Information technology job opportunities for felons pay well and offer fast career advancement. IT jobs for felons do require extensive technical knowledge but the main advantage to IT jobs for felons is that demand for IT skills is high compared to other industries even during the current economic downturn.

According to the most recent study by the Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, IT jobs are expected to grow more than twice as fast as the average for all other occupations. This report takes into account the recent dot-com bust and recovery as well as outsourcing trends. In other words, even with the off shoring of IT jobs and the economic slump, the IT industry is still one of the leading growth industries in the U.S. today.

So what IT jobs for felons are available?

Information Technology is the study, design, implementation and management of computer-based information systems, chiefly software applications and computer hardware.

The IT jobs for felons that are in high demand include computer software engineers, network systems and data communications analysts, systems analysts, and network and systems administrators, again according to the Department of Labor’s report.

Since the IT field is quite large, there is no one personality type that is needed to succeed. There is room for introverted, both technical IT people and extroverted business or sales-oriented IT people.

However, the one quality that all IT people must have is a willingness to keep on learning. The software programs and computer hardware of today will be outdated in a few years so IT professionals must study new technologies constantly.

Jobs for Felons: Information Technology

Information technology is one of those career paths that are suitable for ex-felons because there are a lot of IT jobs for felons available due to the industry’s high growth rate.

If you apply for regular employment then you will definitely have to go through a background check. This can be a problem if the IT job involves handling a lot of sensitive information. Whether you will be able to land a job after the employer finds out about your past will depend on the type of felony, recency and evidence of rehabilitation.

One option you can look into is working freelance. No background checks will be involved since you will not be employed by any company or organization. Freelance IT jobs for felons simply entail looking for clients and working as an independent contractor. This has become very popular among felons because the internet has made it easier than ever before to find freelance IT job opportunities for felons online. You can even work from the comfort of your own home. This is a great option for people who want to spend more time with their families as well as those who have disabilities.

Jobs for Felons: Information Technology

Almost all colleges and universities in the U.S. have IT programs so you will not have any problems finding the right certification, diploma or degree program for you. You can choose to either study on campus or online.

The best high-paying IT jobs for felons do require a bachelor’s degree in information technology and/or certification so keep that in mine if you want to work for the top IT companies.

On the other hand, there are a few companies that offer on-the-job training although this is mostly for entry-level jobs.

For freelance work, you will need at least some certifications and probably an associate degree. Clients who hire freelancers will look at both qualifications and experience so once you have established a good IT work history you will be able to choose from among the better-paying IT jobs for felons.

Information Technology Jobs for Felons: Summary

Information technology jobs for felons are a good choice for ex-offenders because they pay well. IT is also a fast-growing industry with many job opportunities for felons. Information technology is a large field and people of all personality types can succeed in this type of work but you should be willing to learn and master constantly evolving technologies. In addition, you will need to finish a diploma or degree course in information technology to get the best jobs for felons available.