IT Roles and Responsibilities

careers IT The following slides provide an overview of some common careers in IT. Even though you may not want to work in IT, in many circumstances you may be working with IT personnel. IT is heavily involved in most company projects.

Client SERVICES Help clients with general questions relating to the company, products, status on orders, account information or status, etc. Good communication skills and a general understanding of the company and its products.

Software/System Sales Sells a product or service to another person or company. Typical sales position but a decent understanding of technology is beneficial. Presales relationship

Account Managers Account Managers typically look after the post sales relationship between the company and the customer. Heavily focused on customer service but also require a solid understanding of technology. Post Sales relationship

Desktop/Computer Repair Tech fix and repair computer and computer equipment. Often this involves removing a component from within the computer and replacing it with a good component.  A good understanding of computer hardware, computer disassembly, proper tools, and good troubleshooting skills. Install and configure desktop applications

Computer support specialists and technical support provide assistance and advice to computer users having technical issues support specialists can work for a large development house, providing support to customers who’ve purchased their software, or they may provide support internally within a company, helping other employees deal with their computer issues Different Levels of supports operations.

Software/System Architect This is the person responsible for the big picture. He or she creates and delivers blueprints in the diagrams and other documentation tools. These diagrams are the roadmap the rest of the team will follow to actually develop the application/system.

Software/System Designer This team member would be responsible for designing the individual modules or components of a software application/System. The skills of a software architect and a software designer may overlap.

Software or Systems Analyst An analyst plays a supportive role for both the architect and the designer. This team member is responsible for collecting or developing the information needed to determine the project specifications and requirements. The analyst is the liaison between the software team and the business team – someone who’s good at understanding the purpose of the application from a business perspective.  

Software Engineer An engineer is a software developer who actually creates code. However, the engineer is usually a high level programmer and may take on the role of project manager for your team. The person who typically understands the whole development process from requirements and design to development and implementation. An experienced software build engineer will command a much higher salary than a mid-level software developer.   .

Computer Programmer/App Developer Builds the applications. Writes the code that computers read in order to operate properly. Convert design into code that is understood my the computer.

Quality Assurance (QA), System analyst or Tester This job requires that the employee test out all features of a product for any problems or usability issues. A good understanding of computer software, hardware, and the product being tested is needed.

Systems Administrators systems administrators coordinate and oversee all of the IT within a company. Activities like from making sure all the hardware is up to spec to ensuring that all software is up-to-date.

Network Administrator Network administrators keep companies’ internal and security specialists external networks running. From installing and maintaining routers, hubs, and wireless adapters, to installing and configuring networking software, network professionals make sure all of a companies’ employees stay in constant contact with each other.

Database Administrator Database administrators work with database management software to determine ways to efficiently store and utilize data. Identifying the database needs of the business, they maintain the database system, implement new features, and troubleshoot issues as they arise. Often they work with network administrators to ensure system security.

Security ANALYST Test and find vulnerabilities in a system, hardware device, or software program. These information technology (IT) professionals are often employed by IT service providers, banking and financial services, government agencies and healthcare companies  This position is for someone who has a strong familiarity with how software, hardware, and networks work and how to exploit them. Often, you will need to have a good understanding of how the overall system works as well as good programming skills.

Web/MOBILE Developer Web/Mobile developers are responsible for the way websites function. They tend to sites' technical aspects. Web developers maintain websites and tend to tasks such as design, analysis of user data and responding to user feedback.

Technical Writing This position often involves creating or editing technical papers or manuals.   Daily tasks include working with technical staff, product developers and customers to determine the technical documentation needs of end users. Technical writers organize and write supporting documents for products, and choose appropriate photographs, charts, drawings and diagrams to increase understanding.

Project Manager Oversee the scheduling and implementation of project plan. Over see day to day tasks. Serve as go between for management and technical workers.