There will never be a shortage of IT roles in today’s global economy. For businesses to become more globally competitive, they will always need IT roles. As technology continues to get better, so do the top IT roles that are in demand.
For this reason, IT roles have always had a unique evolution in branching out into more specific functions. The responsibilities of certain roles have increased in scope over the past decade, while some have also grown with the times and evolved past what they initially offered. Despite the changes, there will always be particular roles whose importance never waned. Such roles that will always be sought out as businesses strive to remain competitive by being ahead of the technology curve.
Let’s take a look at some of the top IT roles in demand today.
Full Stack Developers
Among the top IT roles, Full stack developers and engineers are often at the top of the list. It was seen as one of the best jobs this 2023 thanks to its consistent demand and often high salary range. This should not come as a surprise. A full stack developer is seen as a jack of all trades when it comes to your website and online presence.
Often known as digital architects, they are well-versed in both the front-end and back-end of web development. This versatility means being knowledgeable in different programming languages and aspects that help build the foundation of their work online. They wear different hats on a team and can take on everything from developing servers to ease of website interaction. To excel in their role, they are constantly learning about new technologies and staying ahead of trends to broaden their skills.
Front-end Engineers and Developers
However, businesses may not be looking for someone as versatile as full stack developers. Maybe they need someone who can prioritize what their audience interacts with daily, whether it’s a website or an application. Someone who is more devoted to the “user-side” of things and what people see.
This is where front-end developers can shine. Front-end development is a top IT role that focuses on what users see and interact with. Not just visuals, but they also consider things like site functionality and the overall experience. It may seem obvious, even trivial to a point, but there is an impact in having a platform that is easy to navigate and use. If companies want to focus on this, they will have little to no difficulty finding someone who can strengthen their front-end.
Backend Engineers
Let’s do a quick aside. Think about the last big concert that you went to. The people who performed on stage were giving their all for an enjoyable, memorable time to the audience. While this was going on, several people were working backstage making sure everything was going off without hitches. This is similar to what backend engineers do. If front-end development is focused on what people see, back-end development is all the behind-the-scenes elements.
Back-end engineers specialize in what’s going on “under the hood” in whatever project they undertake. They are experts in creating codes and scripts that can be applied to the front-end for later use. Their work helps set the foundation and structure of what a website or application can do while also ensuring that everything runs smoothly. This also includes proper data storage and security.
DevOps Engineers
A DevOps engineer is not often what people think when it comes to the top IT roles. However, their importance should not be overlooked, especially in today’s business environment. As a portmanteau of “development” and “operations”, they help test different software and tools that are being primed for release. Their responsibilities encompass everything from creating the support software to providing maintenance coding.
DevOps engineers do this through their knowledge of system admins and an understanding of the online architecture. As a whole, they thrive on collaboration and innovation. They are focused on developing faster and more secure deliveries of service and value to a business’ audience. The next time you encounter quality updates to an app or a bug-free experience on a website, remember to thank a DevOps engineer.
Developer vs. Engineer: What To Choose?
You may have noticed that some roles ask people to be developers, while others look for engineers. While they may seem like interchangeable titles, there are differences between being an engineer and a developer. These differences are in how they apply their creativity, logical thinking, and overall approach to the role. Developers are often more suited to a single, independent role. They have deep expertise in the execution and are more focused on creating something in the software process. Meanwhile, engineers thrive in a collaborative environment with others. While not as deep into code testing as developers, they are able to take on bigger tasks and are capable of building scalable products from the ground up.
So who do you go with? Similar to choosing the right offshoring partner, it will all depend on what you are looking to accomplish. Need someone who is more independent and specializes in software programming? Then a developer is your best choice. If your business is looking for someone more familiar with full systems and a sense of leadership, you can’t go wrong with an engineer.
Filling Out These Top IT Roles
Regardless of who you choose, it’s important that you work with a provider who can find the right people for each role. Providers like HGS also offer several of these in-demand roles, tapping into the wide talent pool of the Philippines.
Companies today can stay competitive by working with offshore developers who can meet the goals they’ve set. Whether it’s working under the hood or being a jack of all trades, IT roles will continue to be a major factor in globalizing different industries for years to come.
Citations:
Gafner, Jocelyn. “Best Jobs of 2023.” Indeed, 19 Apr. 2024.
HGS Offshore Staffing Solutions. “How An Online Retailer Found Success With Offshoring.” HGS Offshore Staffing Solutions, 3 Feb. 2023.
Outworks Solutions Private Ltd. “Demand for front end developer in 2023 | Scope of front end developers.” LinkedIn, 2 Feb. 2023.
