Careers in Information Technology Joe Latimer Accounting & Information Systems North Dakota State University Joseph.Latimer@ndsu.edu

Why Choose a Career in Information Systems?

Why Choose a Career in Information Systems? Computers are ubiquitous. Information Technology is a necessary ingredient for competing in the global marketplace. The popularity of the Internet and the rise of Electronic Commerce Information Technology Association of America estimates that there are 190,000 unfilled positions in Information Systems across the United States. Jobs are expected to increase by 86% from 2004 to 2010.

Selecting The Right Technology Major Management Information Systems, MIS Information Technology, IT (not available at NDSU) Computer Science, CS Electrical & Computer Engineering, ECE

Computer Science or MIS/CIS Computer Science/Engineering Programming Computer hardware Strong Math Skills MIS/CIS Managing technology Business knowledge Strong Analytical Skills

Popular Job Skills Web Development Network Management Object-oriented Programming Database Administration Client/Server Computing Network/Computer Security

Popular Languages, Development Tools and Platforms C, C++ Visual C++ MS Visual Basic COBOL HTML Java .Net Oracle DBMS PowerBuilder SQL Server Unix Windows 2000 Windows XP

Computerworld’s 2005 Salary Survey

2004 NDSU Employment Report Salary Found Major Range Job Accounting 20 - 31 - 39K 100% Business 17 - 28 - 50K 97% MIS 18 - 35 - 80K 90% CS 26 - 45 - 60K 81% CE 53 - 55 - 68K 100%

The Value of Education Education Level Typical Earnings Unemployment Rate Some high school $21,400 6.5% High school grad $28,800 3.5% Some college $32,400 2.9% Associate degree $35,400 2.3% Bachelor’s degree $46,300 1.8% Master’s degree $55,300 1.6%

Choosing a College/University Does the program offer: Analytical skills (analysis and design of systems and databases) Technical skills (programming, networks, operating systems) Organizational skills (an understanding of business processes in the areas of accounting, finance, management, marketing, and operations) Soft skills (communication, people, team work) Opportunities to get real world experience (internships, co-ops)

Cost of Attending NDSU 2005-2006 ND Resident Per Year Tuition 4,369.00 Student Fees 903.72 Matriculation Fee 45.00 Room and Board 5,130.00 Total $10,438.72