This post has been created to
help you explore career fields in Information Technology (IT). This post
focus is on current and future job opportunities within IT industry. It also
provides a connection to the colleges and universities that have educational
degrees related to IT.
If you are interested in a
career in IT visit with your high school career counselor. They can provide you
with career planning help and tools, arrange for job shadow experiences, and
identify school and volunteer activities that will also help you develop your
career interests.
It’s an IT world!
We are surrounded
everyday by the influences of technology, and you may think of things like
computers, iPods, game systems or even cell phones as the most important IT
tools of the 21st century. While these are the gadgets most of us spend our day
using to communicate, socialize and complete tasks, they are a small sampling
of IT tools. The opportunities to find a career in technology are nearly
limitless if you take the time to go through this post and challenge yourself
to explore the possibilities.
IT is, and
will continue to be, the largest industry in the worldwide. IT is computers and
communications, IT is the driving force of business, education, entertainment,
health care and government. IT is all about combining the power of computing
with the study of managerial know-how and social issues to effectively solve
problems and to creatively research future IT solutions. IT is the enabler of
the information age which revolves around your everyday life.
Do you want
to be a part of IT?
Let’s get
started! Information technology careers are divided into four pathways.
Do you see one pathway that might have captured your interest? Let’s explore
further!
Network Systems
If
you like working with your hands and solving computer challenges, this may be
your meal ticket!
Overview
Because
networks are configured in many ways, network systems and data communications
analysts are needed to design, test, evaluate, and manage systems, such as
local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), the Internet, intranets,
data communications systems and other technology management system.
Systems can range from a connection between two offi ces in the same building
to globally distributed networks, voicemail, and e-mail systems of a
multinational organization. People with expertise in network systems are in
high demand for a variety of positions in organizations of all sizes and
types.These people do work such as creating and maintaining the infrastructure
in medical facilities that enables multiple doctors to view the same patient’s
X-rays to determine the diagnosis and best treatment. Telecommunications
specialists focus on the interaction between computer and communications
equipment. These workers design voice and data communication systems, supervise
the installation of the systems, and provide maintenance and other services to
clients after the systems are installed.
Sample
Occupations
Network
Design and Administration
Communications Analyst
Data Communications
Analyst
Information technology
engineer
Information Systems
Administrator
Information Systems
Operator
Information Technology
Engineer
Network: Administrator,
Analyst, Architect,
Engineer, Manager
Network: Operations
Analyst, Security Analyst,
Specialist, Technician,
Transport
Administrator
PC Support Specialist
Systems Support Lead
Systems: Administrator,
Engineer
Technical Support
Specialist
User Support Specialist
Telecommunications Network
Technician
Industry
Certificates
CompTIA/Network+
Cisco Certifi ed Network
Associate
Microsoft Certifi ed
Systems Engineer (MCSE)
Certifi ed Novell Engineer
(CNE)
Nortel NetKnowledge
Certifi cation
CompTIA/ Securitymploys IT specialists who
keep the
companies’ computer systems operating.
Photo by
Information Support
and Services
Overview
Careers
in information support and services involve IT deployment, including
implementing computer systems and
software, providing technical assistance and managing information systems. People
with expertise in information support and services are in high demand for a
variety of positions in organizations of all sizes and types. For example, they
might improve service to customers by integrating multiple databases at a
global investment company which allows employees to share information between
the New York, Paris and Hong Kong offices.With the Internet and electronic
businesses generating large volumes of data, there is a growing need to be able
to store, manage, and extract data effectively. Database administrators work
with database management systems software and determine ways to organize and
store data. Data integrity, backup systems, and database security have become
increasingly important aspects of the job of database administrators.
