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5 Need-To-Know Skills for Tech Professionals in Houston

Published: August 15, 2014 Author: Clearpoint Tags: Information Technology

In the IT industry, there are hundreds of positions for all types of tech professionals. But the ability to actually land a job depends on a number of variables, such as your own skills and experience, and the availability of work in your area that requires those skills.

You can gain an advantage in the IT job search market by knowing which skills are most in demand in your geographical area, and working to develop the skills you're most likely to need for available positions. Here are five tech skills that can give you an edge in the Houston job market.

Technical support

The demand for help desk and computer support specialists is rising on average across the country, as new technologies and software applications are developed and deployed. In fact, help desk / tech support is the second fastest demand growth position in the United States, behind app development.

For Houston specifically, computer support specialists are among the top 100 most popular jobs in the area. Tech support skills can give you an employment advantage in Houston.

Software engineering and app development

While Houston is not among the country's hot spots for developers, the demand for these skills remains high, with software developers scoring among the top 100 popular jobs. In addition, the median salary for software developers in Houston is slightly higher than the national average--and since the cost of living in Houston is low, a position as a developer is very attractive.

Data analysis

Big Data is a big deal, and data analysts are able to find work just about anywhere as more companies look to make sense of and monetize the massive streams of consumer data being transmitted and collected every day. With regard to the Houston job market, analytical data skills can be an entry point into the biggest industry in the area: petroleum.

The thriving petroleum industry in Houston has a need for data analysts and other IT professionals. Because there are many specialized skills required for this industry, petroleum companies expect to invest in training--so the core IT skills can get you hired to a highly successful career.

Systems administration

A position that often goes hand in hand with data analysis, computer and network administrators are in high demand in Houston. These positions also reside on the list of the 100 most popular jobs in the area, and since the vast majority of businesses run on networks, these IT professionals will remain a required position for most companies.

Great communication

While communication is not a technical skill, it's still a must-have for IT professionals regardless of specialty. In Houston, as with the rest of the world, employers are looking for tech pros who have both hard skills and soft skills. Communication is a key soft skill, because regardless of job title, IT workers are increasingly required to collaborate with other departments, executives, shareholders, and end users in a way non-technical people can understand.

If you're a job seeker in Houston, developing your soft skills and improving your communication abilities will do more to get you hired than any bullet point you can add to your resume.

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