Start in IT. How to choose a specialty? 

29 September 2022

In our previous article, we discussed “How to change a career path and start in IT?”. We have already explained the most common impulses to change and how to rebrand. We stated that at the start of a new career path, it is worthwhile to ask ourselves what interests us the most. It can assist in determining the primary motivation while also taking into account our skills and areas for development. There are so many different jobs available in the IT industry these days, and it goes without saying that not everyone needs to be a programmer. Start in IT doesn’t have to mean coding.

 At each stage of product development, different skills and knowledge of various technologies are needed. 

 In this article, you will get to know the most popular specialties in IT. 

Technical Team 

Frontend, backend programmers, software testers (QA), DevOps, Cloud Engineer, and Data Engineer are common members of the technical team. It does not mean that every team working on a product must have all of the positions above. The team’s composition, number of members, and roles are determined by the company’s needs. We will go over each of these professions briefly. 

Backend Developer

A Developer that oversees everything that is not visible to the user. They create the entire system of the application or website, ensuring its speed and efficiency. If you enjoy programming languages like Python or Java, the role of Backend Developer is for you.

Frontend Developer

A front-end developer, as opposed to a backend developer, works on what the user sees – they create the interface. They collaborate with each other on a daily basis. If you are interested in graphics and user experience, in addition to programming, the frontend may be an exciting and promising option for you. 

DevOps

A special task person. They work with tools that enable code development, build infrastructure for application storage, and automate the implementation of new application versions. In general, they try to streamline the software development and implementation process as much as possible. 

QA

In other words, “Quality Assurance,” also known as a software tester. Their role is to verify the quality of software in a way that meets the customer’s expectations. Creating test scenarios, performing manual and/or automatic tests are some of the daily tasks. This is a critical role to play because mistakes do happen. QA has to notice errors and assist in resolving them, allowing the product development process to move more quickly. Meticulousness and perceptiveness are unquestionably useful in this profession. 

Cloud Developer

Supervisors of cloud-based technology operations have to take care of the data stored in the cloud. They work closely with software developers, DevOps, testers, and architects. 

Data Engineer

They gather raw data, process it, and create new databases. They are frequently SQL and NoSQL database administrators who are familiar with the Python programming language. 

Non-technical team 

Non-technical team members deal with team management, project management, and the process of creating the entire product from a business standpoint. The following are the most popular non-technical IT jobs. 

Project Manager

Takes care of planning the project and supervises each and every setup as well as the people working on it. They keep an eye on the project’s timeline and execution. They usually collaborate with the company to meet the needs and expectations of the client. 

Product Owner

Product Owner helps the team create the product in line with customer expectations. They are the voice of the client inside the unit. Communicating the project’s vision, being aware of the market trends and business objectives is one of the most important tasks. 

Scrum Master

A Scrum Master is someone who helps with the entire product development process. They oversee agile software development and work to remove roadblocks in the development team. They also assist the product owner in product development planning. 

UX Designer

A UX Designer is someone who creates the user experience when using a particular application. For example: conducting extensive marketing research to properly define the product recipient’s needs and expectations is the main task. Product designs are prepared in such a way that users are more likely to buy and return with pleasure. In their work, they employ not only marketing knowledge but also statistics and psychology. 

Have you found your dream job? 

As you can see, there are a lot of different specialties inside the IT industry. A start in IT does not have to be so obvious. If you do not want to work in the typical technical position but you are amazed by this industry, there is also a place for you.
From the beginning of development, until the product is released, a company will require a large number of people with various skills who will use them at various stages. Many IT professionals must collaborate with one another. Well-coordinated teams help to work more efficiently. 

About the Authors

Klaudia ☁️

- LinkedIn

Formerly Tech Sourcing Partner, currently Tech Recruiter, who also works as a Career Agent in IT. She will assist you in finding a job that fits you best!