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

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

3. 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.

4. Traditional Information Technology (IT) Career Paths
Learn about computers.
Stay abreast of job trends.
A Bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for the best jobs.
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5. 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
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6. 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
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7. 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
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8. 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
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9. 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
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10. Education for Traditional IT Careers
Computer Science (CS)
Computer Information Systems (CIS)
Systems and Software Engineering
Electrical Engineering
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11. 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).
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12. 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.
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13. 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.
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14. 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.
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15. 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.
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16. Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering focuses on digital circuit design and communication technologies.
Jobs are in hardware development.
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17. 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
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18. 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
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19. 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)
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20. 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.
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21. 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
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22. 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
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23. 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
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24. 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
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25. 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
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26. 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)
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27. 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
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28. 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.
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29. 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.