If you want to advance your technology career, now is a great time to look for new opportunities. The demand for software engineers and data analysts is at one of the highest levels in history, because many companies need engineers and analysts to work with new technologies. The entry-level salaries for these positions are very competitive, and they are often higher than the starting wages in other technology occupations. If you're ready for a career change, consider getting the training you need to become a software engineer or data analyst.
Software engineers are in high demand due to the shortage of people trained in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates employment growth of 30 percent for this occupation by 2020. This is much faster than the average growth expected for other occupations. The increased demand for software engineers has led to a corresponding increase in salaries. The median annual salary for a software engineer was $87,790 in 2010, according to the BLS. Facebook and Google pay some of the highest salaries for software engineers, but there are many opportunities available with other companies.
Defining the duties of data analysts is a little more difficult than defining the duties of software engineers, because employers use many titles to refer to people who analyze data to determine trends and identify errors. The titles database analyst, systems analyst, reporting specialist, and business analyst are often used interchangeably, so look for job opportunities using these keywords. They all refer to an analyst who uses software to build reports, solve business problems, and design queries. An analyst may also be responsible for delivering reports to customers. Those who move into database administration positions can expect many job opportunities in the next few years, because the BLS predicts employment growth of 31 percent.
Becoming a software engineer or business analyst is about much more than the salary. If you're concerned about work-life balance, working for a tech company can make it easier. Glassdoor.com recently released a list of 25 companies with the best work-life balance, and the companies included NetApp, Citrix Systems, Yahoo!, SAS Institute, and AOL. Some of these companies allow employees to work from home, while others are flexible about work schedules. Working as a software engineer or data analyst for a company offering a good work-life balance can make your career more satisfying.
Now is the perfect time to update your skills and advance your career, because there is strong demand in the tech industry. Taking additional courses or obtaining relevant certifications can help you get a promotion in your current company or qualify for a new job with another company in the industry. Learn more about software engineers and systems analysts to determine whether either career is right for you.
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