Sample
Occupations
Database
Development and Administration
Data:
Administrator, Analyst, Architect,
Management Associate,
Modeler, Modeling
Specialist
Database:
Administration Associate,
Administrator, Analyst,
Developer, Manager,
Modeler, Security Expert
DSS (Decision Support
Services), Knowledge
Architect
Senior Database
Administrator, Systems
Analyst
Systems Administrator,
Analyst
Tester
Technical
Writer:
Desktop Publisher, Document Specialist,
Documentation Specialist, Editor
Electronic
Publications
Specialist, Publisher
Instructional Designer, Online
Publisher
Technical Communicator,
Editor, Publications
Manager, Writer
Technical
Support:
Analyst, Call Center Support
Representative,
Content Manager
Customer: Liaison,
Service Representative,
Service Professional
Help Desk:
Specialist, Technician
Maintenance Technician, PC Support
Specialist, PC Systems Coordinator,
Product
Support Engineer, Sales Support
Technician,
Systems Analyst
Technical:
Account
Manager, Support
Engineer, Support Representative
Testing Engineer
Enterprise
Systems Analysis and
Integration:
Application Integrator, Business
Continuity
Analyst, Cross-Enterprise Integrator
Data: Systems
Designer, Systems Manager,
Warehouse Designer
E-Business Specialist, Electronic
Transactions
Implementer
Information
Systems: Architect, Planner
Systems: Analyst,
Architect, Integrator
Certifi
cates and Degrees from Industry and Colleges
Oracle Certifi ed Professional
CompTIA A+ Certifi cation
Microsoft Certifi ed Database
Administrator
Associate technology degree of
Science in Technical Support
Bachelor
of Science in Information technology degree
Programming and
Software Development
Overview
Careers
in programming and software development involve the design, development,
implementation and maintenance of computer systems and software, requiring
knowledge of computer operating systems, programming languages and software
development. While many of the career opportunities in
this
area are in software companies, large organizations of other types, such as financial
services and business, also offer many opportunities. People with expertise in
programming and software development are in high demand, doing work such as
creating the software that launches and runs NASA space shuttles. Computer
scientists work as theorists, researchers, or inventors. Their jobs are
distinguished by the higher level of theoretical expertise and innovation they apply
to complex problems and the creation or application of new technology. Those employed
by academic institutions work in areas ranging from complexity theory to hardware
to programming-language design. Some work on multidisciplinary projects, such as
developing and advancing uses of virtual reality, extending human-computer
interaction, or designing robots. Their counterparts in the private industry
carry out tasks such
as
developing specialized languages or information technologies, designing programming
tools or knowledge-based systems, and even computer games.
Sample
Occupations
Programming/Software
Engineering:
Applications:
Analyst, Engineer
Business Analyst, Computer
Engineer, Data
Modeler
Operating
System: Designer/Engineer,
Programmer/Analyst
Program Manager,
Programmer, Programmer/
Analyst,
Project Lead
Information technology
specialist
Software
Applications: Specialist, Architect,
Design Engineer,
Development Engineer,
Engineer, QA Specialist,
Tester
Systems:
Analyst, Administrator
Test
Engineer, Tester
Certificates and Degrees from
Colleges and Universities
Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer
Associate/Bachelor of Science in Real Time
Interactive Simulation
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Information Science
Master of Science in Computer Science
Sun-Java Developer Certification
Interactive Media
Overview
Careers
in interactive media involve creating, designing and producing interactive, multimedia
products and services; including development of digitally-generated or
computer-enhanced media used in business, training, entertainment,
communications and marketing. Organizations of all types and sizes use digital media
(World Wide Web, CDROM, DVD) to communicate with existing and potential customers,
track transactions, and collaborate with colleagues. Interactive media experts
can find employment opportunities in organizations of all sizes and types,
doing work such as creating e-business auction Web sites that allow people
around the world to buy and sell items in real-time. Webmasters are responsible
for all technical aspects of a Web site, including performance issues, such as
speed of access, and for approving the content of the site. Internet developers
or Web developers, also called
Web
designers, are responsible for day-to-day site creation and design.
Sample
Occupations
Digital Media:
2D/3D Artist, Animator,
Audio/Video Engineer,
Designer, Media
Specialist, Media/
Instructional Designer
Multimedia:
Author, Authoring Specialist,
Developer, Specialist
Producer, Production
Assistant, Programmer,
Streaming Media
Specialist, Virtual Reality
Specialist
Web:
Designer, Producer, Specialist
Web
Development and Administration
Web:
Administrator, Architect, Designer,
Page Developer, Producer,
Site Developer,
Specialist, Webmaster –
Level 1 & 2 (C)
Certifi
cates and Degrees from
Industry
and Colleges
Certificate of Webmaster
Technology
CompTIA I-Net+
iGeneration™ Certifi ed
Creative Producer
WOW (World Organization of
Webmasters)
Certifi ed Professional
Webmaster Associate/
Bachelor’s
Multimedia Communications
Where to work?
