1.  My Top Cluster: Information Technology  Video Name: Information Technology (Cluster Video)  Video Link: http://www.careeronestop.org/Videos/Caree randClusterVideos/career-and-cluster- videos.aspx

2.  Additional information I want to include: They help connect other careers to things the technologist does.

3.  Career Description Develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions. Design software or customize software for client use with the aim of optimizing operational efficiency. May analyze and design databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

4.  Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design system and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.  Modify existing software to correct errors, allow it to adapt to new hardware, or to improve its performance.  Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.  Consult with customers about software system design and maintenance.  Coordinate software system installation and monitor equipment functioning to ensure specifications are met.  Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.  Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures, programming, and documentation.  Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan computer specifications and layouts, and peripheral equipment modifications.  Supervise the work of programmers, technologists and technicians and other engineering and scientific personnel.

5.  Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real- world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.  Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.  Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

6.  Education - Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.  Training - Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on- the-job training, and/or vocational training.  Experience - A considerable amount of work- related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

7.  English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.  Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.  Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

8.  Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.  Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.  Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.  Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.  Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

9.  Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians  Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary  Computer Support Specialists  Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers  Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment  Electronic Drafters  Mathematical Technicians  Numerical Tool and Process Control Programmers

10.  Career Description Research, design, develop, and test operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computing applications. Set operational specifications and formulate and analyze software requirements. Apply principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis.

11.  Modify existing software to correct errors, to adapt it to new hardware or to upgrade interfaces and improve performance.  Design and develop software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.  Consult with engineering staff to evaluate interface between hardware and software, develop specifications and performance requirements and resolve customer problems.  Analyze information to determine, recommend and plan installation of a new system or modification of an existing system.  Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures.  Direct software programming and development of documentation.

12.  Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real- world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.  Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.  Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

13.  Education - Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.  Training - Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on- the-job training, and/or vocational training.  Experience - A considerable amount of work- related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

14.  Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.  Clerical - Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.  Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.  Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.  English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.  Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.  Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.  Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

15.  Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.  Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

16.  Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians  Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary  Computer Support Specialists  Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers  Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment  Electronic Drafters  Mathematical Technicians  Numerical Tool and Process Control Programmers

17.  Career Description Convert project specifications and statements of problems and procedures to detailed logical flow charts for coding into computer language. Develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information. May program web sites.

18.  Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.  Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.  Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.  Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.  Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.  Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.  Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.  Write or contribute to instructions or manuals to guide end users.

19.  Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.  Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

20.  Education - Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.  Training - Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on- the-job training, and/or vocational training.  Experience - A considerable amount of work- related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

21.  Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.  English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.  Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.  Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

22.  Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

23.  Computer and Information Systems Managers  Computer Operators  Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary  Computer Support Specialists  Computer Systems Analysts  Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers  Numerical Tool and Process Control Programmers  Operations Research Analysts

24.  Nature of Work Application software engineers design and develop software applications, such as utility programs and general application software. They work with the user to determine needs and create software to meet user's needs. They modify existing software to fix problems, optimize functioning and enable its use on new hardware platforms. They oversee installation of software systems as well as monitoring of equipment. They also perform testing and validation of software systems to ensure that applications work properly.

25.  Computer software engineers typically work in well-lit offices in comfortable surroundings or in computer laboratories. Most work at least 40 hours a week, but due to the project-oriented nature of the work, they may also have to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines or solve unexpected technical problems. Like other workers who spend large amounts of time in front of a computer terminal typing at a keyboard, they are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort and hand and wrist problems. Many computer software engineers interact with coworkers and customers as they attempt to improve software for users.

26.  Out of the 1.3 million jobs held by computer software engineers and computer programmers, around 495,500 jobs are held by computer applications software engineers. Computer applications software engineers can work in varying industries such as those who work in computer systems design as well as other related services. Some computer applications software engineers also work for software publishers, insurance providers, financial institutions, manufacturers of computers and other related electronic equipment services.  Job opportunities for computer applications software engineers will be best for those with relevant experience and a bachelor’s degree. Jobs for computer applications software engineers are expected to grow 32 percent. Many new jobs will also be created for computer applications software engineers.

27.  Job prospects for software developers that work on applications are anticipated to be excellent (job growth of 28%) in the decade 2010-2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In May 2012, the estimated median annual wage for software developers that work on applications was $90,060 with the top ten-percentile earning an estimated $138,880 per annum ( www.bls.gov ).

28.  Nature of Work Computer systems software engineers conceptualize, design, construct, install, maintain and repair computer systems. They advise users regarding the technical direction of their computer systems based on their needs. They may recommend making changes to an existing system or installing an entirely new system. In addition, computer systems software engineers may be responsible for system security and data assurance, as well as the installation of intranets. During the development of new systems, computer systems software engineers keep documentation, such as flowcharts, diagrams and reports. They may also develop performance requirements and specifications, conduct evaluations, observe usability studies and direct programming. These engineers occasionally refer to stored data in order to analyze system limitations, capabilities and requirements.

29.  Computer software engineers typically work in well-lit offices in comfortable surroundings or in computer laboratories. Most work at least 40 hours a week, but due to the project-oriented nature of the work, they may also have to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines or solve unexpected technical problems. Like other workers who spend large amounts of time in front of a computer terminal typing at a keyboard, they are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort and hand and wrist problems. Many computer software engineers interact with coworkers and customers as they attempt to improve software for users.

30.  The employment outlook for computer software developers working with systems software is expected to increase much faster than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS); between 2012 and 2022, employment is expected to increase by 20% ( www.bls.gov ). The BLS also states that demand for this type of job is expected to increase as computer systems, mobile technology and the Internet becomes more widely used, and more software is demanded. In addition, computer software engineers will be expected to develop secure systems as technology expands.

31.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that systems software developers earned a median annual salary of $101,410 in May 2013. Those in the top-paid ten percent earned $150,760 or more a year, while those in the bottom-paid ten percent earned $63,140 or less annually. BLS data also shows that salary varied slightly by industry and location. Computer systems software developers who worked in the other information services industry earned the most, with an average salary of $120,490.

32.  Nature of Work Computer programmers write code to create software programs. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow.

33.  Programmers usually work in offices, most commonly in the computer systems design and related services industry.

34.  Employment of computer programmers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Computer programming can be done from anywhere in the world, so companies sometimes hire programmers in countries where wages are lower. This ongoing trend is projected to limit growth for computer programmers in the United States. However, some companies are bringing programming jobs back to the United States. In addition, companies with small information technology operations may outsource computer programming to low-cost areas within the United States.  Many computer programmers work in computer system design and related services, an industry which is expected to grow as a result of an increasing demand for new computer software. This includes software offered over the Internet, which should lower costs for firms and allow for more customization for users. In addition, new applications will have to be developed for mobile technology and the healthcare industry. An increase in computer systems that are built into electronics and other non- computer products should result in some job growth for computer programmers and software developers.

35.  The median annual wage for computer programmers was $74,280 in May 2012. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,850, and the top 10 percent earned more than $117,890.  Most computer programmers work full time.

37.  http://www.careeronestop.org/Videos/Caree randClusterVideos/career-and-cluster- videos.aspx http://www.careeronestop.org/Videos/Caree randClusterVideos/career-and-cluster- videos.aspx  http://mappingyourfuture.org/planyourcaree r/careership/index.cfm http://mappingyourfuture.org/planyourcaree r/careership/index.cfm  http://www.bls.gov/ooh/ http://www.bls.gov/ooh/