1. Chapter 15 Information Technology Careers

2. IT Career Field The U.S. Department of Labor statistics indicate these IT jobs are among the top ten fastest-growing positions for the first decade of the new millennium Computer Software Engineers Computer Support Specialists Network and Computer Systems Administrators Systems Analysts Database Administrators

3. Many new jobs in other sectors of the economy will require workers to spend the majority of their day using a computer. Computer Skills Today, up-to-date computer skills are required across all occupations.

4. IT Career Field IT career opportunities are categorized by the main focus of the job. Four main categories emerge: Sales and Support Software Development Application Development Hardware Design

5. Sales & Support Careers Sales and support includes a wide array of positions that serve as an entry point into the IT industry. Technician Technical Support Technical WriterTechnical Sales Technical Trainer

6. Technical Servicing Technical servicing is the installation and maintenance of hardware and software. Depending on the skills of a technician, these jobs range from low-paid work in equipment maintenance to highly-paid specialized positions in network maintenance.

7. Technical Support Technical support specialists requires more interpersonal skills. Technical support involves responding to phone and e-mail requests for assistance from customers. Technical support specialists may be asked to drive or fly out to customer sites to troubleshoot systems. These positions are fairly easy to attain early in your career.

8. Technical Sales Technical sales involves educating potential customers about your product so they want to buy it. Technical sales is generally the most highly paid position especially if you can successfully sell your product. This job is more people-centered, with less detailed technical knowledge required. The down side of the job is the pressure to sell and many factors beyond your control can affect your success.

9. Technical Training Teaching individuals how to use systems is called technical training. Technical trainers may have experience with the hardware or software they are teaching, or an educational background that they have learned to apply to IT. It is less stressful than sales, and technical training is always in demand. In general, it pays better than technical support but not as well as sales.

10. Technical Writing Someone must write the user manuals, training materials, and textbooks for every hardware and software product. Technical writing turns the technical skills and knowledge in the engineers’ heads into written documentation A degree in English or in technical writing serves as the foundation for the job. Some people in this career are systems analysts with strong writing skills.

11. Software Development Software development is the creation of new software products for commercial sale. It involves a team that commonly consists of software engineers, programmers, multimedia developers, and quality assurance (QA) testers. These positions require a variety of skills and each person plays an important role in getting new software products into the market for purchase by consumers or other companies.

12. Programming Programmers have expertise in one or more computer languages. Programming requires a high level of technical knowledge often achieved through a computer science degree or other training. There is strong demand for people with this skill because the work is difficult and businesses have many software needs.

13. Software Engineering Software engineering is the art of getting programmers to work together as a team to complete a software development project. Software engineers are typically programmers who are professionally trained and usually hold college degrees in computer science. They have studied techniques for software development that integrate multiple programmers working on specific parts of a software development project.

14. Multimedia Development Multimedia development is the use of computers to create and enhance Web content with images, sounds, and movies. Multimedia developers include graphic artists, digital sound editors, and animation specialists. Multimedia development is the use of computers to create and enhance Web content with images, sounds, and movies. Multimedia developers include graphic artists, digital sound editors, and animation specialists. This growing area includes individuals who have more of a background in the arts rather than computer science.

15. Quality Assurance Companies that develop software also need people to test new products before they are released to the public. Quality assurance (QA) testers carefully test each feature of a new product and record all deficiencies they uncover. A deficiency report is given to the developers so they can fix each problem before the product is released. QA testers often double as technical trainers, technical writers, or customer support specialists.

16. Application Development Application development uses commercial software to develop a system for a specific organization. A system could be a Web page, a database, a single-user spreadsheet, or a custom information system. The major careers within the field of application development are systems analyst database administrator network administrator Web master

17. Application Development Applications are created for users to input data or interact with data. Applications developers require a mix of technical and interpersonal skills as they work closely with those who will use the application.

18. Systems Analysts Systems analysts gather the requirements and develop a design for systems of distribution management, office information, management information, decision support, executive support, and factory automation applications. Systems analysts also double as project managers for the information systems they design. Project managers ensure that the many pieces of application development come together on time and within the budget to deliver an application that works correctly.