• Information technology jobs seeker work for Professional, scientifi c, and
technical services industries (largest – computer systems design and related
services)
• Internet service providers, web
search portals
• Financial institutions
• Government agencies
• Insurance companies
• Educational institutions,
universities
• Telecommunications companies
• Software publishers
• Wholesale and retail vendors of computers,
offi ce equipment, appliances, and home electronic equipment
• Manufacturers of computers, semiconductors,
other electronic components
• Many self-employed
• Often on a temporary or contract
basis
• Often as
independent consultants
What are employers
looking for?
If you are
looking to the future perhaps you are wondering how do I prepare for the world
of work. The following are key skills that employers of the 21st century
– “your future boss” – are looking for in all
fields of
employment.
Employers
look for a combination of:
Technical
Skills
A
highly specialized technical skill set
related to specific programming languages;
database, networking, and operating systems, and other technologies.
These technical skills can be combined in many ways.
Experience
Hands-on,
real-world experience in the application of the technical skill set; sometimes,
experience related to the application of IT in a particular industry setting.
Soft
and Business Skills
A
range of soft skills and business skills, such as oral and written communication
skills, ability to work
in
teams, and project management skills.
Formal
Education
Generally
at least a four-year degree, often a technical degree or computer
engineering technology degree.
Experience
Experience
is a very high priority in employer hiring considerations. Interviewed IT
workers cited that lack of experience in a specifi c skill or skills as one of the
largest barriers they face in getting an IT
job. Employers
may be willing to accept academic degrees, demonstrated soft skills, or IT certifi
cations that closely match their needs instead of job experience in hiring for
a trainee or entry-level position.
There are
already many ways to collect IT experience for High School students:
• Part-time
computer jobs at the High School (creating and maintaining the information
technology school’s website as a Network Administrator Assistant, helping
the teacher in charge for the computers, or participating in the implementation
of an online homework grade program for the students and also work for technology
in school revolution)
•
designing the graphic part of the High School Annual
• shooting
a video of the last High School Football event etc. College students can gather
experience
with
internships, summer jobs, or campus employment
Formal
Education
A
postsecondary education is necessary for professional-level IT jobs.
A
four-year degree (Bachelor’s degree), especially a technical degree (computer
science or computer engineering) is preferred in:
• Research
• Developing
new software, IT products
• Enterprise-level
applications
The
majority of college degree workers in IT have degrees in science, math, or
engineering disciplines.
• A
two-year degree (Associate’s degree) is needed for:
• Tech
support/call center jobs
• Web
development and administration
• Database-related
jobs
• Network
design and administration
• PC
maintenance and repair technicians often geared more toward meeting the needs
of local
businesses, more occupation specific than
4-year degree programs
• A
certifications (often 1 year degree) from IT vendors Microsoft, Cisco, Novell,
and Oracle is needed
to get lower level information technology
job , demonstrates a level of competence in a particular field
Of the 12 professional-level IT occupations.
Educational
Landscape
IT
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Bachelor’s
degree programs in IT generally provide
a broad, high-level conceptual understanding
of IT in systems architecture, computer
programming, and computer network systems. On
the other hand, traditional four-year technical
degree programs offer less in terms of
hands-on practical experience and do not typically
provide business-related skills or link
the learning to solving specifi c business problems.
In addition, some programs at universities
may be out-of-date because they are
unable to match the speed of change in IT.
IT
Minor
At
many universities across the Nation, undergraduates from a wide range of academic
majors seeking IT knowledge and skills can obtain an IT-related minor—generally
referred to as a minor in computer science, information technology, or
management information systems. IT minors can offer important complementary
knowledge to those majoring in a natural science, engineering, business, or
other discipline. Remember the web design class from high school? If you like
working with the web, there is a career waiting for you after high school.
