Information Technology Careers: Potential Paths, Roles, and How to Get Started
A degree may open the door to a variety of opportunities and diverse career paths. The degree programs offered at AIU will not necessarily lead to the featured careers. This collection of articles is intended to help inform and guide you through the process of determining which level of degree and types of certifications align with your desired career path.
A degree may open the door to a variety of opportunities and diverse career paths. The degree programs offered at AIU will not necessarily lead to the featured careers. This collection of articles is intended to help inform and guide you through the process of determining which level of degree and types of certifications align with your desired career path.
What Are Information Technology Careers?
Information technology careers involve creating or supporting computer applications, systems and networks.1 The paths discussed here span cybersecurity, IT management, systems analysis and network architecture. Depending on the role, the work may also involve computer support, cloud infrastructure, information security, data analysis and business problem-solving.2
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in computer and information technology occupations will grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2024 to 2034.1
Popular Potential IT Career Paths
Depending upon your interests and educational background, there could be more than one information technology career path to consider—so let’s explore some popular IT career paths.*
1. Information Security Analyst
Information security analysts protect an organization’s computer networks and systems by planning and implementing various IT security measures, including:
- monitoring networks for security breaches and investigating when one occurs
- conducting digital investigations and documenting security breaches
- installing software (firewalls, antivirus programs, data encryption) to maintain information integrity and security
- staying abreast of information security trends and recommending information systems security enhancements
- developing information security standards and user best practices
- providing computer support services to users
Employment Outlook: The BLS projects that employment of information security analysts is projected to grow 29% from 2024 to 2034. BLS notes that cyberattacks have grown in frequency and that organizations need analysts to secure new technologies, among other factors contributing to the projected growth.
Education: Most positions require a bachelor’s degree in computer and IT or a related field such as engineering or math, while experience in a related occupation is often desirable.2
2. Information Technology Manager
Information technology managers—also known as computer and information systems managers—plan, coordinate, and direct an organization’s computer activities. Information technology managers may:3
- analyze computer needs and recommend possible upgrades/enhancements
- plan and direct the installation and maintenance of computer hardware and software
- ensure network and electronic document security
- determine personnel needs for their department
- oversee the work of computer systems analysts and information security analysts
Employment Outlook: Employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow 15 percent from 2024 to 2034. BLS says growth is expected as organizations increasingly rely on IT services and expand infrastructure such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, digital platforms and artificial intelligence.
Education: IT managers generally need to have a bachelor’s degree in computer or information science as well as related work experience, though some employers may require a graduate degree.
3. Computer Systems Analyst
Computer systems analysts, also referred to as systems architects, work to find more efficient solutions to an organization’s computer systems and design improvements. To accomplish this, a large part of their job is dedicated to considering both the IT and business implications of their decisions. Computer systems analysts also may:4
- consult with managers to understand role of an organization’s IT systems
- research different technologies and perform cost-benefit analyses to determine financial feasibility of upgrades
- enhance existing computer systems with new functionality or design/implement new systems
- provide computer support through training end users and writing instruction manuals
Analysts who supervise the installation or upgrade of IT systems from start to finish may be called IT project managers. IT project managers who also plan and direct an organization’s IT department or IT policies are included by BLS in the computer and information systems managers occupation.
Employment Outlook: The BLS projects that employment of computer systems analysts will grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, driven by organizations’ continued reliance on IT and their use of outside firms for IT services.
Education: Most computer systems analysts have a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related discipline; however, certain employers may desire applicants who possess an MBA with a specialization in information systems or computer science, depending upon the complexity of the role. Additionally, some firms hire candidates who have a degree in business or liberal arts along with relevant skills.
