Top IT Career Paths for IT and Computer Science Graduates

Technology professionals have been in demand for the past few years with the increasing demand for technology, automation, and digitalization. Many experts are trying to set a track to this career path to fill in the current employment demand. However, IT is not just a single road career. Instead, it is filled with different streets you can choose from.

To help you with that, we have compiled the 10 best IT career paths in 2022. This article will tackle each career path’s work, skills requirement, and forecasted salary.

Why Should You Follow a Career in IT?

Information and technology are one of the fastest-growing sectors in the world. It’s also one of the most rewarding, as IT professionals are in high demand and earn significantly more than many other professionals.

Morever, the best IT career paths in 2022 can be found across various industries and sectors, spanning from telecommunications to banking finance to healthcare. Similarly, there are also many opportunities for IT professionals to work abroad or on an international project.

TOP 10 IT Career Paths in 2022

1. Software Developer

Software developers are one of the best IT career paths in 2022 and the backbone of the IT industry. They design, develop, maintain and test software systems. Software developers work in various sectors such as healthcare, banking, finance, manufacturing, retail, etc. In addition, they are also responsible for developing different software applications that people can use across the world.

Required skills for Software Developers:

• Back-end Computing
• Front-end Development
• Knowledgeable with various programming languages
• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology
• Great problem-solving skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Great communication skills
• Mathematical aptitude

Median Salary for Software Developers:

• According to Glassdoors, Software developers can earn up to PHP 89,000 a month in the Philippines.

2. IT Support Tech

An IT Support Tech is a person who provides technical support to clients of an organization. They may also be called IT service technicians, IT service desk agents, or customer care representatives.

In addition, the field of IT support is overgrowing in the US and Canada. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that by 2026, the number of jobs will grow by about 24%.

Required skills for an IT Support Technicians:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science or Information Technology
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Ability to work with a team
• Knowledge of how software and operating system works
• Good listening and communication skills
• Ability to analyze technical issues
• Attention to detail
• Knows how to write case notes

Median Salary for an IT Support Technician:

• According to Indeed, IT Support Tech can earn an average of PHP 20,2200 per month in the Philippines.

3. Data Analysts

Data analysts are professionals who have the skills to analyze and interpret data from various sources. They are responsible for identifying trends and drawing conclusions that can be used to make decisions.

Similarly, this profession is usually employed in many different industries, including finance, retail, healthcare, and education. In fact, they’re so important in the workplace that they’re one of the best IT career paths in 2022.

Required skills for Data Analyst:

• Have an aptitude for data visualization and data cleaning
• Experts in MATLAB
• Knows programming languages such as R and Python
• Knowledgeable in SQL and NoSQL
• Interested in exploring Machine Learning and AI
• Familiarity with Linear Algebra and Calculus

Median Salary for Data Analyst:

• According to Payscale, Data Analysts can earn up to PHP 654,000 in the Philippines.

4. Software QA Tester

Software testers are responsible for finding bugs, errors, or other issues in a computer program. They test the software by executing the instructions on the screen and checking whether it functions as expected. Likewise, software testers work with various programs to try their functionality and ensure they work correctly.

Required skills for Software QA Tester:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Software Design, Engineering or Computer Science
• Excellent time management
• Communication skills to help document test cases
• Critical thinking skills
• Quick learner
• Attention to details

Median Salary for Software QA Tester:

• According to Talent.com, Software QA Testers can earn up to PHP 630,000 annually in the Philippines.

5. Systems Engineer

A systems engineer is an IT professional who designs, builds, and tests computer systems. They are responsible for maintaining the system or network after being put in place. Moreover, they are also accountable for developing and implementing new technologies to solve problems or improve efficiency.

Systems engineers may work in various environments, including a corporate office, a data center, or other places where IT infrastructure is located. Furthermore, a systems engineer may need to be on call 24/7 to respond quickly to any issues with the system they are managing.

Required skills for Systems Engineer:

• Critical thinking skill
• Project management
• Familiarity with business info systems
• Knowledgeable in SQL, .Net, JAVA, UNIX, and JavaScript
• Bachelor’s degree in systems engineering or related field
• Well-versed in troubleshooting, networks, and system design.

Median Salary for Systems Engineers:

• Systems Engineers can get paid an average of PHP 593,034 annually in the country., according to the Economic Research Institute of the Philippines.

6. Web Designer

A web designer is a person who designs the website, from the look and feels to the navigation, content, and functionality. They are responsible for coming up with some ideas and developing wireframes to visualize the website.

Similarly, web designer works closely with client or business owners. They present their ideas on what their website should look and feel while maintaining the company’s branding and style.

Required skills for Web Designer:

• Good visual design skills
• Dexterity in graphic design software such as Adobe Photoshop
• Imaginative and creative
• Patient
• Has attention to detail
• Technical ability
• Great IT skills

Median Salary for Web Designer:

• According to Payscale, Web Designers in the Philippines get paid up to PhP 552,000 per year.

7. Network Engineer

Network engineers are the backbone of the internet. They are responsible for building and maintaining networks, including everything from wiring to servers to software. In addition, a network engineer designs, install and maintains computer networks. Itincludes both wired and wireless networks.

Required skills for Network Engineer:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or electrical engineering, information systems or management information systems
• Specialist network knowledge
• Excellent communication skills
• Strategic planning and analysis
• Great problem-solving skills

Median Salary for Network Engineer:

• The Philippine Department of Labour and Employment stated that Network Engineers’ salary ranges from PHP 25,000 to PHP 50,000 monthly.  

8. IT Recruiter

An IT recruiter is an individual who finds and hires IT professionals for companies. Likewise, IT recruiters are responsible for hiring the best talent to meet the company’s needs. They see talent by leveraging their networks, job boards, social media platforms, and other online resources to find qualified candidates.

Required skills for IT recruiters:

• Specialist network knowledge
• Excellent communication and network building skills
• Time management and organizational skills
• Project Management

Median Salary for IT recruiters:

• According to Economic Research Institute, IT Recruiter earns up to PHP 447,715 annually in the Philippines.

9. Project Manager

An IT project manager is a person who manages the different tasks in an IT project. They are responsible for the project’s success and will usually have to take care of all aspects of it. In addition, most IT managers will be in charge of deciding how to allocate resources, managing timelines, overseeing quality assurance and risk management.

Required skills for Project Manager:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or engineering.
• Excellent organization and task assigning skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Effective communication skills
• Clear and unbiased thinking
• Ability to stay calm under pressure

Median Salary for Project Manager:

• Glassdoor stated that IT Project Manager earns up to PHP 230,000 monthly.

10. Database Administrator

Database administrators are responsible for developing, designing, and managing databases. They have a significant role in an organization. Likewise, they are responsible for collecting data and ensuring it is available to other users. In addition, most database administrators also need to ensure that databases are secure and run smoothly.

Required skills for Database Administrator:

• Meticulous attention to detail.
• A logical approach to wor
• The ability to prioritize tasks
• Problem-solving skills
• Good organizational skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills.

Median Salary for Database Administrator:

• According to PayScale, the Philippines’ Average Base Salary of a Database Administrator is around PHP 537,194 annually.

Want to start your career in IT?

And that’s it! If you are a graduating student of Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or Computer Science, check out these top career paths for you. Make sure to research it well enough and know its ins and outs before deciding which career you will start.

And when you finally choose, make sure to jumpstart your career with Flexisource IT. We are hiring for various positions! Apply now!