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.
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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
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