Computers Are Your Future © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 Careers and Certification © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

What You Will Learn . . . Traditional information technology (IT) career paths Computer science (CS) and computer information science (CIS) curricula in colleges and universities Settings in which most IT workers find employment The business skills IS managers want in new IT workers The technical skills currently in high demand The positive and negative aspects of certification © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Traditional Information Technology (IT) Career Paths Learn about computers. Stay abreast of job trends. http://www.stats.bls.gov A Bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for the best jobs. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Traditional Information Technology (IT) Career Paths Information technology (IT) professionals Work with IT in all its various forms Are needed by both small and large companies Keep up with fast-changing technology © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Typical Job Titles and Responsibilities in a Corporate IS Department Chief Information Officer (CIO) Director of Computer Operations Director of Network Services Network Engineer Systems Programmer/ Administrator Client/Server Manager Systems Analyst Programmer/Analyst Programmer Responsibilities Senior-level management Defines the IS department’s mission, objectives, and budgets Middle-management position Emphasizes overall system reliability Emphasizes overall network reliability Installs, maintains, and supports computer networks Installs, maintains, and supports the operating system Installs, maintains, and supports client/server applications Interacts with others to design information systems Designs, codes, and tests software Writes code according to specifications © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Typical Job Titles and Responsibilities in a Software Development Firm Director of Research and Development Senior-level management position in charge of all product development activities Software Architect Computer scientists who are challenged to create new, cutting-edge technologies Software Engineer Manages the details of software development projects Systems Engineer Gives technical presentations and supports products on-site Software Developer Develops new programs under the direction of the software architect Customer Support Technician Provides assistance to customers who need help with products © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Traditional Information Technology (IT) Career Paths U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Fastest growing industries in US economy: Software publishing Computer system design Related computer services © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Traditional Information Technology (IT) Career Paths Offshoring Transfer of jobs from workers in one country to workers in other countries Outsourcing Transfer of labor from the firm to outside entities © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Education for Traditional IT Careers Computer Science (CS) Computer Information Systems (CIS) Systems and Software Engineering Electrical Engineering © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Computer Science (CS) Computer science uses the principles of science and engineering to improve computing. Theory rather than the practical applications of computing is emphasized. Training is technical and involves higher mathematics (calculus). © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Computer Science (CS) Training also involves Programming languages Programming language structure Advanced computer graphics Artificial intelligence Relational database design Graduates find jobs in software development firms and information systems departments. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Computer Information Systems (CIS) Computer information system departments are usually located within business schools. CIS focuses on the practical applications of computing. The skills needed by businesses are emphasized. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Computer Information Systems (CIS) Training involves Programming Systems analysis Finance and marketing Communications skills Interpersonal skills Graduates find jobs in corporate information systems departments as well as software development companies. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Systems Engineering Systems engineering uses the scientific method to create and maintain systems in business and industry. Systems engineering emphasizes looking at the whole picture. Students learn project management skills. Graduates are in high demand in the areas of software development, systems analysis, and program development. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Electrical Engineering Electrical engineering focuses on digital circuit design and communication technologies. Jobs are in hardware development. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Traditional Methods of Continuing Education Training Seminars Computer-related Last from one day to one week Presented by hardware or software developers or companies specializing in training for new technology Computer Magazines, Newspapers, and Journals Indispensable resources for IT professionals Either cover the entire world of computer issues or are aimed at a specific part © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Traditional Methods of Continuing Education Conferences and Shows Are a way of keeping in touch with the profession Trade shows – Annual meetings in which manufacturers, designers, and dealers showcase their products Professional Organizations Provide a way to keep up with a particular area of interest © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Professional Organizations Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Association for Women in Computing (AWC) Association of Internet Professionals (AIP) Data Processing Management Association (DPMA) Network Professional Association (NPA) © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

New Information Technology (IT) Career Paths New technologies and the nature of businesses are changing IT careers. A four-year college degree is insufficient for some employers. Employees need skills in communication, business, and technology. Corporate downsizing or mergers may affect IT careers. IT workers must manage their own careers. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Sought-After Business Skills Teamwork – Ability of an individual to work effectively in a team environment Project management – Ability to plan and manage a project Communication –Writing and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to give presentations Business acumen – Some knowledge of business © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Sought-After Technology Skills Networking – Skills related to Ethernet, TCP/IP, and LAN administration Microsoft Windows XP – Integration of .NET Passport with Windows XP UNIX – Strong demand for UNIX system configuration, maintenance, networking, and programming TCP/IP – Knowledge of Internet protocols © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Sought-After Technology Skills Oracle – Experience in working with Oracle database and client/server applications C++ – Language of choice for software development Microsoft Visual Basic – Rapid application development and code reusability © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

New Jobs in Information Technology Job Title Responsibilities Interactive Digital Media Specialist Creates engaging presentations, including animation and video Web master Designs and maintains a Web server and related database servers Web Application Engineer Designs, develops, tests, and documents new Web-based services for Web sites Web Specialist Creates high-quality content pages for Web sites Network/Internet Security Specialist Installs and maintains firewalls, antivirus software, and other security software © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Certification Certification is a skills and knowledge assessment organized by computer industry vendors. To obtain a certificate you: Take courses at a college, training center, or study on your own Take a comprehensive examination Certificate is issued when the exam is passed Certificates need to be renewed periodically. Selected certification programs © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Selected Certification Programs Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) + Internet Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) Certified NetWare Engineer (CNE) Certified Java Programmer Certified Java Developer A+ Net+ Cisco Certified Network Associate/Professional (CCNA/CCNP) © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Certification Certification benefits Certification risks Enable employers to assess skills from a pool of applicants Employer may increase salary offers Certification risks Students focus on a specific vendor’s technology Vendor’s technology may become obsolete Having one skill isn’t enough Hiring people with narrow training may be risky for employers © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Chapter 10 Summary Information technology (IT) careers require a four-year college degree in computer science (CS) or computer information systems (CIS). Training in computer science emphasizes the theoretical and cutting-edge aspects of computing. Training in computer information systems emphasizes more practical aspects of computing in business settings. IT workers find employment in corporate information systems (IS). IS managers look for IT workers with teamwork, project management and communication skills, and business savvy. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Chapter 10 Summary (continued) High demand technical skills include networking, Windows XP, UNIX, C++, and Internet-related technologies. Certification provides a way of demonstrating your skills to an employer. Certification can help ensure that an employee has the skills necessary to do the job. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.