IT Contractor? 6 Reasons Why You’re Needed in 2021

Are you an IT contractor who’s looking for more work?

You’re either an IT contractor ready to work or you’ve got knowledge in this sphere and want to break into the industry. Can you relate? Although the mood of 2020 has been more Armageddon than Forest Gump, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon for the IT industry.

There’s no denying that 2020 brought into question the world’s technological capabilities to adapt to not just a new way of working but a new way of living on the whole. COVID-19 disrupted the globe and demanded technology to shape, bend and transform to meet the needs of billions of people working remotely. Yet, if you’re in the IT sector, as a contractor or a consultant, you’ll be familiar with the integral role of IT in helping us ride the wave of the pandemic. The pressing need for digital solutions has increased demand for IT consultants and contractors, and it’s not about to stop there. This is a marathon, not a sprint.

  1. Cloud Technology

    Both businesses and governments have an increasing need for better infrastructure capabilities and cloud spending is predicted to rise by a total of 19% this year i. The rise of similar software to Google Drive has enabled employees to work efficiently. Local files can be accessed in the cloud, such as documents, drawings, videos and more, to ensure that the mass exodus from office to home, doesn’t disrupt collaboration and reduces the chance of data loss. As an IT consultant, you’re required to give the best advice on transitioning from office to cloud-based working. And for IT contractors, you need to work alongside companies to implement this new tech and support the on-going switch to cloud technology in 2021.

  2. Cyber-security

    There’s no doubt remote working has saved the world from plummeting into the deep abyss but there are still security threats when working from home. More companies are opting for secure technology like biometric authentication and encryption, and using their own internal systems remotely (via the cloud), in an attempt to ward off attacks from hackers. It’s no secret that hackers are willing to even enter video conferences and listen in on private meetings, which further increases the demand for your IT expertise to find tailor-made solutions for each company. Expect an increase in demand for VPNs, multi-factor authentication and PAM services within the cyber-security sector.

  3. Recruitment technology

    Virtual interviewing and online assessment centres are an unavoidable consequence of the pandemic. However, for IT experts, this has increased demand for industry-specific software needed to carry out interviews efficiently and securely. From maths-based calculations to written assignments, the IT industry has taken on the challenge of creating custom solutions to virtual recruitment. Companies such as Twitter have even announced that their employees can work from home ‘forever’, so it’s likely companies with the same ethos will require your know-how for virtual recruitment software in 2021.ii

  4. Escaping London’s tech bubble

    George Brasher, head of HP Inc. UK, suggests that although a huge percentage of tech talent resides in London, this is starting to change. During the pandemic so far, London witnessed a 57% drop in job listings for tech jobsiii. You may be in with more of a chance of being recruited if you’re not from London, as virtual recruitment is allowing a larger pool of job-seekers to be considered since geographical limitations are no longer as important.

  5. Digital Learning and Training

    From schools to staff training, online learning has championed as the best way to develop new skills and knowledge during a pandemic. Organisations are attempting to deliver education via a plethora of platforms, like Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, and more niche software developed for specific industry needs. Digital technology rushed to the rescue at the beginning of the pandemic, with bitty presentations shared over Zoom and poor connection interrupting the learning flow. But now the dust has settled, online learning resources could complement the way learning is carried out in 2021, as hypothesised by Jon Marcus, writer for the NY Timesiv. 2021 could witness the honing of digital materials used in online learning, creating more demand for your IT knowledge in this area.

  6. 5G Network

    The move towards 5G represents a paradigm shift in the wider economy and ‘5G deployments and adoption of 5G equipment’ is set to speed up in 2021v. Professor Matti Latva-aho from Oulu University in Finland reckons that by the time 5G is fully employed, we’ll be in the midst of the 4th industrial revolution, giving way to a myriad of new applications and servicesvi. If you’re looking for future work as an IT contractor or consultant, watch this space. Here are just some of the advantages of 5G: smart factories, increased demand in the app economy, holographic virtual meetings, quicker file transfers and reliable communication, to name a few.

Can you see how you are needed in 2021 and beyond?

If you’re ready to kick off your career as an IT contractor and need something to get you started, then head over to our FREE app where we connect you, the heroes, with businesses looking for your expertise right now!