Information and communications technology (ICT) is one of the most extensive industry sectors in Canada, encompassing everything from video games to cars to renewable energy and much, much more. It is also facing one of the biggest skills shortages in the country.
Canadian employers will need to hire about 106,000 ICT workers between 2011 and 2016—around 17,700 people per year—according to a 2012 report by the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC). With Canadian youth unemployment at 14 percent as of summer 2013, this couldn’t be a more ideal opportunity.
If you’re interested in working with software and cutting-edge technology, now is the right time to look at which areas of the tech industry will face shortages, and adapt your career plan accordingly. In such a far-reaching industry, there’s something for everyone.
So, what is ICT? ICT is the development of computers, software and electronics for applications in business, research and everyday life. More and more people and businesses rely on information technology as essential to their day-to-day activities. This opens up plenty of job opportunities for those with the right skills and qualifications.
Where to begin?
Here are some basic guidelines for finding work in ICT from Tracy Biernacki-Dusza, an ICTC employee and the national program manager for its Focus on Information Technology (FIT) youth program.
Digital literacy
If you’re reading this, chances are you know how to set preferences on Reddit or upload photos to Dropbox, but what about the software these applications run on? Learning programming languages and developing digital literacy is the first thing to consider.
Here are the fundamental scripting and markup languages used in web development:
- HTML5 (basic text, links)
- CSS (layouts, images, colour schemes)
- PHP (dynamic content such as menu animations)
- JavaScript (dynamic content, widgets)
These languages are typically taught in first- and second-year computer science programs, since they offer an introduction to understanding programming languages used in software development.
Here are some of the most widely-used programming languages:
- C
- C++
- Java
- Ruby
- Python
- Perl
Keep in mind that these are general purpose languages. There are dozens of specialized programming languages for various types of software, although most are relatively easy to learn once you know the fundamentals. Research which languages are most suited to your chosen career.
All of the programming languages can also be learned without a computer science degree—employers care more about talent and finished projects than where you went to school. That being said, self-motivated learning can be tough without the structure of set assignments and deadlines. Many computer science programs also offer reliable job placement through co-ops and internships. It’s up to you to decide whether these advantages are worth the price of tuition.
Industry certification
Programming knowledge is a given; what employers have started looking for on a resumé is industry certification. You’ll need to study for and acquire certifications on your own, since they typically aren’t included with a computer science degree. It takes effort, but it’s also one of the best ways to show employers you know what you’re doing.
Entry-level industry certification includes:
- A+
- Network +
Certification for specified fields includes:
- PMP (Project Management Professional)
- CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
- VCP (VMware Certified Professional)
Large companies like Microsoft, Apple and Cisco have their own certifications for working with their software in different areas of the industry, which are available after reaching entry-level. Priced exams for all certifications are available online.
Creativity and business skills
Tech companies nowadays are smaller and more nimble, relying on multi-talented employees skilled at not just programming, but also project management, marketing and entrepreneurship. Biernacki-Dusza stresses that the best way to get hired is to show off your ability to solve problems, engage with people and come up with innovative ideas.
Keeping up-to-date with the industry
This is a big one. The ICT sector is expanding and evolving at a ridiculous pace. Hot new products hit the market every day, software updates are constantly being released, job descriptions are changing, and entirely new jobs are created by combining emerging skill sets with existing ones.
Here are Biernacki-Dusza’s recommendations:
- Check job posting sites like Monster and Glassdoor to get an idea of what skills are currently in demand. From there, work out which skill sets you need to learn or brush up on.
- Always be familiar with the latest software. Computer science programs only teach what’s current at the moment, so you need to stay on top of new software throughout your career.
- Reach out to professors, career counsellors, peers and industry professionals for advice. Attend tech conferences and talk to people—this could lead to getting your foot in the door at a company you’d like to work for.
- Read labour market bulletins published by ICTC and other ICT industry think tanks.
Mapping a Career Path
Here is some advice for planning your career path both in and out of school from Diane Johnson, career planning and placement coordinator for the University of British Columbia’s computer science department:
- A lot of work in the tech industry is team-based. Companies look for candidates with solid communication and leadership skills in addition to technical skills. Join a co-op program at school, apply for internships, or take on leadership roles in clubs and organizations to develop your team-building.
- Have work samples available to show to prospective employers. Develop an e-portfolio (online samples of your finished code, website designs, etc.). Contribute to open source projects, which are collaborative software programs that anyone can add to and improve. Consider doing fun personal projects on the side, both to build your skills and to prove you’re passionate about your area of study.
- Make a point to consider the business implications of your projects, instead of just whether they work technically. Are these solutions user-friendly? Are they cost-effective? Do they solve a problem or make life easier? These are questions you should be able to answer, to show employers you can think on a practical and marketable level.
- Take stock of your interests and consider enrolling in a combined degree program. Knowledge from outside the ICT industry, such as in biology or mechanical engineering, is always an asset, especially when applying to companies that develop products for specific areas and industries.
Possible Careers
Some areas where Canada’s tech industry is hurting for talent the most, according to Biernacki-Dusza and Johnson, are web and software development, data security and business systems analysis. Smaller start-up companies are always looking for talent, provided you’ve built the right skill set and industry connections.
Here are a handful of Biernacki-Dusza and Johnson’s most promising ICT careers at present, in terms of demand and projected growth for the next four or five years, with median annual salary data calculated through Salary Wizard Canada:
- Business Systems Analyst (entry-level)
- C$56,321
- Web Software Developer (entry-level)
- C$68,064
- Software Developer (entry-level)
- C$57,896
- Data Security Analyst
- C$65,757
- IT Project Coordinator
- C$79,154
Breaking into the ICT industry takes quite a bit of effort on your own time, but when the payoff is a dynamic, challenging and high-paying career, it’s something to stop and consider. There’s a whole industry looking for talent.
