Hybrid IT Roles That Can Separate You as a Candidate

There are big things in store for the IT industry. The hottest up-and-coming areas include social media, mobile technology, cloud computing, and big data analytics. As organizations rush to capitalize on these systems, they're looking for the best ways to turn technologies into business value.

Of course, for any company the key to creating business value through systems lies in their employees. More organizations are looking to hire IT professionals who are multi-skilled, and able to bridge platforms with new technologies--in effect, helping them differentiate through creative application.

In today's market, hybrid IT professionals stand a better chance of landing a rewarding and lucrative career. Here are five examples of the cross-platform skills that can help you stand out and get hired.

Multi-departmental business analysts

Experts in analytics have always been around, in one form or another. Most commonly, companies employ analysts with specific domain specialties--such as marketing, finance, operations, sales, or logistics. But with the rise of Big Data, the role of analysts is more essential than ever--and organizations are looking to diversify those roles.

The most sought-after analytics experts will be integrative thinkers, able to not only interpret relevant data, but also understand how that data should work in various capacities across the organization. Broad vision and concrete knowledge of interdepartmental cause-and-effect are valued skills in business analysts.

Cloud-friendly enterprise architects

Those who build, upgrade, and maintain systems--whether it's applications, networks, data, security, or entire infrastructures--are already in high demand. Even greater for organizations is the need for enterprise architects who can understand and work with cloud computing in all its forms, and create sustainable, scalable infrastructures that meet the company's unique requirements.

Cloud vendors are rolling out more solutions than ever, and most organizations are looking for the best ways to integrate the cloud with existing in-house system. This creates ripe opportunities for IT architects who "get" the cloud--who know how to work with both public and private cloud solutions, and understand best practices for platform-, software-, and Infrastructure-as-a-Service cloud offerings.

Database experts to tame the unstructured

Big Data is a hot commodity--but around 90% of the massive data streams that contain hidden gold for organizations are unstructured. Any database professional with the ability to create meaningful structure from the shapeless data mass can expect to discover ample, high-paying opportunities in the IT industry.

Some of the most popular in-demand technologies for database pros right now include NoSQL, HBase, Cassandra, CouchDB, and MongoDB. Combine expertise in those areas with the ability to separate the signals from the noise, and you've got a ticket to a great career.

Plain-talking security professionals

There's no doubt that IT security occupies a top priority slot for nearly every organization. But despite increasing concerns that revolve around current events like the NSA spying, the Target data breach, and the ongoing concerns for cloud security, most companies continue to under-invest in digital protection.

Rather than more certifications or higher skill levels, IT security companies are looking for pros that can effectively market their offerings. A lot of IT security is tech talk, and it's difficult for companies to understand encryption levels or the need for complicated check points and beyond-password protection.

The best IT security professionals will be able to explain security issues in terms of real business risk, and present security products as enhancements rather than obstacles.

Software engineers with user mentalities

There are plenty of opportunities for developers and engineers, but those who are most wanted are developers with broader views. These sought-after experts think beyond functionality, and develop code that considers how customers and end users will view the finished product.

Software engineers are in the business of creating user experiences. Those who focus on developing websites and applications that cater to the customer will enjoy expanded career opportunities.

If you are looking for technical job opportunities in Houston, contact our team today.

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