5 in-demand tech careers that get you hired

You might have seen it while scrolling your social feeds or news headlines — it’s no secret tech in Alberta is booming, big time.

According to a new study by the Alberta Enterprise Corporation, our province is now home to 3,000 tech companies — that’s an increase of 233% since 2012. But what does it mean for career opportunities?

There has never been a better time to explore jobs in technology — and you don’t need to be fluent in coding or computers to consider these options. Businesses of all shapes and sizes need new talent to help them leverage data, keep information safe and attract new customers online.

The possibilities are endless, and the demand is immediate.

We’ve rounded up five of the most in-demand programs from the School for Advanced Digital Technology to help you explore your future career in tech.

Information Systems Security

In a world where cyber-attacks and data breaches cost companies millions, you could be the one to help protect their valuable information. From big banks and governments to retail and healthcare — all types of organizations have a responsibility to secure consumer privacy.

Our two-year diploma program prepares you for a career in computer and systems security by teaching you to master programming, operating systems and networking by using defensive and offensive technologies.

The best part? There’s a huge demand for this role in Alberta. The provincial government recently listed information systems analysts and consultants as one of the most high-demand occupations.

If you are a curious problem solver and understand basic computer networking — this program is perfect for you.

Network Systems Specialist

Computer networks are key to keeping organizations running and connected — but the consequences can be catastrophic if they fail or go down. You could become a network specialist and learn the skills to design, maintain and install hardware and software for computer networks.

And you can feel confident about your future job prospects considering that over the next six years — new job openings in this field are expected to reach 18,300 across Canada.

Fast-track your career in just 32 weeks with our Network Systems Specialist (NSS) certificate. In this online, full-time program, you’ll learn the latest skills to design, maintain and support computer networks. You’ll gain valuable real-world experience while making meaningful industry connections with an 8-week practicum.

If you’re a motivated self-starter — this could be the challenge you’ve been looking for.

Data Analytics

Technology continues to empower companies to mine incredible amounts of data to help make better, faster decisions. Businesses are actively looking for new talent who can quickly gather and analyze data to understand a customer’s journey in new ways.

If you are driven by data, this post-diploma certificate in Data Analytics could be a great fit. Imagine being able to see how data drives consumer and business decisions in real-time.

The demand for this field in Canada is growing. According to the government of Canada Job Bank, there’s currently a national shortage of data analysts projected to last until 2028. There’s never been a better time to launch a career in data analytics if you already have a degree, diploma in computers or technology.

Graphic Communications and Print Technology

As society spends more time on social media and online shopping, businesses need to capture consumer attention in a matter of seconds with bold, eye-catching graphic design and content. From fonts and images to layout and copy — your artistic side can run wild when it comes to digital design.

Check out our two-year Graphic Communications and Print Technology diploma, where you’ll learn industry-specific skills in design, production, print management and much more to help launch a successful career in the industry.

A recent report by the government of Alberta shows employment turnover is expected to increase in graphic design as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years. There’s never been a better time to apply your creative skills in new ways.

This career path is the perfect intersection of technology and creativity. Like we said, you don’t need a tech background to explore a tech career.

Object-Oriented Software Development

The title may sound a bit intimidating, but if you’re invigorated by software development — this growing field has incredible career opportunities waiting for you. Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a model that organizes software design around data rather than functions and logic. This certificate can help you launch a career as a software developer, web developer or IT consultant across a variety of industries.

Since OOP is easily scalable, this skill set is highly sought after by large companies. It’s also a great time to pursue this path, considering the government of Canada’s job bank predicts this field will face a national labour shortage over the next six years.

If you’re persistent and driven to solve problems, the Object-Oriented Software Development certificate builds on your skills by giving you experience in several programming languages, web-based and Internet application development, and relational databases.

This course is intensive, and you’ll also get hands-on experience while making industry connections in an eight-week work practicum.

Looking for more options for careers in technology?

As technology continues to advance and influence the way we live and work — this is only a small sample of the endless career possibilities within the tech sector.

Explore dozens of full-time and part-time programs in the School for Advanced Digital Technology.

Your future is waiting.

Meet some of SAIT's instructors

 

Andrew Campbell
Instructor

 

Chris Driedger
Instructor

 

Oscar Cruz
Instructor