Which IT career is right for me?

The outlook of the IT industry in New Zealand

In New Zealand, the IT sector continues to grow steadily. According to a 2023 report by Digital Skills Aotearoa, the tech sector is New Zealand’s third-largest exporter, contributing over $8.6 billion to the national economy annually. The demand for tech professionals remains high, with a 4.8% increase in advertised roles over the past year. Despite this, New Zealand faces a digital skills shortage, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity and software development. This gap presents a huge opportunity for aspiring IT professionals to enter a thriving and essential industry.

What fields of IT can you study?

Some of the most in-demand IT career fields in New Zealand include:

• Cybersecurity
• Data Analytics
• Software Development
• Systems Administration
• IT Support

At Media Design School, our Bachelor of Information Technology provides a modern curriculum tailored to meet industry needs. This course allows you to specialise in a range of IT fields, giving you the skills needed to enter the workforce with confidence.

How do you start a career in cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field, both globally and in New Zealand. With cyberattacks increasing in frequency, businesses are in dire need of skilled professionals to protect their data and systems. The role of a Cybersecurity Analyst or Penetration Tester involves identifying vulnerabilities, managing risks, and ensuring that security protocols are robust.

To start a career in cybersecurity:

• Develop foundational skills: Begin by studying networking, operating systems, and security fundamentals. Certifications like CompTIA Security+ or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) can be a great entry point.
• Gain practical experience: Hands-on experience is crucial. This can be through internships, lab work, or setting up personal security projects to practice ethical hacking and penetration testing.
• Formal education: A Bachelor of Information Technology with a focus on cybersecurity will give you a comprehensive understanding of risk management, cryptography, and network defence strategies. Advanced study may include specialisations in cloud security or forensics.

The cybersecurity sector in New Zealand is forecast to grow by 28% over the next five years, with opportunities expanding in sectors like finance, government, and health.

How do you start a career in data analytics?

Data analytics is becoming an essential function for businesses, enabling them to make informed decisions based on insights drawn from large datasets. As a Data Analyst, you’ll work with data to identify trends, create reports, and help businesses refine their strategies.

To start a career in data analytics:

• Learn the basics: Understanding statistics and data manipulation is key. Courses in statistics, linear algebra, and probability will help you develop the analytical mindset needed for this career.
• Programming and tools: Learn programming languages like Python or R, and become proficient in tools like SQL, Excel, Tableau, and Power BI to handle data processing, visualisation, and reporting.
• Formal education: A degree in Information Technology with a focus on data analytics will help build a strong foundation. Media Design School offers specialisations where you can develop skills in data mining, machine learning, and predictive analytics.

New Zealand’s demand for data specialists is rising, with data-related roles forecast to grow by 22% over the next five years, especially in industries such as retail, banking, and health.

How do you start a career in software development?

Software development remains one of the most versatile and sought-after career paths in IT. Software developers are involved in designing, coding, testing, and maintaining software that can be used across industries and applications.

To start a career in software development:

• Learn programming languages: Begin by learning languages like Python, Java, C++, or JavaScript. These are essential for creating applications, both web-based and desktop.
• Understand software development lifecycle: Software development is not just about coding. You’ll need to understand the entire process from requirements gathering and system design to deployment and maintenance.
• Formal education: A Bachelor of Software Engineering or Bachelor of Information Technology will provide a strong foundation in programming, software architecture, and agile methodologies. In New Zealand, there’s increasing demand for software developers, particularly in fintech, mobile app development, and cloud computing.

SEEK projects a 25% growth in software development jobs over the next five years, with particularly high demand for mobile developers and cloud specialists.

How do you start a career in systems administration?

Systems administrators are responsible for maintaining an organisation's IT infrastructure, ensuring everything runs smoothly. As a Systems Administrator, you'll manage servers, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure the security and efficiency of IT operations.