4. Computer Network Architect
Computer network architects create, set up, maintain and troubleshoot data communication networks (i.e., local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) and Intranets). Depending upon an organization’s objectives, these data networks may be relatively small affairs between offices or larger cloud infrastructures that support many users. Also known as network engineers, computer network architects may work alongside colleagues specializing in network administration or information systems management as well as third-party equipment and software vendors. They also may:5
- devise plans and layouts for data communication networks and present these plans to decisionmakers
- consider the impacts on information security in the network-design process
- upgrade hardware and software
Employment Outlook: The BLS projects that employment of computer network architects will grow 12 percent from 2024 to 2034. Continued expansion and upgrading of IT networks, along with growth in cloud computing, are expected to drive demand for these IT professionals.
Education: Computer network architects generally need to have earned a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field and have experience in a related occupation. Certain employers may prefer applicants having a graduate degree.5
* AIU cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. The list of career paths related to this program is based on a subset from the Bureau of Labor Statistics CIP to SOC Crosswalk. Some career paths listed above may require further education or job experience.
Entry-Level IT Experience and Career Preparation
The four occupations discussed above have different preparation requirements and should not be treated as interchangeable entry-level IT jobs. BLS reports that computer systems analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree; information security analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree and related work experience; and information technology managers and computer network architects typically need both a bachelor’s degree and related work experience. When comparing entry-level opportunities, review each employer’s education, experience and skill requirements.
Skills That May Help Support an IT Career Path
Relevant skills depend on the path. The occupations discussed here may involve monitoring security, analyzing technology needs, improving computer systems, designing networks, communicating technical information, and solving problems. Technical knowledge and communication, analytical, leadership or problem-solving skills may be emphasized differently from one role to another.
Education and Career Path Preparation
Education requirements vary by occupation and employer. BLS reports that a bachelor’s degree is typically needed for each of the career paths discussed here, while related work experience is also typical for information security analysts, information technology managers and computer network architects. Some employers may require or prefer graduate education for certain management, systems analysis or network architecture positions.3
For students interested in developing their IT knowledge and skills, AIU offers both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in information technology. However, AIU’s programs do not necessarily lead to the featured career paths above.
How to Choose an IT Career Path
Consider the type of work that interests you, the education and experience typically required, and the skills you want to develop. Information security analysts focus on protecting systems and networks; information technology managers plan and direct computer-related activities; computer systems analysts improve organizational systems; and computer network architects design and implement data communication networks. Comparing those responsibilities may help you identify paths to research further.
Frequently Asked Questions
The career paths discussed here include information security analyst, information technology manager, computer systems analyst and computer network architect. Duties, education requirements and employment outlook vary by occupation. However, these are just some of the potential career paths featured in the IT field. We recommend researching the field further for additional possibilities.
Education requirements vary by occupation. The BLS reports that a bachelor’s degree is typically needed for the careers discussed here, although experience requirements and employer preferences also vary.
Depending on the career path, relevant skills may include monitoring network security, analyzing technology needs, improving computer systems, designing networks, communicating technical information, and solving problems. However, skills such as Analytical or critical thinking, communication, being detail oriented and problem-solving skills are also helpful.
Consider your interests, educational background and preferred type of work. For example, the roles discussed here focus on information security, technology management, systems analysis or network design. Reviewing each occupation’s duties and education requirements may help you compare paths.
Interested in Pursuing an Information Technology Career Path?
There are a lot of reasons someone might consider a career path in IT. Perhaps you have a passion for computers and technology or enjoy the challenges of information security. Whatever your reasons, pursuing an IT degree program that gives you the opportunity to develop IT leadership and technical skills could be a great first step toward achieving your academic goals.
Explore AIU’s Information Technology degree programs to compare available options and learn more.
AIU cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states.
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1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Computer and Information Technology Occupations” (accessed August 28, 2026). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/ This data represents national figures and is not based on school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Information Security Analysts” (accessed August 28, 2026). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-security-analysts.htm This data represents national figures and is not based on school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
3 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Computer and Information Systems Managers” (accessed August 28, 2026). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/computer-and-information-systems-managers.htm This data represents national figures and is not based on school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
4 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Computer Systems Analysts” (accessed August 28, 2026). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm This data represents national figures and is not based on school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
5 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Computer Network Architects” (accessed August 28, 2026). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm This data represents national figures and is not based on school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.