The tech industry is volatile, but everyone still wants to work there

Technology is one of the most volatile industry sectors for professionals to join. It’s also one of the most sought-after.

Volatility refers to significant price swings and valuations due to several factors, including public perception, rapid advancements and the influence of Big Tech, the companies that dominant a large portion of the tech marketplace.

More recently, the tech industry has experienced volatility due to high-profile layoffs following macro-economic turbulence of the last three years.

Despite all these factors, we consistently field requests from individuals who want to break into tech and make a name for themselves in this space. In this article, we identify the underlying reason for tech’s popularity among job seekers by explaining the initial attraction and long-term payoffs:

Tech is everywhere

It’s easy to think of tech as a shiny, expensive car that only a few privileged consumers get to drive, but the truth is that tech is everywhere.

From the infrastructure of a multinational corporation to the payroll process for a small local business, tech underpins daily operations in most organizations. Software innovations, like customer relationship management tools, and IT services, like secure cloud solutions, have become non-negotiable assets.

Outside of the workplace, the Internet of Things (IoT) has integrated technology into personal lives like never before. As technology continues to evolve, the sector is poised to weather economic downturns, becoming more recession-proof over time.

AI kickstarted a new era in the tech industry

Artificial intelligence has ushered in one of the most transformative periods the tech industry has seen. Generative AI tools have exploded in popularity, finding uses that range from corporate innovation to everyday problem solving.

Companies are investing heavily in proprietary AI technologies, while individuals use AI for everything from creating budgets to finding the perfect recipe. This democratization of advanced tech makes the field even more appealing to job seekers because the applications are accessible and popular.

AI’s rise has also created an entirely new job market. Organizations now seek individuals who can interpret the massive amounts of data AI generates. Former consultants are especially well-suited for these roles, thanks to their analytical expertise and ability to “find the story” within the numbers.

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For smaller companies, this shift has transformed traditional roles. The chief of staff position, for example, is evolving to focus on translating complex data into actionable strategies, a task that demands the skills of a seasoned consultant.

People like innovation

The allure of being part of something revolutionary is also a powerful draw. Consider the employees who joined Google or Amazon in their early days and helped shape history.

This desire to be at the forefront of innovation drives many professionals to the tech industry, where the potential for groundbreaking advancements is common. Whether it’s a startup striving to disrupt the market or an established company rolling out world-changing technologies, tech offers professionals the chance to “catch lightning in a bottle.”

The takeaway: some risk is worth the reward

Tech’s volatility isn’t going away, but for those willing to embrace the uncertainty, the rewards can be tremendous. The chance to work on groundbreaking innovations, solve complex challenges and shape the future is too enticing for many professionals to ignore.

In an industry where change is the only constant, risk and reward go hand in hand. For job seekers, the promise of being part of something transformative makes the journey worthwhile.

To learn more, contact Blaine Ayres at (336) 217-9140 or blaine.ayres@charlesaris.com.