Pursuing a degree in computing and IT abroad: what you must know

Computing and IT powers the modern world as we move towards a future that will be dominated by technology.

Whether it is calling for an UBER ride, making a transaction on PayPal or talking to your AI helper, computing and IT is present in almost every interaction we have today.

With a degree in computing and IT, you’ll be at the forefront of technology, critical thinking and solving some of the most exciting and complex problems the world has.

If you are looking to create the next exciting app or work in new technology that will transform lives, computing and IT is a core discipline you’ll need to learn.

Why computing and IT

If you appreciate logical thinking and possess a technical mindset with an ability to multitask, computing and IT might be the right pursuit for you.

You can obtain a firm grounding across various disciplines including programming, software development, computer science and information systems. In fact, you can also specialise more in them as well.

You’ll be equipped with the skills necessary to enter a variety of future-proof industries that goes beyond the usual names in tech.

Looking to forge a career in fintech? Or to advance artificial intelligence? Then computing and IT are part of a rapidly evolving field that you can launch a fulfilling career on.

Future outlook of the industry

The field of computing and IT has an excellent outlook. We are looking at an industry that is ripe for constant disruption and with a massive shortage of 4.3 million workers by 2030.

In the US alone, IT jobs will grow 13% by 2026, translating to over 557,000 new jobs.

This means there will be positions and career opportunities available across the board for computing and IT professionals.

Whether you prefer developing your hard digital skills or prefer to mix soft skills with your technical knowledge, the prospects are strong either way.

Computing and IT graduates are needed to fill the ranks of professionals looking to develop tomorrow’s future technology. As we move towards the Internet of Things (IoT) and new exciting blockchain technologies, the demand for graduates in this field has never been greater.

The average salary of a computing and IT professional in the US is US$97,000, almost double that of the national average.

3 things you must know about studying computing and IT

1. The study options and costs

Computing and IT offer a diverse and flexible pathway. There are many different degrees and disciplines within the industry and most professionals start with a three or four-year bachelor’s degree.

While it is possible to build a career and enter some roles with just a diploma or certificate, further education entails learning a more specialised skillset and allows you to build domain expertise. This translates directly to a higher salary and greater advancement opportunities.

A bachelor's degree holder only earns around US$51,000 while a doctoral degree holder earns an average of over US$93,000 in the United States.

It is important to note that even after graduating, there are still additional certifications necessary for certain roles. This could be further training in artificial intelligence, machine learning or an Amazon Web Services certification.

2. The jobs and careers in the field

In the computing and IT field, you can pursue the following job roles:

• Computer programmer
• Database administrator
• Information security analyst
• Network administrator
• Web developer
• Data analyst
• Computer scientist
• Software engineer

Apart from the list above, with a computing and IT degree, you can also work in consultant and policy-making roles, be it in the private sector or government agencies. The skill set is diverse and flexible, allowing you to easily take up any management or technical role within the industry.

3. The cross-industry opportunities

Because computing and IT jobs are so ubiquitous across the modern world, graduates will have the opportunity to work in exciting fields apart from the usual opportunities in big tech firms.

Many industries are looking to digitally transform their businesses and harness the power of tech and data. Graduates can expect to launch or transition to exciting roles in:

• Financial services
• Healthcare
• Hospitality
• Biometrics
• Artificial intelligence
• Defence
• Oil and energy

Because of the specialized nature of computing and IT, there will be demand for your skill set in companies. Whether you are looking to revolutionize industries or work on advancing tech, this is one future-proof field to pursue.

Get closer to your dream career in computing and IT

If you’re thinking about furthering your studies in computing and IT, we’re more than happy to help ensure that you enroll in a suitable computing and IT course that is aligned with your preferences and career goals.

At IDP, we have a team of education counsellors who are specially trained to give you tailored guidance and assist you throughout every step of your application process – from selecting a course to preparing your accommodation.

Book your free counselling session today to get started!