What is a Technical Job?
To define a “technical job” can be tricky, but it most often refers to the talent and expertise a person possesses to perform a certain job or task. This talent is often referred to as skills or hard skills, as opposed to soft skills like your personality or character. Areas typically associated with technical jobs are mathematical, engineering, scientific or computer-related duties, as well as other specific tasks. Those with technical skills are often referred to as “technicians” in their chosen field, i.e. audio technicians, electronics technicians, engineering technicians, even truck drivers.
One aspect of technical jobs is that many of them are now part of certificate programs. This means that there is some course work leading to a test for certification. Many of the online schools or regional continuing education programs offer these certification programs. It means getting trained in a specific skill in a short, intense training program. In fact, many large companies are requiring their new hires to be certified in various technical training.
If you are just starting your technical career or looking to make a job change, it helps to know what technical skills are in demand in the job market. The following list of technical skills are currently in high demand.
- Computer Networking
- Computer Programming
- Data Communications
- Database Administration
Help desks and technical support are also very hot right now. On March 9-10 2012, the Tech Career Expo will match over 45 employers with thousands of hopeful technical workers to over 2,000 job openings.
The “available positions are located across the country and around the world. A number of the hiring companies are Austin-based; however some participating companies and jobs are based in Boston, Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis San Francisco and Silicon Valley. Some jobs are located as far away as Brisbane, Australia; London, England; Singapore; and Chennai, India.” according to the SXSW press release.
For those with the right job skills in technical training, the possibility of finding meaningful work are improving. Getting the training for technical jobs has never been more available, while not cheap, getting the skill you need to find the work you’ll love are definitely worth it.