The Digital Technology Career Cluster focuses on developing technology systems for communication and data storage. The impact of this cluster is enormous, as technology influences how people live, work, and interact with the world. The tech industry is undergoing rapid and continual change, along with exceptional growth, especially in some key areas.
Artificial Intelligence is used to automate decision-making processes, create personalized experiences and search algorithms that “learn” from experience, and to build better communication between humans and machines. Data analytics and Big Data involve interpreting vast amounts of information.
Cybersecurity protects communication networks and data from threats such as malware, phishing, and theft of account credentials. Emerging technologies such as unmanned vehicle technology, virtual reality, blockchain, and quantum computing are growing specializations. Web and Cloud computing focuses on creating and managing websites and web apps and storing data.
Digital Technology professionals don’t only work in "tech companies", they are in demand in every industry. Digital systems are at the core of operations for transportation and logistics companies, retail, and government. AI is radically transforming industries from healthcare to manufacturing.
Meanwhile the security and efficiency of the finance and energy industries rely on digital solutions. No matter what career you may pursue, you can expect to use digital tools and apply them to real-world problems.
Quick facts to know:
- Ethics is a major concern in this industry, from using AI and automation responsibly, to protecting user privacy and data security, to inclusion and avoiding algorithm bias in user applications.
- Long-term growth of tech jobs is projected to outpace most other sectors, both to replace workers who leave and to fill new jobs.
- The typical pay for jobs in this cluster is significantly higher than the average for all industries.
- While the tech sector in other countries is growing rapidly, the United States continues to be the world’s largest technology market, leading in innovation and earnings.
- Unmanned vehicle technology, often used for drones and cars, supports precision farming, search and rescue operations, delivery services, hazardous environment remediation, and more.
Whatever your career direction, you can find options that fit. Keep exploring at CareerOneStop.org/ExploreCareers