19. Database Administration Database administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the database: Upgrading database software. Ensuring rapid response time to users to access the database. Integrating security strategies so only authorized users can access the database. Completing backups of the data on a regular basis. Database administration is a combination of application development, technical support, and technical training.

20. Network Administration Network administration involves the operations and maintenance of a company network. The network administrator works to: Provide rapid network response time to users Upgrade network software Secure network user access to company servers, programs, and data

21. Web Administration Web administrators, sometimes called Web masters, have the job of developing and maintaining a Web site. Web administration includes keeping the site working and up to date. Complex Web sites require additional programming if their pages need to dynamically respond to the user, such as a search engine, or an e-commerce site.

22. Hardware Design Computer hardware design is the specification of computer hardware such as CPUs, video cards, and memory chips. It requires electrical engineering, programming, and problem-solving skills. Many hardware designers are electrical engineers. Others are computer engineers, who have training in both electrical engineering and computer science.

23. Preparation for an IT Career The demand for IT professionals exceeds the supply. Many people working in IT have no degree or other official certification. The industry has been forced to pay very high salaries to attract the best people.

24. Bachelors degree programs in computer science, computer engineering, and information systems are pursued to launch a career in IT. College Degree Programs IT professionals start with a college degree and add certificates as needed throughout their careers. Associates degrees from community colleges and bachelors degrees from colleges and universities are available in IT-related courses of study.

25. Computer Science Degree Computer science is the study of the computer and its many applications. A bachelor’s degree in computer science requires advanced mathematics, basic chemistry, and basic physics and takes 5 years to complete. Computer science graduates typically become programmers for software companies or applications developers for IT consulting firms. On average, salaries are excellent, second only to computer engineers.

26. Computer Engineering Degree Computer engineering is a hybrid of computer science and electrical engineering, and it requires all of the core courses of study from each. Graduates must be both skilled programmers and theoretical engineers. Large companies that work in factory automation, computer hardware design, or system-level software development often hire computer engineering graduates. Salaries for computer engineering graduates are often slightly higher than those of computer science graduates.

27. Information Systems Degree (CIS) programs are application-oriented. Students learn programming aimed at application development with existing software products rather than the creation of new software products. They also must take many business courses, including economics, accounting, marketing and finance. Salaries are comparable to those earned by computer science or computer engineering graduates.

28. Certificate Programs Certificate programs train an individual for a particular job, working with a specific type of product. Certificate programs are for people who have related education and/or job experience. Before getting into a certificate program, you should research the job market where you want to work and learn which certificates are desired. Certificate programs are education courses offered by large IT companies such as Microsoft and Cisco. Most programs consist of two parts: A course of study that lasts for a few weeks A test that grants a certificate of achievement

29. Benefits of Certification Certificate programs have become quite popular in recent years as a quicker route into the IT industry. Rather than completing a college degree program of one to four years, a motivated, computer-literate student can gain an industry certificate and enter the job market within a few months.

30. Achieving Certification You must pass a standardized test for most certifications: Tests can only be offered by certified professional trainers who often are affiliated with the company sponsoring the certificate The tests cost money each time they are taken. They are usually lengthy multiple-choice tests that are very focused on specific knowledge of a product. Testing schedules in major cities can be found on the Internet.

31. Certification Types Cisco certificates focus on networking specialties with networking systems. Microsoft certificates qualify people to work with Microsoft products. An entry-level certificate that offers proof of competency with Microsoft Office is the Microsoft Office Specialist certificate. Oracle certificates qualify workers to use Oracle database software.

32. Considering a Job Offer When considering a job offer, evaluate the work environment and business model to ensure they are a good match for your personality and work preferences. Most highly paid positions of responsibility are salaried positions which often require longer work days than the standard eight hours. The tech job market is a rich and rewarding one, but it also tends to swing up and down dramatically, and has been doing so for the last several decades.

33. Corporate Culture Corporate cultures can be very different from one company to the next. Some people might prefer the formal business processes and large project scope at big companies. Others are more comfortable with a more informal environment in a smaller company. You should contemplate your own work style and personality when assessing a prospective employer.

