The availability of cheap data and information on the internet has radically transformed how people explore career options. Is the end result of this exposure good or bad? While this data provides valuable insights, is it truly helpful for making informed decisions about pursuing a career?
IT DEPENDS….
In the internet there are quite a number of platforms like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and Indeed providing detailed statistics and trends of careers, salaries at different phases and speculated ups and downs of the industry in different fields.
Let’s check a few such data in Accounting and IT…
Accounting Careers:
The BLS projects a 4% growth rate for accountants and auditors from 2023 to 2033, slower than the average for all occupations, with a median annual wage of $79,880 in 2023. Data from Glassdoor shows entry-level accountants earning around $55,000-$65,000, while certified public accountants (CPAs) in senior roles at firms like Deloitte or PwC can earn $100,000-$150,000. Job boards like Indeed highlight high demand for skills like QuickBooks proficiency or tax law expertise.
IT Careers:
The BLS forecasts a 15% growth rate for computer and information technology occupations through 2033, much faster than average, with a median annual wage of $104,420 in 2023. Specific roles, like software developers, have a projected 22% growth rate.
LinkedIn data indicates entry-level IT roles, such as helpdesk technicians, start at $45,000-$60,000, while experienced cybersecurity analysts or cloud architects can earn $120,000-$200,000. Certifications like CompTIA Security+ or AWS Solutions Architect are frequently listed as in-demand.
This data, undoubtedly, helps aspiring professionals understand market trends, salary expectations, and required skills. For instance, someone considering accounting might learn that obtaining a CPA license significantly boosts earning potential, while an aspiring IT professional might prioritize learning Python or cloud computing based on job postings.
Platforms like O*NET also outline daily tasks…accountants prepare financial reports and ensure tax compliance, while IT professionals might troubleshoot systems or develop software…helping individuals align their interests with career demands.
Lack of personalization:
Now the billion dollar question is .. Are these data coming to you in customized forms?
Does it talk about the associated real-life situations depending from person to person?
For example, accounting often involves meticulous attention to detail and repetitive tasks, like auditing financial statements, which suits analytical, process-oriented individuals. IT, on the other hand, can involve high-pressure problem-solving, such as resolving network outages or coding under tight deadlines, which appeals to those who enjoy dynamic challenges.
Someone chasing IT’s higher salaries might burn out if they dislike constant learning or troubleshooting, just as an accounting hopeful might struggle if they find tax codes tedious. Raw data doesn’t reveal these nuances.
Context Gaps
Numbers can mislead without context. The BLS might show strong IT job growth, but it doesn’t highlight the intense competition for entry-level software development roles in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, where candidates often need portfolios or internships. Similarly, accounting’s stable demand masks the cyclical stress of tax season, where 60-80 hour workweeks are common at firms like EY or KPMG. Glassdoor reviews might hint at these realities, but raw salary or growth figures don’t.
Oversimplification of Trends:
Data can push people toward “hot” fields without considering long-term fit. For instance, the hype around IT’s growth might lead someone to pursue cybersecurity, only to realize they lack the patience for analyzing logs or staying updated on threats. Conversely, accounting’s slower growth might deter someone who would thrive in a niche like forensic accounting, where demand is rising due to increasing financial fraud cases. Following trends without self-assessment can lead to misalignment.
Incomplete Picture of Day-to-Day Life:
Raw data rarely captures the lived experience of a job. An aspiring accountant might see $80,000 salaries but not anticipate the monotony of reconciling accounts or client pressure during audits. An IT hopeful might be drawn to software development’s $100,000+ potential but not realize the frustration of debugging code late at night or keeping up with rapidly evolving frameworks like React or Kubernetes.
Complementing Data with Real-World Insights To make informed career decisions, raw data must be paired with personalized exploration.
Here’s how to bridge the gap for accounting and IT:
Self-Assessment:
Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator or StrengthsFinder can clarify whether your personality suits accounting’s structured environment or IT’s problem-solving intensity. For example, detail-oriented introverts might prefer accounting, while creative risk-takers might lean toward IT roles like UX design.
Hands-On Experience:
Internships or shadowing provide real-world exposure. An accounting intern at a mid-sized firm might prepare tax returns, revealing whether they enjoy the work’s precision. An IT intern at a tech company might assist with server maintenance, testing their tolerance for technical challenges.
Mentorship and Networking:
Speaking with professionals offers insights data can’t. An accountant might share how earning a CPA opened doors to corporate finance, while an IT manager might explain the stress of leading a DevOps team. LinkedIn or industry events (e.g., AICPA conferences for accountants or DEF CON for IT) facilitate these connections.
Trial and Error:
Low-risk experiments, like taking a free QuickBooks course for accounting or a Codecademy Python course for IT, can test your interest and aptitude before committing to a degree or certification.
Are Raw Data Really Helpful? Raw data available on the internet is undeniably useful for career decision-making in accounting and IT, but it’s not sufficient on its own. It provides a critical starting point—helping you compare salaries, growth rates, and skill requirements.
For example, knowing that IT offers faster growth (15% vs. 4%) and higher median pay ($104,420 vs. $79,880) might steer someone toward cybersecurity over tax accounting.
Similarly, learning that a CPA credential can double an accountant’s earning potential or that AWS certification boosts IT salaries by 20-30% can shape educational choices.However, data alone can’t tell you if you’ll thrive in a career.
It’s like reading a map without knowing your destination—it shows paths but not which one suits you. Misinterpreting data or chasing trends (e.g., jumping into IT for money without coding interest) can lead to dissatisfaction. To choose between accounting and IT, combine data with introspection, real-world exposure, and advice from professionals.
When used thoughtfully, raw data is a powerful tool, but it’s most effective as part of a broader decision-making process that accounts for your unique goals, skills, and passions.