A guide to technology careers in Australia 2024

Information technology (IT) is an exciting industry filled with growth and opportunity. But choosing a tech job can be a challenge. There are many areas within the IT industry to choose from, from programming and software development to support and cyber security.

This article discusses the benefits of working in IT, essential skills for the industry, education requirements, areas of focus, and protecting yourself on the job with business insurance. We’ll also cover what it takes to succeed in the Australian workplace.

The benefits of working in tech

Working in Australia’s IT sector can be an exciting career choice for graduates. There are many benefits to choosing the IT career path, such as:

• Stability – As of early 2023, Australia is on track to add 1.2 million tech jobs by 2030 and is the seventh largest employing industry in the country¹.
• Income – Earning potential within tech is excellent, with an average base pay range of $85,000 to $130,000 per year² in Australia.
• Variety – IT professionals may have their pick of working across virtually any industry within the public and private sectors.
• Opportunity – Freelance IT professionals are in demand in many areas and provide tech pros with more flexibility around when they work and who they work for.

Skills needed in the IT industry

While every IT job will have its own specific requirements, there are general skills that nearly all IT pros will need:

• Computer skills – In-depth knowledge of hardware, software, and operating systems is necessary, regardless of job title.
• Programming – A foundational knowledge of computer programming is useful for IT professionals.
• Cybersecurity – An understanding of the internet and mobile applications—and how they can be compromised—is essential.
• Communication and listening – IT professionals typically must communicate with many teams and individual stakeholders in the course of their work.
• Analytical and problem-solving – The ability to parse data and develop creative solutions is critical to a career in tech.
• Attention to detail – This skill is essential to both the work of an IT professional and running a tech business.

Education requirements for IT careers

A degree is not necessarily needed to work in Australia’s tech industry. There are many beginner IT opportunities that do not require higher education, so long as you are tech-savvy and can demonstrate the skills and knowledge they are looking for.

However, a degree can help open doors, possibly set you on your IT career path sooner, and may boost your earnings. Some of the top tech degrees in Australia are:

• Computer Networking
• Computer Science
• Cyber Security
• Database Management
• Information Technology
• Software Development
• System Administration
• Web Design
• Web Development

IT career areas

Choosing a job in tech may be a challenge. There are so many exciting opportunities you might pursue! Here are four areas where you might start your IT career:

Information Security

Protecting data and information from unauthorised access and misuse is a growing concern for businesses and individuals. A career in Information Security means spotting potential vulnerabilities, implementing security measures, and continually assessing these measures to ensure they continue to work.

Common jobs within this area include cyber security specialist, cyber security engineer, and cyber security administrator.

Software Development

Many businesses need custom software solutions to operate smoothly. A career in software development means working on these programs, from conception to implementation. Coding and testing the software is a large part of the job, as well as maintaining programs and troubleshooting issues.

Popular jobs within software development include computer programmer, software developer, database administrator, and web developer.

Network Administration

This discipline focuses on how multiple computers or systems connect. Network administrators identify the systems, software and hardware necessary for businesses to network. They also install these components, monitor network performance, and make updates.

Jobs within this sector include network administrator, network engineer, and data analyst.

Sales and Service

Selling hardware and software to businesses is a skill in itself! Not only do these IT professionals need to understand the programs and systems, but they must also be able to explain their operation and value to business owners. From there, IT service professionals help the end user operate them correctly and troubleshoot issues.

Popular jobs include IT support technician, IT sales representative, and help desk technician.

How to succeed in Australia’s IT industry

Honing your skills and choosing a niche are just the beginning for IT graduates. Succeeding in the industry may take more than simply choosing a tech job you like.

To succeed in Australia’s IT industry, you may also need to:

• Understand the market – Staying on top of the latest trends—like machine learning and AI—can help you develop your career. IT consultants also need to follow trends within the industry they advise, such as understanding their top cybersecurity weaknesses.
• Keep learning – The IT industry moves fast. Continually learning new skills and sharpening your existing ones can help you keep up with new technology and evolving best practices.
• Network – A strong professional network can give you a leg up in the IT industry. IT consultants can leverage their network to find referrals, while other IT professionals may find networking useful for changing jobs or seeking promotions.
• Embrace the Aussie work culture – Adapting to a new business is one thing, but if you are coming from a different country, you will also need to adapt to the Australian work culture. As an IT professional, you may need some practice to navigate Australia’s professional yet informal work environments.

Protect the career you are building

Every occupation comes with risk. As you set off on your IT career path, you may want to consider the risks that may affect your work in the industry. Business insurance is available to help you manage these and protect yourself financially.

Insurance for IT professionals can be an asset for IT consultants, software developers, programmers, and other IT workers. The different policies available help them manage the costs associated with mistakes in their work, client property damage, and much more.

Australian IT professionals commonly buy policies such as:

Professional Indemnity – Covers you for losses claimed by a third party and defence costs due to alleged or actual negligence in your professional services or advice.

Public Liability – Covers you if a third-party claim that your negligent business activities caused them injury or property damage. This includes defence costs cover.

Business Insurance Pack – Business Insurance is an insurance package designed to provide cover for your business contents, stock, tools and commercial premises when an insured event occurs (such as fire, storm, theft or even accidental damage).

Cyber Liability – Covers losses from claims arising from data breaches, business interruption and remediation costs following an actual or threatened data breach.

BizCover makes covering your IT business easy. Compare policies, choose your cover, and buy online in about 10 minutes.

Protect your IT career today—start now!