The Information Technology (IT) field is expected to experience substantial employment growth during the current decade. Companies and organizations seek IT workers to coordinate their information security, design apps, create or administer websites, or select and implement computer networking architecture.

In-demand IT areas include information security, cloud computing, and the development of mobile and Web-based games and apps. Additionally, those who can use web analytics to enhance user experience and business functions are in very high demand.

Here are five specific in-demand IT jobs that you should consider if you want to get into this field:

Computer Forensic Investigator

With more than 90 percent of the world’s business documents created on computers, coupled with the constant use of email and instant messaging for business purposes, criminal and civil litigation evidence is often found in digital media. Computer forensic investigators spend much of their time recovering data from digital media for court cases. They can investigate a variety of different crimes involving computers. They also create detailed reports on the data they gathered. Depending on the case, investigators may perform simple information retrieval or they may reconstruct a series of events. They can be involved with both criminal and civil proceedings, and are sometimes called upon to testify in court.

Computer forensic investigators often look for evidence in computer hard drives and storage devices, including flash drives, cell phones, PDAs, MP3 players, tablets, video game consoles, smart phones, electronic notebooks, and other electronic devices.

Many employers seek computer forensic investigators with a computer forensics, information security, or cyber security degree. Some schools provide information technology programs with concentrations or coursework in digital forensics. Several computer forensic certifications are available, such as the IACRB Certified Computer Forensics Examiner and the ISFCE Certified Computer Examiner.

IT Security Specialist

With more and more companies and individuals storing sensitive data electronically, IT security specialists are in very high demand. IT Security specialists design and implement secure computer systems in order to protect important information from computer crime and cyber warfare. They also monitor networks for security breaches. When necessary, they respond to attacks with appropriate countermeasures.

IT security specialists build firewalls and install anti-virus software on servers and on computers within a network. Some also spend time educating employees on computer security. In addition, they perform vulnerability evaluations, prevent data loss, and use encryption. They’re involved with Web content filtering, voice-over-IP systems, and e-discovery support for litigation, as well as governance, compliance, and auditing.

Many employers require, at a minimum, an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in network security, information security, computer science, computer information systems, or some other relevant field. Also, those with security-centric certificates enhance their employment opportunities.

Applications Architect

Applications architects make sure projects fit a company’s business strategy and technology infrastructure. Applications architects oversee projects from the beginning to end. They make sure software projects adhere to a company’s application development methodology and parameters.

Typically, applications architects need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or in information systems. However, some employers require a master’s degree.

Cloud Architect

Cloud computing is the latest trend for storing data in a convenient manner. Cloud computing is sold on demand and users can have as much or as little data storage as they desire. Users can access their information from just about anywhere in the world. Typically, using cloud computing saves companies and individuals money.

Cloud architects design solutions to help companies move their IT infrastructure and services from on-premise servers to a cloud solution. Cloud architects determine the cloud structure and collaborate with business analysts to ensure the architecture fits business requirements.

Cloud architects often manage a cloud infrastructure. They make sure the service on the cloud provides high scalability, availability, and fault tolerance. They also ensure private and public clouds interface well.

To get a job in this field, an applicant needs at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or a relevant technical field. Also, certifications can help individuals obtain a job as a cloud architect.

Mobile Application Developer

The increasing popularity of mobile applications has created plenty of opportunities for mobile application developers. Many brands use mobile applications to bring traffic to their online social media.

Application developers design and code programs that run on phones and tablets. They spend time creating programs using the Objective C, C++, C#, or Java programming languages. Mobile application developers produce programs for operating systems like Google’s Android and Apple’s iOS.

Most employers prefer mobile application developers who have, at a minimum, a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, mobile application development, mobile computing, computer science, or a related field of study.

Brian Jenkins writes helpful articles for jobseekers for the Riley Guide. Check out the Riley Guide’s career research center for info on a variety of careers.