Jillian Levick
Senior PR and Communications Manager
Robert Half Canada Inc.,
181 Bay Street, Suite 820,
Toronto, ON
M5J 2T3
www.roberthalf.ca
Press Releases
Read about our latest research, including results from our ongoing surveys of senior managers and workers, and company announcements.
More Than Half of Non-IT Professionals Find Tech Careers Appealing; Salary and Innovation Hold Most Appeal
TORONTO, Oct. 14, 2015 /CNW/ - Not everyone is born with a knack to hack, but a new survey shows most people find technology careers attractive. More than half of non-IT (information technology) professionals polled said the technology field holds appeal for them. Salary potential and job opportunities and the ability to be innovative were cited by respondents as the top draws.
"Taking into account the ever-evolving nature of technology in recent years, it's no surprise that both interest and employment in the IT field have grown so consistently," said Deborah Bottineau, senior regional manager of Robert Half Technology. "With overall starting salaries projected to rise by five per cent in the coming year, and demand for talent keeping unemployment in this sector low, the appeal of a tech career is understandable."
Canadian working professionals were asked, "Would you find a career in the technology field appealing?" Their responses:
|
YES, because … |
NO, because … | ||
|
Salary potential & job opportunities |
27% |
Uninterested in the technology industry |
26% |
|
Ability to be innovative and constantly learning new things |
19% |
There is too much continued learning/training |
7% |
|
The tech industry has an appealing culture |
6% |
I believe tech is stressful/high pressure |
6% |
|
52% |
39% | ||
* 9% of respondents already work in tech
"Professionals exploring the potential of a career in technology shouldn't be intimidated by new skill requirements," added Bottineau. "Although many IT jobs call for specific degree levels or training, there are positions with more accessible qualification demands such as tech support roles, where a general aptitude for technology and strong communications skills go a long way for a smooth transition into the industry."
We've put together a list of three roles where, with a few relevant courses or certifications, non-IT professionals can get their start in the industry:
|
Job Title |
2016 Average Salary |
Description |
Transferrable Skills |
|
Help Desk/ Desk Side Support |
$43,250 - $55,000 |
|
|
|
Network Associate/ Network Administrator |
$75,000 - $99,000 |
|
|
|
Data Analyst/Report Writer |
$75,500 - $110,000 |
|
|
About the Research
The survey of workers was developed by Robert Half Technology and conducted by an independent research firm. It includes responses from more than 300 Canadian workers 18 years or older and employed in office environments.
About Robert Half Technology
With more than 120 locations worldwide, Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of technology professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. Robert Half Technology offers online job search services at roberthalftechnology.ca. Visit our technology blog at blog.rht.com, and follow @RobertHalf_CAN on Twitter for additional workplace news and hiring trends.
SOURCE Robert Half Technology
Image with caption: "Feeling the tech industry appeal. (CNW Group/Robert Half Technology)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151014_C6014_PHOTO_EN_519998.jpg
