Top 5 Career Paths for Starting an IT Career in 2025
IT ClusterWant to break into IT but overwhelmed by the sheer number of career options? Experts from NIX, a member of the Kharkiv IT Cluster, are here to guide you. Based on their insights, we’ve highlighted in-demand IT fields that are likely to remain relevant in the years to come.
AI/ML
Why It’s Relevant
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) have been under development since the 1980s, but their demand has skyrocketed in the past decade. AI/ML technologies are now integral to commercially successful applications such as Siri, Tesla’s autopilot, and ChatGPT. The industry continues to grow, with the AI/ML hardware and software market projected to increase by 40-55% annually, reaching $1 trillion by 2027. This means a strong demand for specialists, along with competitive salaries.
Specializations to Consider
- Data Scientist: Collects and processes data to create ML models for prediction, such as consumer recommendation systems for online stores.
- ML Engineer: Develops, tests, and deploys ML models into real-world applications, including medical diagnostic services.
- AI Research Scientist: Enhances ML algorithms, working on projects like improving neural networks in chatbots to enhance contextual understanding.
What to Study
- Mathematics: Key topics include matrices, vectors, probabilities, statistics, and calculus.
- Programming: Python is the go-to language, with libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and TensorFlow essential for data and ML tasks.
- Machine Learning: Learn core concepts like supervised and unsupervised learning, and algorithms such as linear regression and decision trees.
- Data Handling: Master data cleaning, deduplication, and anomaly detection.
- Deep Learning: Understand neural networks, activation functions, and tools like TensorFlow and PyTorch.
Cybersecurity
Why It’s Relevant
Cyberattacks date back to the 1960s, but their frequency and complexity have grown exponentially since the 2000s. The global cybersecurity market is expected to reach $186 billion in 2024 and grow by at least 8% annually over the next five years. In Ukraine, cyberattacks related to war are driving a 50% increase in cybersecurity demand.
Specializations to Consider
- Security Analyst: Monitors networks to detect threats and prevent breaches, such as phishing or malware attacks.
- Penetration Tester: Also known as an ethical hacker, simulates cyberattacks to identify system vulnerabilities.
- Security Architect: Designs and implements comprehensive security systems for organizations.
What to Study
- IT Basics: Learn about devices, OS, networks, and protocols, as well as common cyberattacks like viruses and DDoS.
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals: Explore concepts like CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability) and tools like firewalls and encryption.
- Linux: Understand command-line operations, process management, and permissions.
- Programming: Start with Python, Bash, and JavaScript for scripting and automation.
- Tools and Standards: Familiarize yourself with Wireshark, Metasploit, and cybersecurity regulations like ISO/IEC 27001 and GDPR.
DevOps
Why It’s Relevant
DevOps emerged in 2009 to streamline the integration of development and operations. By automating IT processes, DevOps accelerates software delivery and updates, often using cloud environments. With the global DevOps market expected to exceed $44 billion by 2030, demand for professionals is high.
Specializations to Consider
- DevOps Engineer: Manages CI/CD pipelines and infrastructure automation.
- Cloud Engineer: Specializes in scalable and secure cloud infrastructures on platforms like AWS or Azure.
- Site Reliability Engineer: Focuses on maintaining system stability, diagnosing incidents, and automating recovery processes.
What to Study
- System Administration: Learn about Linux, Windows, servers, and network protocols.
- Programming: Python and Bash for automation are key.
- Containerization: Master Docker and Kubernetes.
- CI/CD: Understand Git, Jenkins, and GitLab CI/CD.
- Cloud Platforms: Basic knowledge of AWS, Azure, and GCP will give you an edge.
Blockchain
Why It’s Relevant
While blockchain is often associated with cryptocurrencies, its applications span public registries, medical services, gaming, and digital art (NFTs). The global blockchain market is expected to grow from $28 billion in 2024 to $826 billion by 2032.
Specializations to Consider
- Blockchain Developer: Builds decentralized applications, blockchain protocols, and smart contracts.
- Blockchain Architect: Designs and integrates blockchain strategies for businesses.
- Blockchain Security Specialist: Ensures the security of blockchain solutions through audits and encryption.
What to Study
- Blockchain Fundamentals: Learn about decentralization, immutability, and consensus algorithms (e.g., PoW, PoS).
- Programming: Solidity for smart contracts, and Python or Rust for blockchain development.
- Platforms: Ethereum, Hyperledger, Polkadot, and Solana.
- Smart Contracts: Understand how to develop, test, and secure them using tools like Hardhat and Truffle.
- Data Security: Study encryption techniques and vulnerability assessment tools like MythX.
VR/AR
Why It’s Relevant
Virtual and augmented reality ideas have been around for over 50 years, but successful projects have only emerged in recent years. These include metaverses like Horizon Worlds and the interaction of virtual objects with the real world, as seen in games like Pokemon GO. The use of VR/AR is increasingly becoming beneficial in sectors like education, healthcare, transportation, and more.
While VR/AR may not yet be as widespread as other technologies, analysts are optimistic about its future. According to Markets and Markets, the VR/AR solutions market is currently valued at $22 billion and is expected to reach $96 billion by 2029, which means the demand for specialized professionals will grow.
Specializations to Consider
- VR/AR Developer. A VR/AR Developer creates applications for virtual and augmented realities. Popular solutions include VR simulators for training pilots, doctors, and military personnel. A VR/AR Developer may also create 3D models, integrate them into environments, and set up user interactions with these objects.
- UI/UX Designer for VR/AR. Just like in traditional products, virtual and augmented reality applications need well-designed, user-friendly interfaces. A UI/UX Designer in this field will design menu structures, create templates, and test the usability of designs to ensure they are “user-friendly.”
- 3D Artist for VR/AR. A 3D artist designs objects and textures that users interact with in virtual or augmented reality. 3D models can represent real-world objects (e.g., museum exhibits) or fictional ones (e.g., game characters). Tasks also include optimizing models to reduce system load.
What to Study
- Programming. Key programming languages for VR/AR development include C# and C++. It’s also important to understand data structures and the basics of algorithms.
- Game Engines for VR/AR. VR/AR systems typically run on one of two game engines—Unity or Unreal Engine. Unity, built on C#, is simpler than Unreal Engine, which uses C++ and allows for more complex solutions.
- 3D Graphics. Developers and designers working in VR/AR need to work with 3D objects, so it’s essential to become proficient with platforms like Blender and Maya. Knowledge of Substance Painter is also helpful for creating textures for various materials.
- VR/AR Equipment. First, learn how VR headsets like Oculus, HoloLens, and Apple Vision are structured. Then, get familiar with SDKs (e.g., Oculus SDK or ARCore for Android) to create products for specific platforms.
- UI/UX Design. Anyone in the VR/AR field will benefit from understanding the nuances of creating design for virtual and augmented realities. This includes how designs are perceived, how users interact with them, and how to optimize designs to improve the user experience.
Of course, if you’re interested in IT, you should not limit yourself to the fields listed above. However, it’s important to consider where the industry is heading when choosing a profession, as indicated by the trends mentioned. You can already start learning and mastering skills that are in demand today and will continue to be valuable in the near future. Find your niche and keep pushing forward!
Kharkiv IT Cluster is always actively supporting the development and growth of IT talent, as people are the main capital of any company. Become part of an ecosystem that supports young professionals, helping them acquire the necessary skills and advance in their careers. Choose Kharkiv IT Cluster, and walk the path of new opportunities and perspectives.
