Computers Are Your Future © 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 2 Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 Careers and Certification

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 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

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 4 Traditional Information Technology (IT) Career Paths Learn about computers  Stay abreast of job trends  stats.bls.gov Bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for the best jobs

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 5 Traditional Information Technology (IT) Career Paths Information technology (IT) professionals  Work with IT in all its various forms  Needed by both small and large companies  Keep up with fast-changing technology

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 6 Typical Job Titles and Responsibilities in a Corporate IS Department Job Title 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 Middle-management position 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

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 7 Typical Job Titles and Responsibilities in a Software Development Firm Job Title Responsibilities Director of Research and Development Senior-level management position in charge of all product development activities Software ArchitectComputer scientists who are challenged to create new, cutting-edge technologies Software EngineerManages the details of software development projects Systems EngineerGives technical presentations and supports products on-site Software DeveloperDevelops new programs under the direction of the software architect Customer Support Technician Provides assistance to customers who need help with products

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 8 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics  Fastest growing industries in US economy:  Software publishing  Computer system design  Related computer services Traditional Information Technology (IT) Career Paths

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 9 Offshoring  Transfer of jobs from workers in one country to workers in other countries Outsourcing  Transfer of labor from the firm to outside entities Traditional Information Technology (IT) Career Paths

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 10 Computer Science (CS) Computer Information Systems (CIS) Systems and Software Engineering Electrical Engineering Education for Traditional IT Careers

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 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)

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 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

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 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

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 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

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 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, system analysis, and program development

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 16 Electrical Engineering Electrical engineering focuses on digital circuit design and communication technologies Jobs are in hardware development

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 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

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 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 for one to keep up with his/her area of interest

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 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)

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 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 savvy, and technology Corporate downsizing or mergers may affect IT careers IT workers must manage their own careers

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 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

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 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 – Demand for system configuration, maintenance, networking, and programming TCP/IP – Knowledge of Internet protocols

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 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

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 24 New Jobs in Information Technology Job TitleResponsibilities Interactive digital media specialist Creates engaging presentations, including animation and video WebmasterDesigns 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 specialistCreates high-quality content pages for Web sites Network/Internet security specialist Installs and maintains firewalls, antivirus software, and other security software

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 25 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 Certification

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 26 Selected Certification Programs 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+ and CISCO Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 27 Certification Certification benefits:  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

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 28 How To Get The Job Develop a good resume Dress for the job interview 1.Wear conservative clothing 2.Comb your hair 3.Shine your shoes Arrive early (do not bring an attitude with you) Make eye contact (shake hands with a firm grip) Speak authoritatively (don’t use street language) Follow up with a thank you

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 29 Chapter 13 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, projects management communication skills, and business savvy

Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 © 2006 Prentice-Hall, IncSlide 30 Chapter 13 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