34. Large IT Departments The pace is generally slower in large IT departments, as is the rate of advancement. IT professionals work somewhat fewer hours, but the schedule is more rigid. The atmosphere is more professional, and employee attire is expected to reflect it. Workers in an IT department spend much of their time in a cubicle and in meetings, working on big-budget projects with detailed components.

35. Small Businesses Smaller IT companies move faster, are more relaxed in terms of hours worked and clothing worn. If you work for a small start-up, your job will probably be varied and will often include several areas of responsibility. You may participate in sales, training, and quality assurance (QA). You may have more opportunities to prove yourself and advance quickly when the company is successful.

36. Business Models In general, information technology organizations fit into one of three major business models: Product Developer IT Department Consultant

37. Product Developers Product developers such as Intel or Microsoft manufacture new hardware and software products for the general market. These companies often depend on a single product or product line for their survival. The smaller companies tend to be volatile and can grow or shrink dramatically depending on a variety of market conditions.

38. IT Departments IT departments are more common than product developers. Every major company has an IT department, whether it consists of 3 people or 300. You may never become wealthy working for them, but your job may be more secure than in a start-up company.

39. Consultants Consultants are highly skilled workers that complete projects for several different companies. Consultants have a great deal of variety in their work, but this is offset by the risk involved. A common complaint is that either everyone wants them right now or no one does. Most consultants spend years working inside a company before becoming skilled and specialized enough to strike out on their own.

40. Information Technology Salary Tracks Most IT positions above the technician level are salaried. IT salaries start fairly high and rise quickly during the first two to five years of a worker’s career. Most IT positions above the technician level are salaried. IT salaries start fairly high and rise quickly during the first two to five years of a worker’s career. When you are salaried, extra hours are often expected as part of the job. When you are considering a position, get an idea of how many hours a week you are expected to work and weigh that number against the salary offered. When you are salaried, extra hours are often expected as part of the job. When you are considering a position, get an idea of how many hours a week you are expected to work and weigh that number against the salary offered.

41. Gender and Age Disparities The majority of the IT workforce is young and male, especially at the entry level. This tendency increases with jobs that are more technical in nature. Some accuse the industry of ageism and sexism. The gender and age disparities are something to be aware of when considering the work environment.

42. Ergonomics Every year, many people are injured or even crippled by the overuse of wrist and other body joints. Ergonomics is the science of designing equipment so that it is comfortable to use and does not cause the user physical injury.

43. Placing the keyboard and mouse at the proper height so the wrist remains straight when the user types or manipulates the mouse can save injury. Prevent Repetitive Motion Injuries Ergonomically designed offices and equipment can help prevent repetitive motion injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

44. Learning to use a mouse with either hand to allow the other to relax during prolonged computer usage. Other Ways to Prevent Repetitive Motion Injuries Taking frequent breaks to stretch overused muscles and tendons. Placing the monitor at an angle that does not cause neck strain. Ensuring that the chair supports the back properly. Using gel pads for the keyboard and mouse to ease pressure on the wrists.

45. On the Horizon COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA: INCREASING ELECTRONIC DISTRIBUTION One key to being successful in our technological world is spotting a trend early, and adjusting one’s career direction accordingly. For example, because of increasing online newspaper readership, the number of printing and lithography jobs is shrinking, but Web developers and graphic artists are in demand.

46. On the Horizon TELECOMMUTING: ON THE RISE Telecommuting involves working via computer from home or while traveling rather than going into the office on a daily basis. According to U.S. Department of Labor studies, telecommuters comprise 10 percent of the workforce. Telecommuting plans have been especially successful for commissioned salespeople, who are often more productive when out of the office environment.

47. On the Horizon WIRELESS JOB MARKET HEATS UP  Hardware gurus are working to integrate the multitude of wireless devices into all-in-one units.  Network engineers must keep increasing the wireless bandwidth.  Programmers and software engineers are developing sophisticated graphics, sound, and video applications for business and personal use.  Software engineers are working on wireless synchronization software and business features for cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDA) and alphanumeric pagers.