To start a career in systems administration:

• Understand hardware and networking: A deep understanding of computer hardware, networking, and operating systems is essential. Learn about Linux, Windows Server, and cloud platforms like AWS or Microsoft Azure.
• Certifications: Certifications like CompTIA Network+, Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator, or Cisco’s CCNA can help validate your knowledge and skills in this field.
• Formal education: A degree in Information Technology with a focus on systems administration can provide you with advanced skills in virtualisation, networking, and systems management. Gaining practical experience through internships or part-time roles is also highly beneficial.

The need for systems administrators in New Zealand is expected to rise by 20% over the next five years, particularly as organisations increasingly rely on cloud-based services.

How do you start a career in IT support?

IT support is a critical entry-level role that helps businesses manage their technical infrastructure and assist end-users with technology-related issues. IT Support Technicians or Help Desk Analysts provide assistance with software, hardware, and network troubleshooting.

To start a career in IT support:

• Develop core technical skills: Start by building a solid foundation in hardware troubleshooting, operating systems, and networking. Basic programming and scripting skills can also be helpful.
• Certifications: Earning certifications such as CompTIA A+ or ITIL will demonstrate your ability to handle common IT support tasks and manage service delivery effectively.
• Formal education: While formal education is not always required, a degree in Information Technology will help open doors to more advanced opportunities in this field. Practical experience, such as working in IT support internships, will be invaluable.

With the growing reliance on technology across all sectors, IT support roles in New Zealand are expected to grow by 15% in the next five years, making it a great entry point into the IT field.

By choosing any of these career paths, you’ll be entering a fast-paced and in-demand industry. Whether you decide on cybersecurity, data analytics, software development, systems administration, or IT support, the opportunities to advance and specialise in your chosen field are limitless.

Read more - Information Technology (IT) at Media Design School

References for New Zealand IT Industry Outlook and Growth Stats:

Digital Skills Aotearoa 2023 Report – Provides insights into the state of the digital skills ecosystem in New Zealand, including growth in tech jobs and the shortage of skilled workers in the industry.

Source: Digital Skills Aotearoa 2023 Report

New Zealand’s IT Export Economy – Statistics on the IT industry as New Zealand's third-largest export sector.

Source: NZTech’s Annual Report 2023

Cybersecurity Career Growth in New Zealand:

Cybersecurity Job Growth Stats – Projected 28% increase in cybersecurity roles, with demand for cybersecurity specialists growing across sectors such as finance and government.

Source: CITANZ – Cybersecurity Industry Report

CompTIA Cybersecurity Certifications – Industry-standard certifications like CompTIA Security+ and CEH for entry-level cybersecurity professionals.

Source: CompTIA Certification Roadmap

Data Analytics Career Growth in New Zealand:

Data Analytics Job Growth Stats – Projected 22% growth in data-related roles due to increasing demand for data engineers and data analysts in sectors such as retail, banking, and health.

Source: Absolute IT – New Zealand IT Job Market Report 2023

Data Science Certifications and Tools – Mention of programming languages (Python, R) and tools (SQL, Power BI, Tableau) used in the field.

Source: Datacamp – Guide to Data Science Tools

Software Development Career Growth in New Zealand:

Software Developer Job Growth Stats – Projected 25% growth in software development roles, with high demand for cloud computing and mobile development.

Source: SEEK New Zealand Job Trends 2023

Programming Languages for Software Development – Python, Java, and C++ as foundational programming languages for software developers.

Source: Stack Overflow Developer Survey

Systems Administration Career Growth in New Zealand:

Systems Administration Job Growth Stats – The projected 20% growth in systems administration, driven by increasing demand for cloud infrastructure and virtualisation.

Source: Hays New Zealand Salary Guide 2023

Certifications for Systems Admins – Recognised certifications like CompTIA Network+, Azure Administrator, and Cisco CCNA.

Source: Cisco Certification Pathway

IT Support Career Growth in New Zealand:

IT Support Job Growth Stats – Projected 15% growth in IT support roles, particularly in entry-level positions as organisations continue to expand their digital infrastructure.

Source: Absolute IT – NZ IT Salary Report

CompTIA A+ Certification for IT Support – The most widely recognised entry-level certification for IT support professionals.