In an ideal world, your IT employee does it all, knows it all, and is the master of the IT universe. Amazingly, you'd be able to hire one person who can do everything and has nothing better to do than master every single element of IT. While this would be a preferred outcome for any business, it's practically impossible to achieve.
In truth, no one person in any industry can know or do it all. If this were possible, then you would see your family doctor for open-heart surgery, physical therapy, and anything in between. IT management is no exception, as it poses a very similar situation that requires specialized experience for a holistic solution.
What are the different types of IT professionals?
Expecting a generalized IT employee to configure and manage a firewall or network is like having an oil change technician repair a car's transmission or replace and balance its tires. There's a good chance that they can still complete those services if necessary. The core question is whether they can do it as well as more specialized mechanics.
According to the 2025 Industry Workforce Trends report from CompTIA, 74% of employers report being actively concerned about an overall skills gap in their IT professionals. Learn about 5 common types of engineers to understand why the IT skills gap is prevalent across industries and difficult to avoid.
1. Software engineers
A software engineer learns and uses coding languages like JavaScript, C++, and SQL. To a software engineer, a computer is a tool they use and depend on for every aspect of their work, from developing a new program to conducting maintenance work. They can also further specialize in front-end, back-end, or full-stack skill sets.
2. Network engineers
A network engineer is the construction worker of the IT world in both physical and digital aspects. They spend most of their time building elaborate connections, ensuring devices within a business can communicate with each other reliably. Specialties in this area can include cloud networking, local area networking, and network security.
3. Cloud infrastructure engineers
A cloud engineer designs, implements, and manages cloud computing infrastructure and services. These engineers know how to connect systems and ensure that various files and programs are accessible using platforms like Microsoft Azure. Cloud infrastructure engineers can specialize in configuring, monitoring, and securing cloud-based assets.
4. Cybersecurity engineers
A cybersecurity engineer is tasked with keeping a company's digital assets and networks safe from cyber threats. With rising trends in issues like phishing and insider threats, these engineers tackle significant risks by implementing layers of precautions. Cybersecurity specialties can include the cloud, networking, and penetration testing.
5. Infrastructure engineers
An infrastructure engineer has a more holistic understanding of IT and can manage technology elements in physical and digital forms. They know how to get everyday issues fixed across industries, with a fundamental knowledge of major IT fields. Most of the time, these are the go-to IT employees when a significant problem or challenge arises.
Can any IT employee do it all?
Yes, there are some rare diamonds out there who can write code, build networks, secure networks, and manage every other IT task that's needed. Even in this case, though, that professional likely prefers a specific IT type over another. This means that they might neglect the training and new developments for tasks they do not enjoy as much.
The truth is that even an exceptionally smart IT employee will still have faults and shortcomings. There will be a skills gap in the newest techniques and developments. Even if they try to understand every single item, they'll never have time to do every aspect of each job, leaving your business at high risk of falling behind.
How can my business avoid the IT skills gap?
While it would be seemingly straightforward to hire one of each type and call it a day, it's a costly approach that rarely delivers the results you need. The best way to help your business avoid the IT skills gap is by partnering with a managed service provider (MSP). MSPs employ teams of experts in different IT disciplines, giving your company a more comprehensive solution that avoids significant gaps in skills.
Is working with an MSP expensive?
Expensive is relative to your situation, but partnering with an MSP to outsource your IT is a fraction of the cost of hiring all of those engineers separately. It's also much less costly than recovering from a situation that puts your business at risk. If you think your business is safe from harm because it's local or on a smaller scale, think again.
According to the 2024 Internet Crime Report, the FBI received a total of 859,532 complaints regarding cyberattacks and malicious cyber activity. The total losses for 2024 reached $16 billion, a 33% increase from 2023. With these risks posing an increasingly present threat, an MSP can help you cut costs and avoid or minimize IT security failures.
Minimize the IT skills gap with Bit-Wizards
If you're concerned about how missing IT skills put your business at risk for security failures and other costly matters, Bit-Wizards is here to help. Our Managed IT Services (MITS) connect your team with our staff of certified professionals without the impossible costs that come with hiring, training, equipping, and maintaining a full-scale IT department.
With our Wizards on your side, your company can save time, avoid tech headaches, and make the most of your money. We have the expertise needed to cover every critical function of your IT, enabling you to focus on what your business does best.
Ready to bridge the IT skills gap? Contact us today.