experienced Professionals and Advanced Degree Holders

Technology is finding its way into new corners of people's lives every day. For those keeping a watchful eye on the technological advances we see on an almost daily basis, this can mean unique, exciting and lucrative new career opportunities. Many of these new or re-emerging Information Technology (IT) careers combine IT with other fields such as business, human resources or healthcare. Some of these careers are not as prominent as their non-hybrid counterparts, which helps those who are qualified for these positions because of the smaller degree of competition.

As a general guideline, these jobs require no less than a bachelor's degree, several years of related, professional experience and the ability to balance the needs of two or more separate departments within a company. Hence, in order to carry out effective and strategic career planning, it is essential to clearly understand the education requirements and job descriptions in these blended career fields. With the right skills, experience and education, one may find that they are in fact a prime candidate for one of these valuable positions.

Below, we discuss just a few of the careers available to the experienced IT professional who has the knowledge, education and experience to obtain one of these new and exciting IT-hybrid careers.

Project Manager
Project managers with an IT focus save their companies a great deal of time and money by working as a liaison between the IT team and the rest of the company to ensure that the company's technology project requirements are satisfactorily met. They oversee the quality assurance factors from an IT perspective while maintaining and managing an effective timeline. A Bachelor's degree in IT or business related field with a background in applications development is typically required for this position, as well as product specific certifications that would assist in demonstrating an applicant?s expertise in a particular software package. Earning a Master?s degree in Business Administration (MBA) with technology as a core component can also open up other possible career opportunities, such as becoming a Chief Technology Officer or Management Information Systems (MIS) Director. The job outlook for project managers is expected to grow faster than the national average at 17% through 2018.*

Director of IT Human Resources
The Director of IT Human Resources plays a vital role in the technical hiring needs and HR management for a company that is creating a specialized and experienced IT staff. They also establish and maintain the crucial connection between the IT and Human Resources Departments and the CIO. A bachelor's degree is the customary path of entry into this field, however a masters in human resources with a background in IT is now recommended for those seeking general and top management positions in this field. The job growth outlook for human resources managers is much higher than the national average at 22% through 2018.*

Applications Architect
An applications architect understands the infrastructure of their business' software systems intricately and ensures that projects surrounding the software are parallel to the company's application development methodology and parameters. While this position is sometimes held by associate degree graduates, a Bachelor's degree with a major in Computer or Information Science and Management Information Systems is often more desirable by employers. An MBA with a concentration in Information Systems, along with many years of experience may be helpful for advancement into a related management position or to create opportunities for consulting. Employment for applications architects is expected to grow much faster than average at 20% by 2018.*

Business Relationship Manager
Business Relationship Managers create and maintain a productive working environment between the diverse sides of business and IT within a company, ensuring that there is a high standard of quality being met within the business' methodology. A masters in IT management or related MBA degree is typically suggested for employment as a business relationship manager. This field is expected to grow much faster than average at 24% over the 2008-2018 decade.*

Software Implementation Analysts
Software implementation analysts manage the integration of new software applications and upgrades into a business by bridging the gap between the software vendor and the IT infrastructure team. They ensure the business plan is maintained throughout the implementation phase as well as manage testing and resolve any end-user issues that may present themselves. An MBA with an Information Systems concentration graduate may be hired to fill this position, and strong business, technology and accounting skills are needed for possible promotion to senior or lead analyst, chief information manager or possible employment with a consulting firm. The outlook for software implementation analysts is expected to grow much faster than the national average at 20% through 2018.*

Planning for a new career is an investment. It takes plenty of time and effort, but it can also be exciting. Discovering new and re-emerging fields in your area of expertise can be a life changing experience. Take the time to explore all the unique opportunities available to IT professionals today and you may discover a position you never knew existed, and that is a great fit for you, your education level, and your experience.

* All Job outlook data was taken from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010-2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook. Prospective students for any of the listed professions above are encouraged to conduct independent research as employment opportunities, salary and job growth may vary depending on location, experience, education and other factors.

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