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Technology in ActionTechnology in Action

Technology in Focus: Technology in Focus: Careers in IT Careers in IT

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Job OutlookJob Outlook• The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting

growth in computer occupationsgrowth in computer occupations– Network systems and data communications Network systems and data communications

analystsanalysts– Computer applications software engineersComputer applications software engineers– Computer systems software engineersComputer systems software engineers– Network and computer systems Network and computer systems

administratorsadministrators– Database administratorsDatabase administrators

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Bureau of Labor Statistics Site Bureau of Labor Statistics Site www.bls.govwww.bls.gov

Occupational Outlook HandbookOccupational Outlook Handbook• For various IT jobsFor various IT jobs

– Describes typical tasksDescribes typical tasks– Required education and trainingRequired education and training– Salary estimatesSalary estimates– Likeliness of:Likeliness of:

• Outsourcing: Hiring an off-shore third party to Outsourcing: Hiring an off-shore third party to provide servicesprovide services

• Offshoring: Hiring employees who work in another Offshoring: Hiring employees who work in another countrycountry

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Common Myths About IT CareersCommon Myths About IT Careers

• Myth #1: Getting a computer science degree means you’re going to be rich.

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Common Myths About IT CareersCommon Myths About IT Careers

• Myth #2: All the jobs are going offshore.

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Common Myths About IT CareersCommon Myths About IT Careers

• Myth #3: You’ve got three professional certifications . . . you’re ready to work.

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Common Myths About IT CareersCommon Myths About IT Careers

Myth #4: Women are at a disadvantage in an IT career.

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Common Myths About IT CareersCommon Myths About IT Careers

• Myth #5: People skills don’t matter in IT jobs.

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Common Myths About IT CareersCommon Myths About IT Careers

• Myth #6: Mathematically impaired people need not apply.

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Common Myths About IT CareersCommon Myths About IT Careers

Myth #7: Working in IT means working for a computer company or in an IT department.

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Is an IT Career Right for You?Is an IT Career Right for You?

• ConsiderationsConsiderations– Salary rangeSalary range– Possibility of Possibility of

gender biasgender bias– LocationLocation– A changing A changing

workplaceworkplace– StressStress

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What Realm of IT Should You Work What Realm of IT Should You Work In?In?

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Development and IntegrationDevelopment and Integration

Web Web DevelopmentDevelopment

• Web server Web server administratorsadministrators

• Web content Web content creatorscreators

• Web publishersWeb publishers• Customer interaction Customer interaction

technicianstechnicians

Systems Systems DevelopmentDevelopment

• Systems analystsSystems analysts• ProgrammersProgrammers• Project managersProject managers• Technical writersTechnical writers• Network engineersNetwork engineers• Database developersDatabase developers

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Technical ServicesTechnical Services

• Information SystemsInformation Systems– Network administratorsNetwork administrators– Database administratorsDatabase administrators– Web server administratorsWeb server administrators– Telecommunications techniciansTelecommunications technicians

• SupportSupport ServicesServices– Helpdesk analystsHelpdesk analysts– Computer support techniciansComputer support technicians

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Preparing for a Job in ITPreparing for a Job in IT

• EducationEducation– College and university College and university

degreesdegrees• Computer scienceComputer science• MISMIS• Computer engineeringComputer engineering

– Technical schoolsTechnical schools• Build skills rapidlyBuild skills rapidly

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Preparing for a Job in ITPreparing for a Job in IT

• Professional certificationsProfessional certifications– Measure base level of skillMeasure base level of skill– Software and hardware manufacturers Software and hardware manufacturers

establish standardsestablish standards

• ExperienceExperience– Internship Internship

• Do researchDo research– Know the companiesKnow the companies

offering jobs offering jobs

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Finding a Job in ITFinding a Job in IT

• School placement officeSchool placement office• Online employment sitesOnline employment sites

– Monster.comMonster.com– CareerBuilder.comCareerBuilder.com

• NetworkingNetworking– People networksPeople networks– Word of mouthWord of mouth– Professional organizationsProfessional organizations

• Corporate Web sitesCorporate Web sites