Career Options for IT Jobs that Involve Travel
Although information technology (IT) work typically involves sitting behind a computer, that doesn't mean certain careers will not task you with getting out of that comfy office chair. In fact, several different positions will have you up and about, travelling to various locations as your job requires it. The list below gives you a preview of the careers that not only require lots of computer work, but can help you rack up credit card reward points for travel.
| Job Title | Median Salary (2020)* | Job Growth (2019-2029)* |
|---|---|---|
| Postsecondary Teacher | $80,790 | 9% |
| Network and Computer Systems Administrator | $84,810 | 4% |
| Software Developer | $110,140 | 22% |
| Computer Support Specialist | $55,510 | 8% |
| Information Security Analyst | $103,590 | 31% |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Career Information for IT Jobs that Involve Travel
Postsecondary Teacher
As a college or university teacher, your job might involve not just the commute to work, but several different work locations, depending on how many schools hire you. You can also look forward to attending academic conferences across the world. A minimum of a master's degree is required to teach at the university level, but most of the time, you will need a doctorate. If you plan on teaching at a career or technical school, work experience in the field may be important as well.
Network and Computer Systems Administrator
Administrators are in charge of their entire respective networks and computer systems, and this role involves training other users. Companies may hire outside contractors, and as a result, administrators would need to travel to different job sites to train in person. While many employers prefer their administrators to hold a bachelor's degree, some may only ask that professional certificates be earned for hiring.
Software Developer
Software developers directly work with users to develop programs that meet the needs of the user. Inevitably, this will involve traveling to meet with clients to discuss, in person, details that require greater explanation than what can be achieved via conferencing and phone conversations. You can expect to earn a minimum of a bachelor's degree in computer science to become a developer, but the document isn't enough -- you will need to have strong skills in programming to succeed.
Computer Support Specialist
Because support specialists work directly with users to solve problems, many remote locations will require on-site visits by network support members in order to determine the extent of the issues on the user end. Computer support specialists might also train new clients at the users' organization site. Although a bachelor's degree is usually recommended for this position, it might be possible to start a career with an associate degree, or even professional non-degree training.
Information Security Analyst
As the gatekeepers of IT, information security analysts will be directly involved with security breaches and investigations after an attack or hack. Depending on the nature of the case, analysts might have to appear in court to give testimony regarding the incident. Analysts may also perform software installation at different organizations who utilize security software. Aspiring information security analysts should earn a bachelor's degree in a field related to computers, and attempt to gain some experience in a related field or occupation.
