Modern business is much more than just creating products or services. It is a complex system, the lifeblood of which is information - companies exist and develop thanks to the flow of data and the capabilities of technology. Information technologies are no longer a luxury or an addition – they have become an indispensable basis for the everyday life of any company.

From security to innovation, from remote work to global opportunities - the presence of IT forms the identity of modern business and high-quality specialists are an important part of this system. Below, we will learn more about what tasks information technologies perform in a company, what modern IT studies include and where to look to get quality education in the field of information technology.

An important task of IT - security in the digital space

One of the most important tasks of IT today is security. Cyberattacks, data leaks, identity theft – these days they are no longer just movie-worthy plots, but the everyday reality of many companies. That is why IT security is one of the pillars of business today, because failures in this area are costly – both the company’s finances and reputation can be at risk. As Jānis Pekša, Dean and Associate Professor of the Faculty of IT at Turība University, points out, “A company’s ability to protect itself is not just a task for the IT department – ​​it is becoming a strategic direction for the entire organization. In the 21st century, information technologies allow for both physical and digital security, using various tools, methods, techniques and applications based on artificial intelligence. This means that artificial intelligence allows companies not only to predict potential threats, but also to automatically respond to them, minimizing the impact of the human factor”. This means that those working in the IT field should be encouraged to think strategically and be well-rounded specialists.

From the classroom to the workplace – how IT professionals are made

The view that an information technology employee only needs programming knowledge is an outdated stereotype. A knowledgeable employee in the IT field is someone who is able to analyze, design, monitor, think strategically and develop digital systems. The knowledge gained during the study process, especially practical experience, is crucial. “IT studies cover the security of the digital space and a clear vision of how to create it and how to properly ensure the security of the infrastructure,” explains Jānis Pekša. But not only that – he emphasizes: “Practice is included, and it is based on the acquisition of practical knowledge. It is very important that students learn the field not only theoretically, but also practically”. When asked why such great importance is given to practice, the expert answers: “This approach is a response to the demands of the labor market. Employers are looking for people who are able to work from day one – solve problems, apply knowledge in real situations and be flexible in the learning process”.

Remote work and global opportunities

The traditional idea of ​​a workplace – a physical place where you have to arrive at a certain time – is becoming less and less common. The IT industry currently offers unique opportunities to work remotely, in international teams, even in parallel with studies. “IT is a very welcoming industry today – students can work in a company located on another continent already in their 2nd year of study,” emphasizes J. Pekša. This is also confirmed by statistical data: according to the information available on the Official Statistics Portal of Latvia, the number of remote workers in Latvia is growing, reaching 13.2% of all workers in the first quarter of 2025.

Conclusion – a future shaped by digital competence

IT is no longer an option – it is a necessity. In an era when artificial intelligence is changing the everyday life of every field, the presence of information technologies in business is inevitable, and companies that are not aware of its risk remaining in history. As the experience of Turība University shows, a successful future begins with an understanding of the digital world and the desire to create it consciously and safely. The Faculty of IT of Turība University offers modern education in the field of IT, which combines the basis of theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Practice and theory

Teaching staff with real experience are able to provide students not only with knowledge, but also with the intuition and flexibility that are so necessary in the field of IT. “Practitioners who are industry experts and are able to connect theory with practical examples are of a great importance,” continues Jānis Pekša. “Investing in practice-based education produces employees who not only know technologies, but also understand how to use them to achieve business goals”. Asked whether the approach is justified and Turība graduates are in demand on the labor market, J. Pekša comments: “The situation is such that our students are often approached by employers already during the study process, I believe that this is an indicator of the highest quality”. Another indicator of quality is the demand for the study program – the number of students at the IT faculty has almost tripled over the past three years, thus once again confirming the high demand for qualified IT specialists in the labor market. More and more people are choosing to study information technology, providing themselves with guaranteed career opportunities not only after graduation, but already during their studies. IT students also prove their knowledge to employers during their internships and are approached to stay and work for the company. J. Pekša continues: “For example, two Turība IT students participated in the development of a Covid-19 certificate platform during their internships at Kleintech Software, which made it possible to control the flow of people and restore travel opportunities after the first wave of the pandemic. Turība students mastered a new programming language, Go, which demonstrates their ability to acquire new knowledge in a short period of time”.