Combined
IT Bachelor’s/Master’s
Degree
(BS/MS) Programs
Some
universities offer a combined BS/ MS program in computer science, computer
engineering, or both and as well in mba technology management, to
encourage their students to seek higher level degrees by enabling them to earn
them faster. These programs can reduce the time it takes to earn both degrees
separately by as much as two semesters.
IT-Related
Master of Science (MS)
Programs
MS
programs address a range of IT professionals’ needs. Some programs offer preparation
for advancement to higher level jobs, such as those in IT organization management
and IT business management, or for more technically complex jobs, such as
advanced IT development work. Other IT-related MS programs are geared toward expanding
IT professionals’ portfolios of skills into new IT disciplines, such as telecommunications,
or toward preparing them for work in a highly specialized IT application area,
such as bioinformatics.
Techno-MBAs
A
new class of MBA programs (mba technology management) has arisen in recent
years, focused on the integration of management and technical knowledge. In
contrast to an MBA with a technical concentration, these programs—often
referred to as “Techno-MBAs”—focus on understanding the business value of
technology, technology’s contribution to the bottom line, and technology as a
means rather than an end. Generally, these degrees are designed for people with
technical backgrounds who want to advance into management positions.
Two-Year
Degrees at
Community
Colleges
Community
colleges offer a range of IT education and training opportunities. These programs
are popular, in part, because they are convenient, economical, and offer
training opportunities for both full-time students and working adults who are
seeking to upgrade their skills or prepare for a career change
by
attending training on a part-time basis. Community colleges primarily provide preparation
for low- and intermediate-level IT jobs, and their offerings focus more on practical
applications of IT than on theoretical studies. Some programs are responding to
employer demands for soft skills by adding group projects and writing
requirements to the IT curriculum.
Transfer
track programs, focused on computer
science or computer information systems management, prepare students for
transfer to an IT program at a four-year college or university; these students
are working toward a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer
engineering, or management information systems.
Terminal
track programs are designed for students
who intend to move directly into the workforce after earning their twoyear degree.
These programs—which often focus on programming, network and database
administration, and technical support—have a higher concentration of courses in
the technical discipline. The curriculum typically places less emphasis on
concepts and theory than do transfer track programs, and greater emphasis on practical knowledge.
IT
Certificate Programs at colleges
IT
certificate programs offer a wide range of opportunities for potential and
current IT workers to acquire, upgrade, and expand their IT skills. These
programs designed for introductory,
intermediate, and advanced skill levels are offered at community colleges and
universities at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The adult
continuing education programs typically specialize in providing in-depth teaching
in some particular IT specialty, such as networking, e-commerce, or IT
security; in a specific technical skill, such as Java or C++ programming; or in
a particular vendor’s technology, such as Oracle databases. While IT certificate
programs focus mainly on the provision of technical skills, some programs address
knowledge and development in business skills and soft skills. These concentrated
programs of study can add depth to an IT
worker’s knowledge and skill in a particular
specialized IT discipline or help the worker
expand his or her skills into new discipline
areas. While certifi cate programs can vary
signifi cantly in length and cost, they are
often less costly, faster, and more focused with
more links to jobs and careers than advanced
degree programs. Variability in program
content, length, and cost even when certifi
cates have the same name means that IT workers
and employers face challenges in understanding and considering their IT certifi
cate training options. Both IT workers and
employers face a confusing maze of offerings
and a credential the certifi cate that has no
standard meaning of accomplishment across the
academic enterprise.
Recommended
High
School
Courses
Believe
it or not, High School is the place to start planning for your future. Want to
get ahead of the crowd? Then read below how to plan for your future while still
in high school.
According to the
Department of Education typical admissions requirements for four-year
colleges include:
• 4 years of English
(grammar and composition, English literature, world literature)
• 3–4 years of mathematics
(algebra I and II, geometry, trigonometry, pre calculus, calculus)
• 2–3 years of history and
geography
• 3–4 years of laboratory
science (biology, chemistry, physics)
• 2–3 years of foreign
language
• 1 year of the visual and
performing arts
• 1–3 years of appropriate
electives (computer science) Higher levels of preparation in mathematics and
laboratory sciences in some colleges’ IT bachelor’s programs
In The End:
Hope you figure out in detail, thanks for
reading. Go ahead and make your career adventures and develop some new things.
J
