Choosing a Career in Information Technology: Why Now Is the Smartest Time to Jump In
Key Points
✅ You don’t need a traditional background to succeed in IT. Curiosity + consistency will take you further than any degree.
✅ Seattle and other tech hubs are booming with opportunity—especially in AI and cybersecurity.
✅ A career in IT offers flexibility, growth, and purpose—in a world increasingly shaped by digital tools.
I remember sitting on my couch one rainy Seattle morning, coffee in hand, feeling stuck.
I had ideas, curiosity, and a laptop—but no clue what career path would feel right. I kept asking myself, What kind of future do I want to build?
If you’re at a similar crossroads, I want to say this: you’re not alone.
And if you’re even a little curious about tech, starting a career in information technology could be the fresh start or bold leap you’ve been searching for.
The IT Boom Is More Than a Trend — It’s a Global Shift
Let’s start here: tech isn’t just an industry anymore. It’s the infrastructure of modern life.
From your grocery store’s self-checkout to the app you use to track your sleep, IT is everywhere. And it’s only growing.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in information technology are projected to grow 15% from 2021 to 2031—much faster than the average for all occupations.
That growth isn’t just numbers. It’s opportunity.
In places like Seattle—home to some of the most influential tech companies in Seattle and the heartbeat of cloud computing and AI development—the energy is palpable.
Amazon, Microsoft, and an explosion of smaller startups are hiring AI engineers, cybersecurity analysts, UX designers, and IT project managers faster than universities can produce them.
And now, with the AI boom reshaping every corner of the job market, even people with non-traditional backgrounds are jumping into tech.
You don’t need to be a “math genius” or have a CS degree to start a career in information technology. What you really need is curiosity, consistency, and a genuine desire to learn.
From Overwhelmed to In-Demand: How IT Changes Lives
Let’s talk real life. One of my friends, Sam, was a barista until 2020.
The pandemic pushed him to reevaluate everything. He started taking free coding classes online, then signed up for a 6-month bootcamp focused on cloud computing.
Fast forward to now—Sam’s working as an IT support engineer at a mid-sized SaaS company in Seattle. He’s paying off debt, finally taking weekends off, and he’s excited about where his career is headed.
This kind of leap isn’t rare anymore—it’s normal in IT. Because once you’re in, the options multiply.
Why People Choose IT Careers (And Why It Might Be Perfect for You)
- There’s Always Demand. IT isn’t slowing down. The shift to remote work, the rise of AI tools, and ongoing cybersecurity concerns have made tech professionals more valuable than ever. Roles like cloud engineers, AI ethics consultants, and IT auditors are opening doors that didn’t even exist five years ago.
- Flexibility and Freedom. Love the idea of working from home, a café, or even abroad? Information technology careers often support flexible schedules and remote-first cultures. With strong Wi-Fi and a laptop, you can work while exploring Portugal or sipping espresso in downtown Seattle.
- Endless Room to Grow. In IT, learning never stops. And that’s a good thing. You could start as a support specialist, then move into DevOps, project management, or even build your own startup. The ladder isn’t rigid—it’s more like a playground.
- It’s Not Just for “Techies”. Think IT is just coding in a dark room? Think again. Roles like business analyst, product manager, data visualization specialist, or cybersecurity trainer blend communication, creativity, and problem-solving.
- A Great Paycheck Helps, Too. Let’s be honest—money matters. Entry-level IT jobs often start in the $60K–$80K range, and experienced professionals can cross into six figures within a few years. This kind of financial stability can be a game-changer.
New Faces of Tech Leadership
This isn’t just a world of Zuckerberg and Musk anymore. Here are some newer leaders reshaping the space:
Fei-Fei Li – An AI visionary, she’s been pushing for ethical AI development.
Melanie Perkins – Co-founder of Canva, showing that design tech and business growth can go hand-in-hand.
Parag Agrawal – Former Twitter CEO and machine learning expert.
Divya Gokulnath – Co-founder of India’s Byju’s, a major player in edtech.
These leaders are paving the way for inclusive, global innovation—and there’s room for more people like you.
What to Expect in the Next 5 Years
AI Will Be Everywhere – From customer service chatbots to legal analysis tools, AI isn’t replacing jobs—it’s creating new ones that didn’t exist.
Cybersecurity Will Explode – As data becomes the new oil, companies will invest more in securing systems, creating a boom in cybersecurity hiring.
Green Tech Will Rise – IT is merging with sustainability, making room for roles like environmental data analysts and green software architects.
Seattle will continue to be a magnet for these trends, blending startups and major players in a city that’s both innovative and deeply human.
Choosing a New Career in IT Isn’t Just a Decision—It’s a Launchpad
I know it can feel overwhelming. Switching careers or starting fresh isn’t easy. But here’s what I’ve learned watching people around me shift into IT:
They don’t regret it.
Whether you start small—learning the basics of networking or taking a Python course—or go all-in on a tech bootcamp, the point is: start. The industry needs people who think differently, care about real-world impact, and are willing to grow.
If you’ve ever said, “I wish I could work in tech,” you probably can.
