Welcome to our explainer guide for K-12 students and their families! We’re glad you found us and hope this guide can help answer your questions about the tech industry and potential careers, what opportunities are available here in Indiana, and how tech skills are valuable across all industries.
Indiana’s tech sector is thriving and ripe with opportunities for the future workforce. Indiana offers some of the best jobs in tech and at major tech companies, like Salesforce. More than that, Indiana offers the widest range of tech-enabled and tech-adjacent jobs, too. Did you know that Eli Lilly is the largest IT professional employer in the state? And they’re a pharmaceutical company!
The tech industry is one of the fastest evolving industries in our economy. This constant change means new positions are created at every turn. Before we dive into the list of careers in the tech industry, let’s define what a tech company is. A tech company could be selling a product, like your smartphone. A tech company could provide a people-centered service for technology usage, like IT consulting. Lastly, a tech company could provide digital infrastructure, like AT&T internet.
But there is so much more to tech than just tech companies. We like to call these “tech-adjacent” companies or “tech-enabled” companies. These companies built tech into their products or employ digitally-skilled workers. This can also be referred to as digital adoption. An example of digital adoption in the medical field is telehealth. In our 21st century economy, every company is a tech company through digital adoption. So, no matter where you fall on the technology careers list, you can find a role that fits your interests and natural talents, grows your skills, and pays you a high salary.
A recent report found that at least 75% of Indiana’s tech trained workers are employed outside the tech industry. This illustrates the widespread need for tech talent and digital skills for jobs across the state. That report outlined the most in demand technology skills transforming businesses in Indiana. These include: intelligent systems and automation, cloud platforms, interconnected networks, and big data. When it comes to specific jobs, Software Developers continue to be in the highest demand across Indiana and the nation. Other roles in high demand are: cybersecurity specialists, computer systems analysts, and computer user support specialists.
You may be asking yourself what are employers looking for to fill their most in demand roles? How can I prepare myself or K12 student to be a strong candidate?
Indiana employers are looking for candidates with in demand digital skills along with social emotional skills. Candidates can distinguish themselves in the job market by obtaining credentials to highlight mastery of skills. Tech employers seek applicants with competency in social emotional skills like communication, time management, team work, and problem-solving. Closing the Digital Skill Divide report found that 92% of job postings require some level of digital skills. Some of those digital skills are foundational like email or data entry. One of the most in demand tech industry specific skills is SQL programming language, the most referenced software skill. Python programming language and Amazon Web Services have increased significantly since 2021. Many of these tech specific skills are obtained with a post-secondary degree or certificate program. There is strong demand for certificates and credentials in information systems security, security clearance, and project management.
Digital skills and competencies will continue to drive our 21st century economy across all industries. There are many pathways into the technology sector and strong professional growth overtime. TechPoint sees a unique chance for growth of the digital innovation economy here in Indiana. We have an eye on inclusively growing the state’s tech ecosystem by adding at least 41,000 workers by 2030. K12 students and families can prepare themselves now through skill development and applying learning.
Not sure where to start? Use these resources to guide your journey into tech.
Interested in a job in tech? Check out these different roles and pathways into to your new career.
Many tech and tech enabled roles list or require a post-secondary degree in their job description. While continuous learning and education is necessary in the tech field, companies also see the value of relevant experience and are moving towards skills first hiring practices. As a student preparing to enter the workforce, developing skills and applying learning can help set you apart as a candidate entering the job market.
There is no one-size-fits-all set of requirements for tech roles. Some companies may prioritize certain skills or qualifications over others based on their specific needs. Below is a list of TechPoint programs and our partner programs in Indiana that offer experiences for digital upskilling. These include certificate and degree attainment, work-based learning, and after school programs to help you prepare for a career in tech.
Are you a K12 educator looking for resources? Check out Infosys Springboard’s Pathfinders Institute. This online platform is designed to support K-12 teachers who want to bring dynamic computer science and maker education to their classrooms. Sign up for live events, and download free on-demand content: K-5 streamable courses, webinars, mini-lessons, and courses featuring free materials, kits and licenses. Get started today!
Here are the TechPoint programs and partner organizations for K-12 students to get training and experience in this field.
