THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN IT AND TECHNOLOGY THE BENEFITS OF WORKING IN IT AND TECHNOLOGY

A high salary isn’t the only benefit you get when in this sector – you can look forward to a dynamic working life, too!

Singapore’s IT and technology industry – which includes the infocommunication, software and hardware arenas – is a sprawling oasis of constant innovation and transformation that’s the driving force behind the country’s shift to becoming a Smart Nation.

So, it’s no surprise that the sector is one of the most exciting and ever-growing ones, chock-full of opportunities and people from a variety of cultures and academic backgrounds.

But here’s the thing. When you were in school, all your classmates dreamt of joining more “prestigious” industries, like banking, accounting and finance, and actively worked towards roles in the Big Four (EY, KPMG, Deloitte, PwC) and

First, EVERYBODY needs IT and technology

Before

Even before the pandemic hit Singapore’s sunny shores in early 2020 and suddenly accelerated IT and technology adoption, businesses both big and small were already integrating IT functions and technology upgrades into their day-to-day operations, from cybersecurity options to online human resources (HR) platforms.

In other words, back then, IT services providers weren’t the sole recruiters of IT graduates. In fact, software development and programming companies were on the rise in terms of hiring numbers.

Additionally, more and more companies were hiring IT personnel to meet their technological needs, instead of relying on them on an outsourcing and consultancy basis, as it was becoming more prudent to have in-house experts.

Now

other investment banks (J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley, for instance), as bankers, accountants and consultants. On a scale of attractive industries, IT and technology seemed to be on the far side.

At present, the misconception that the IT and technology industry doesn’t have its own set of benefits and attractions is being rapidly dispelled among graduates. After all, companies like Google, Apple and Facebook have taken centre-stage, and won’t be moving anytime soon. But there are other awesome companies with equally awesome benefits on the market, such as Dropbox, Shopify and Tumblr.

Except…what are these benefits? you might ask. Well, read on to find out!

At present, most companies maintain teams of experts, though their numbers depend on the size and needs of the company.

Typically, teams in smaller companies (usually small- to medium-sized enterprises) may consist of just one or two employees, while larger companies (Nestlé, the CocaCola Company) may upkeep more than 100 professionals.

Popular companies among IT and technology graduates

Finance and banking institutions like DBS Bank and OCBC Bank are among the largest employers of IT and technology graduates today.

Their sprawling – and constantlygrowing – IT infrastructures must be maintained at all times, from the introduction of newer, more efficient services and moving data to secure clouds, to maintaining firewalls, encryptions and cybersecurity defences that keep scammers from draining resources.

Insurance companies such as AXA and AIA are shifting their services online, too, and need IT and technology graduates to help them write their infrastructure from the ground up, as well as maintain and secure them.

Other sectors in defence and aerospace are fast-expanding, as well, as they keep abreast of technology and work round-the-clock to outwit grey- and blackhat hackers and maintain Singapore’s defences.

Constant innovation = optimism = exciting work

Constant innovation

The constant search for faster, slicker and more effective and efficient solutions mean that users and consumers alike tend to turn to IT and technology for answers. In turn, IT and technology keeps evolving at an impressive pace to keep up with demand.

Innovation also means that your creativity will be encouraged and nurtured, and your skills constantly honed. After all, you’ll be expected to dream up solutions to daily problems, and then use your skills to translate your ideas to reality!

A quick and visible example of this innovation and resulting solutions is the retail sector – over a short decade, it has been redefined through technology, and has branched out from brick-and- mortar stores to include online commerce (buying clothes online from Uniqlo), and now mobile e-commerce (online departmental stores much like Zalora).

Optimism

Due to the ever-present prompting for new innovations and developments, new products are released nearly every other week or month. And there’s something about this frenzy of collaboration and exploration that encourages those who work in the sector to delve into their imaginations, come up with new ideas and contemplate possibilities where others may not see them.

