How to become an IT professional? Before you start, it's important to get the basics! Read our blog post! Let us help you!
More...
An IT professional is a professional who designs, develops, tests, operates and maintains software and IT systems. But before we get into IT jobs, let's take a look at what IT does these days!
Key trends in IT in 2023
IT trends are influenced by a number of factors, such as the emergence of new technologies, changing user needs, business needs, market trends and R&D results. In 2023, we see the following areas being the most prominent:
Artificial intelligence: further deployment and development of systems capable of autonomous learning and decision-making, and wider use of AI-driven systems.
IoT: further spread of the Internet of Things, enabling smart devices and networks to communicate with each other.
Cloud computing: the further spread of cloud computing, allowing remote access to data and software.
Big data: analysing huge amounts of data and extracting useful information will continue to be important.
Blockchain: further use of blockchain technology, for example to record transactions and store data securely.
Mobile applications: the further spread and development of applications for smartphones and tablets.
Human-machine interaction: further development of interaction between computers and humans, for example in speech recognition, facial recognition and gesture control.
Quantum computing: the potential for the diffusion of quantum computing, which could open up new opportunities in computational theory and computing.
Augmented and virtual reality: the extension of reality and the further spread of virtual reality, for example in games and media content.
Data mining: analysing huge amounts of data and extracting useful information will continue to be important.
Automation: further exploiting the potential for automating workflows, for example in the area of task execution by robots and artificial intelligence.
E-learning: further spread and development of online learning.
Chatbots: further deployment and development of chatbots as a means to communicate with customers.
Fintech: the further spread and development of financial technology (fintech), for example in mobile payments and online transactions.
Internet security: issues of Internet security will continue to be important, for example in the areas of password protection and anti-phishing.
Home devices: the continued uptake of smart home devices that enable automation and control of the home.
Data protection: data protection will continue to be an important issue, in particular in relation to the collection and use of data.
Why are trends important?
These are likely to be the main topics in 2023. Why is it important? In my opinion, it's because if you are (or will become) an IT professional, it's not only your job that determines what you do but also the specific IT field.
To work in one of these areas, you will need significant experience. But it's OK if you can see from the start which areas are important to you and you don't just drift. I know IT professionals who like to work on small and manageable tasks as software developers (e.g. small websites). And those who like to start working on big tasks (e.g. designing a national IT system). Find out what your path is!
Key IT jobs
At Bluebird, we group IT jobs as follows. These are considered the main category, you can find a detailed breakdown on our IT roles page.
IT Managers, IT Leads (Project Managers, Scrum Masters, IT Development Managers, Test Managers)
Analysts, Consultants (Business Analyst, System Analyst, Product Owner, IT Security Consultant)
Software Developers, Software Engineers (Java, JavaScript, Python, .NET, C/C++, Cobol, PHP, etc.)
Testers (Manual Tester, Automated Testers)
What does an IT professional do? Examples
If you choose any of the above, you can tell what IT professionals do. For example:
Software developer in artificial intelligence: A software developer in artificial intelligence designs and develops software that is capable of autonomous learning and decision-making. The tasks include data collection and analysis, model building and training, and system testing and maintenance. Artificial intelligence software developers must be proficient in programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++, which are used to create artificial intelligence systems.
Analyst in fintech: A fintech business analyst provides analysis that helps companies in the financial sector to operate more efficiently. Their responsibilities include analysing business processes, data and market trends, and developing new business opportunities and strategies. Fintech business analysts must understand how to manage databases and use data analysis software. Knowledge of SQL language may also be important.
Tester in IT security: An IT security penetration tester performs tests to verify the security of a system. The penetration tester must try to break through the security mechanisms of the system as if it were a real attacker to find out what weaknesses exist in the system. The penetration tester must be familiar with the operation of and risks to security systems and be familiar with security protocols and attack methods. In addition, programming skills, such as Python, may be important.
IT project manager in augmented reality: an augmented reality IT project manager leads projects that use virtual elements added in real time to the live environment. Their responsibilities include planning and developing new projects, as well as managing and monitoring projects. Augmented reality IT project managers should be familiar with augmented reality technologies and their applications, and should be familiar with the principles and methods of project management.
You see, there are many different things an IT professional can do. You need to decide which area interests you the most (see list of IT trends above) and think about which role you are best suited for (see main job roles above).
Tip from an experienced IT professional
When I was looking for my first IT job, I had the pleasure of speaking to a very senior IT professional before I started my search. He said, "Balázs! It's not enough to know that you work as a software developer. That alone is not enough! You need to know which domain you are really interested in! Banking? Industrial manufacturing automation? Or other? Think about what you are interested in, which area you can see yourself in, and then start looking for a job." I took the advice, even though I ended up becoming a company director, maybe because I'm interested in IT as a whole, not just one job, and maybe also because I'm very interested in building companies and running companies.
"How can I become a computer scientist?"
Among IT positions, the proportion of software developer positions can vary and may depend on the measurement method, the field under consideration, and the level of detail.
However, in my opinion, in general, the proportion of software developer positions among IT positions is somewhere around 30-40%. It is for this reason that the steps are presented for this job.
If you are interested in other jobs, check out our blog posts on main IT roles!
Learn to code: IT professionals need to know how to program to solve software development tasks. You can take online courses, read or watch online content about programming languages. The point is to find a task that interests you and start doing it. The first steps might be difficult, but I can tell you: it's worth the effort!
Gain experience: you can gain experience in programming by working on your own projects or by participating in IT camps, hackathons or similar events. Do it!
Get a degree: most employers require a degree in IT for IT jobs. Go to university to study IT, or find a course where you can study IT (e.g. software development, testing, etc.)
Look for a job: Once you have completed your IT training and gained enough experience, look for a job! In a field that interests you and only in a job that interests you.
Improve your skills: IT is a fast-evolving field, so you need to keep up to date with new technologies. You can attend training courses, read new online content or take online courses to stay up to date.
"Which IT course should I choose?"
If you want to become an IT professional, it's a good idea to enrol in a course that gives you the opportunity to acquire practical skills as well as professional knowledge. The following are some of the most useful IT courses available:
BSc, MSc, or PhD in Computer Science
Specialised IT training (e.g. software development training)
If you are looking for an IT job, check out our current IT job openings!
Follow us on LinkedIn and on Facebook!
