Do you have a passion for tech? Looking for a career that will excite you every day? Contrary to what you might think, software development isn’t the only path open to you. There are many possibilities for tech nerds — starting with, yes, software development but also including roles like video game developer, UX designer, and ethical hacker. With the rise of innovative startup tech companies, the sky is the limit for the career of individuals with excellent technical skills. Which career is the best choice for you? Take a look at the 10 options we’ve outlined below.
Software developer
The apps and programs you use regularly — including Facebook, Instagram, and Gmail — all came about thanks to the hard work of software developers. Some of these professionals specialize in certain programming languages, such as Python or Java developers. Many focus on server-side development, which takes care of everything that happens in the back end, while others work in the front end, which is the part users can see and interact with. There also are full-stack developers that can take care of both back and front end development. No matter whether you have a specialty or are a Jack of all trades, you’ll be involved in coding, testing, and building software for your business or clients.
Data scientist
Have a mind for numbers? Then you could enjoy a career as a data scientist. These professionals collect and mine data, as well as create algorithms to find patterns and trends that help businesses resolve issues and make more informed decisions. They might make data-driven recommendations for marketing, product development, and more.
Video game developer
Software development acumen, a great aesthetic, storytelling, and a passion for video games are essential for this role. Video game developers not only program games, but they might also be involved in designing the visuals and creating a compelling narrative for the game. It’s not all fun and, well, games, though. You’ll need to have solid experience in software and knowledge of languages like Java, JavaScript, and others to succeed in this career.
Information security analyst
As cybercrime becomes all the more rampant, the world needs more information security analysts. Organizations employ security analysts to design and implement systems to protect sensitive and confidential data and information, reducing the threat of cyberattacks and data breaches.
UX designer
Increasingly, products are all about the user experience — how they’ll interact with them and what they’ll feel like when they use them. A UX designer performs research to determine what consumers really want, before devising ways of addressing these needs in the product itself, considering the look, feel, functionality, and other aspects of it.
Web developer
A software developer’s role is to develop a wide range of products, while web developers focus exclusively on websites and web apps. As with a software developer, you’ll need to know Java, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, PHP, and other programming languages. Since businesses need their websites and web apps up and running seamlessly at all times, a web developer is critical for both building the site or app and maintaining its functionality.
SEO specialist
Part tech, part analytics, part marketing, and part writing, search engine optimization (SEO) is an important part of improving and increasing an organization’s digital presence. As an SEO specialist, you’ll review and update content to help websites and pages rank higher in search engines. You’re not just working on writing, either — optimizing websites and multimedia, including pictures and videos, is also part of your job. Additionally, you’ll be tasked with analyzing results to better understand how you can hone your strategy.
IT specialist
Information technology (IT) personnel assist businesses with installing and sometimes building software to cover a range of needs, ensuring security, creating data and cloud storage solutions, troubleshooting, installing updates, and generally overseeing all technology needs at a company.
Network architect
A computer network architect work with businesses to build and maintain networks, including local area networks, intranets, and wide area networks. This facilitates better-streamlined communication. In order to be successful in this role, you’ll need to have knowledge of and be deeply involved in your organization’s business plans and efforts to understand where and how you’ll design necessary networks.
Ethical hacker
Hacking is a scary concept these days, but what if it were used for good instead of evil? Ethical hacking is just that — helping protect people and organizations against attacks by finding vulnerabilities and weaknesses in their systems and programs. These professionals will attempt to hack their clients’ systems in order to uncover areas that are potentially susceptible to attack, enabling them to address these holes and prevent criminals from exploiting them.
These are just a few of the many careers open to tech nerds. How will you choose the right one for you? Consider your skill sets and interests. If you’re a wordsmith, perhaps you’ll find your calling as an SEO specialist. If you thrive on helping others find solutions to their technical woes, perhaps you’ll enjoy working in IT. No matter what path you choose, you’ll enjoy a rewarding, high-paying, high-stakes career in technology.