In other words, you’ll be the Thomas Edison (lightbulbs, early movie cameras) and Leonardo da Vinci (diving suit, prototype flying machine, prototype tank) of our time.

The raw enjoyment and relatively quick translation time between ideation and tangible creation is another factor that can drive positive feelings of optimism and motivation to just keep doing more. Think of it as an IT and technology-related runner’s high!

Exciting work

Professionals in IT and technology will agree that working in this field gives you the chance to assess current problems, take the enviable position of problemsolver and make an impact on lives around the world. The ongoing advancements also contribute to the exciting nature of roles in the industry, too, as you can have a varied career with plenty of learning opportunities.

Even if you’re not in the research and development (R&D) side of things, you still have the opportunity to make people’s lives easier – or more enjoyable – by helping them get the most out of the IT and technology they’re using!

$$$$$ (i.e. it pays well)

The truth

High demand for skills in IT and technology means that the industry has a reputation for paying well – and it’s not just hype. In fact, the 2022 Singapore’s Top 100 Leading Graduate Employers Survey shows that the majority of graduates looking to enter the industry expect to earn around $50,000 per annum, an increase from the $42,000 found in the 2015 survey. However, you also have to take note that the figure depends on your role and responsibility.

For instance, your remuneration will be higher than that of an entry-level job (like that of a network administrator or computer programmer) if you’ve climbed the corporate ladder, and have been promoted to the position of manager or consultant (such as software engineering manager or IT and technology consultant).

Past working experience and the range of your technical expertise can also have a great influence on your pay, so be sure to start building skills in your university days. If you haven’t, there’s no need to lose hope, because there are numerous courses and certifications you can register for to expand your knowledge.

Other benefits

Paid annual leave is a benefit you’re entitled to, under Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations. However, some IT and technology companies like Xero also offer paid volunteer time, dental benefits and insurance. Other companies, much like Caterpillar, offer flexible working hours, as well.

Great growth opportunities

Background

IT and technology began developing between the 1950s and 1970s, when the Digital Revolution began. But it was only at the beginning of the 2000s that the movement really gained traction and began growing at an exponential rate. Now, new technologies make an appearance almost every month, if not every other week.

Because of this constant development, IT and technology companies are generous in providing training and development options, opening up a wealth of growth opportunities in knowledge accumulation and interesting career paths.

How you can leverage on the opportunities

Graduates can make use of the training provided to polish their skills or choose to specialise in a particular area before moving up to another role. Alternatively, there’s even the option to switch specialisations if you want to gain wider exposure!

For instance, an IT analyst in an entrylevel role can take up training and earn professional certifications to become an IT manager or consultant a few years down the road. Otherwise, as they have the necessary IT and technology-related transferable skills, they can even discuss the possibility of switching over to cybersecurity with their superior(s)!

An example

Despite the recent budget cuts in major tech companies leading to retrenchments, certain roles in the IT and technology industry are generally considered recession-proof, such as those in cybersecurity. With cybercrime growing rapidly and new grey- and black-hat hackers popping up every other day with new and more sophisticated schemes, IT graduates specialising in cybersecurity, or those who can boast certifications and training in the area, are constantly in demand.

Further examples

Back-end development, software design and development, as well as networking and systems administration are other recession-proof areas in the IT and technology sector. After all, every company needs specialists to help in the design and maintenance of their communication systems, including information-sharing infrastructure, mobile applications and websites!

Consulting is another area that weathers economic hardships well, thanks to functions that combine technical know-how and commercial awareness. Consultants use the full range of their knowledge to analyse drawbacks in a company – from their commercial awareness to understanding of available products on the market – to advise companies on solutions that best suit their needs. They may also oversee the whole improvement project, or just parts of it. Further duties also include software installation, as well as follow-up services like staff training.

Conclusion

All in all, there are many benefits to working in the IT and technology industry, from the many opportunities to explore diverse career paths and gain a variety of experiences, to the chance to be part of the many new ventures that come your way!