March 10, 2016

About IT

 

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Industry Overview

When considering a career in Information Technology, you will soon realize that there are many career options and good jobs available. You will also discover that IT careers offer the flexibility to work in a variety of different industries. Today’s IT plays a critical role in the work of all major industries as well as being a distinct industry on its own. The Information Technology Association of America (ITAA) reports that 92% of all IT workers are in non-IT companies, 80% of which are small companies. Even if the career you choose does not focus solely on IT, the job will likely involve the use of computers and technology to accomplish tasks and process information.

Individuals interested in an IT career should possess curiosity, have the ability to think logically, and have strong problem-solving skills. A working knowledge of mathematics and good communication skills are also important since troubleshooting, teamwork, and helping others are vital aspects of most of IT jobs. In addition, Web designers and developers also need imaginative and artistic skills. Whether dealing with customers, managers, or other computer specialists, IT professionals need the abilities to solve technical challenges as well as to communicate effectively on paper, in-person, and electronically. Right now – there are many high-skilled, interesting, and good-paying job opportunities in IT. In fact, America continues to suffer from a shortage of qualified IT workers with flexible and portable skills who can readily adapt and respond to ever-changing IT workplace demands and processes.

From entry-level technicians to computer scientists to chief information officers, there are limitless career possibilities in today’s Information Technology. Why not explore how one of these opportunities might benefit you?

Careers in IT Sector

The top 10 jobs in IT, based on increases in salary offers, according to the salary guide

1. Lead applications developer

What they do: Manage software development teams in the design, development, coding, testing and debugging of applications. What you need: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field and three to five years experience in specific technologies.

2. Applications architect

What they do: Design components of applications, including interface, middle ware and infrastructure; comply with employer’s design standards.

What you need: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or information systems; a master’s degree is desirable. Employers request a minimum of eight years related work experience and specific software skills.

3. Messaging administrator

What they do: Control e-mail and group ware systems, including associated servers, operating systems, and backup and recovery programs; fix system problems and attend to service requests.

What you need: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer information systems or a related field, plus two to three years or more of experience working with the messaging systems used by the employer.

4. Data Modeler

What they do: Analyse organizational data requirements and create models of data flow. What you need: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT or mathematics, and several years of data management experience.

5. Network manager

What they do: Direct day-to-day operations and maintenance of the firm’s networking technology; collaborate with network engineers, architects and other team members on the implementation, testing, deployment and integration of network systems.

What you need: Ten years (or more) experience in a networking environment combined with several years of experience managing technical personnel. Professional certifications are also valuable.

6. Senior IT auditor

What they do: Establish procedures for audit review of computer systems; develop and apply testing and evaluation plans for IT systems and ensure compliance with industry standards of efficiency, accuracy and security.

What you need: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, business or a related field, and an average of five years’ experience in IT auditing.

7. Senior Web developer

What they do: Plan and implement Web-based applications; coordinate with product development, marketing, product management and other teams in bringing new applications online.

What you need: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering or a related field, plus a minimum of five years of experience working with a mix of Web technologies.

8. Business intelligence analyst

What they do: Design and develop company data analysis and report solutions; review and analyse data from internal and external resources; communicate analysis results and make recommendations to senior management.

What you need: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems or engineering, and several years of experience.

9. Help desk (Tier 2)

What they do: Resolve difficult issues that derive from Tier 1 support and require five to 15 minutes to settle; decide when to create work tickets for issues that can’t be solved by phone or e-mail and require a visit to the user’s workspace.

What you need: Besides patience and a positive attitude, requirements depend on your position level. Tier 2 positions call for two to four years work experience, and a bachelor’s degree or a two-year degree and additional work experience in a help desk setting.

10. Staff consultant

What they do: Assist with project planning and requirement specifications; create prototypes and alternatives with colleagues. What you need: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, business or a consulting-related field. Industry-specific proficiency, plus business experience and two or more years of consulting experience are also typical requirements.