Chapter 16 Computer Careers and Certification

Chapter 16 Objectives Describe career opportunities in the computer industry List the benefits of certification Discuss how to prepare for a career in the computer industry Explain considerations for choosing a certification Define the term certification Describe methods of preparation for certification Describe types of IT certification Discuss features of certification examinations and recertification requirements Understand how to keep informed about changes in certification Next p.16.2

Careers in the Computer Industry What is the expected demand for computer professionals? A great demand for computer and information technology (IT) professionals in today’s technology-rich world Incredible opportunities increase daily as reported by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics By the year 2006, American businesses and schools will require more than 5.6 million new systems analysts, computer scientists, engineers, and programmers Nearly 20 percent of the U.S. information technology careers – 800,000 jobs – are are open today Click to view Web Link then click Employment Projections Fewer than three percent of college freshmen are majoring in a computer-related field Next p.16.2

Careers in the Computer Industry What are the four primary areas where job opportunities are found? Companies that manufacture computer-related equipment (hardware) Companies the develop software Companies that hire IT professionals to work with these products Companies and organizations that provide computer-related training and education Next p.16.3

Careers in the Computer Industry Where can you find information on specific computer-related careers? Through typical job-searching methods Career- oriented sites on the World Wide Web Click to view Web Link then click Web Resources Next p.16.3 Fig. 16-1

Careers in the Computer Industry What is the computer hardware industry? Consists of manufacturers and distributors of computers and computer-related equipment Some are huge organizations with thousands of employees worldwide Others are start-up companies that appear each year Often offer stock options to induce college graduates to join their firms Click to view Web Link then click Benefits Next p.16.4 Fig. 16-2

Careers in the Computer Industry What are some of the more popular job titles in the computer equipment industry? In larger companies there are several levels to each job title, including management careers Click to view Web Link then click Salaries Next p.16.4 Fig. 16-3

Careers in the Computer Industry What are the Web site addresses for some major computer companies? Next p.16.4 Fig. 16-4

Careers in the Computer Industry What is the computer software industry? Composed of companies that develop, manufacture, and support a wide range of software products Some companies specialize in a particular type of software product Others produce and sell multiple software products operating systems and system software productivity software network software Click to view Web Link then click Computer Software Industry software development tools Internet software and technologies Next p.16.4

Careers in the Computer Industry What are some career opportunities in the software industry? Involve designing and programming all kinds of software products Click to view video Next p.16.6 Fig. 16-5

Careers in the Computer Industry What is an IT professional? Sets up and manages the computer equipment and software in an IT department Includes programmers and systems analysts Job titles are not standardized Click to view video Click to view Web Link then click Career Mobility Next p.16.6 Fig. 16-6

Careers in the Computer Industry What are the categories of jobs in an IT department? system development Analyzes, designs, develops, and implements new information technology and maintains and improves existing systems management Directs the planning, research, development, evaluation, and integration of technology technical services Evaluates and integrates new technologies, administers the organization’s data resources, and supports the centralized computer operating system or servers operations Operates the centralized computer equipment and administers the network including both data and voice communications end-user computing Assists end users in working with existing systems and in using productivity software and query languages to obtain the information necessary to perform their jobs Next p.16.8

Careers in the Computer Industry What are some of the jobs in a typical IT department? Next p.16.9 Fig. 16-7

Technology Trailblazer Marc Andreesen While a computer science student, he worked at the University of Illinois’ National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) Worked with a friend to create NCSA Mosaic, which gave users a user-friendly graphical tool to browse the Web Later founded Netscape Communications with other NCSA colleagues and developed the Netscape browser Click to view Web Link then click Marc Andreesen Next p.16.7

Company on the Cutting Edge divine interVentures Andrew “Flip’ Filipowski is the head of divine interVentures, an Internet holding company Goal is to create an Internet Zaibatsu™ community, a family of businesses working collaboratively to create mutual opportunity and gain Click to view Web Link then click divine interVentures Next p.16.8

Careers in the Computer Industry What are career opportunities in education and training? Schools, colleges, universities, and private companies all need qualified instructors Next p.16.10 Fig. 16-8

Careers in the Computer Industry What are careers in computer sales? Sales representatives must have a general understanding of computers and a specific knowledge of the product they are selling Some work directly for hardware and software manufacturers Others work for resellers, including retailers Next p.16.10 Fig. 16-9

Careers in the Computer Industry What are some careers in service and repair? Challenging for individuals who like to troubleshoot and solve problems Have a strong background in electronics Click to view Web Link then click Computer Equipment Industry Next p.16.10 Fig. 16-10

Careers in the Computer Industry What is a consultant? computer selection An individual who draws upon his or her experiences to give advice to others Must have strong technical skills in their area of expertise Must have the people skills necessary to communicate their suggestions effectively to their clients system design communications Click to view video network design and installation Click to view Web Link then click Information Systems Consulting Web development Next p.16.11

Preparing for a Career in the Computer Industry What are the first steps in preparing for a career in the computer industry? You first must decide on the area in which you are interested Obtain education in that field Fastest Growing IT Positions Click to view Web Link then click U.S. Commerce Reports Next p.16.11 Fig. 16-11

Preparing for a Career in the Computer Industry What Web sites can help you identify prerequisites and opportunities? Next p.16.12 Fig. 16-12

Preparing for a Career in the Computer Industry What are the three broad disciplines in higher education that produce the majority of entry-level employees in the computer industry? Click to view Web Link then click IT Training Next p.16.12 Fig. 16-13

Preparing for a Career in the Computer Industry What is an articulation agreement? Many local community colleges offer the A.A.S. or A.S. degree Ensures that if you transfer to a college or university from a community college you will receive credit for most of the courses you took at the community college level Students often transfer to a four-year college or university to complete their B.S. degree Individuals with advanced degrees in specific fields have a better chance of success Many computer degree graduates round out their education by obtaining a Masters in Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree Next p.16.13

Technology Trailblazer Jerry Yang Came to the U.S.A. from Taiwan when he was 10 years old At Stanford in 1993, he worked with David Filo to create Jerry’s Guide to the World Wide Web, a precursor to Yahoo! Left Stanford's Ph.D. program to work on their growing company Click to view Web Link then click Jerry Yang Next p.16.13

Preparing for a Career in the Computer Industry What is a trade school? An alternative to a college or university Offers programs primarily in the areas of programming and maintenance Students can complete trade school programs in a shorter time than college or university programs Next p.16.13

Preparing for a Career in the Computer Industry How can you plan for career development? professional organizations Because of continuous change in the computer field, experts must constantly keep up to date on industry trends and technologies develop new skills increase recognition among peers within their companies Several ways to keep up to date certification professional growth and continuing education activities Click to view Web Link then click IT Careers publications Next p.16.14

Preparing for a Career in the Computer Industry What are some organizations for computer professionals? Computer professionals with common interests and a desire to extend their proficiency have formed computer-related professional organizations The Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) A professional association of programmers, systems analysts, and information processing managers The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) A scientific and educational organization dedicated to advancing information technology Click to view Web Link then click IT Professionals Next p.16.14

Preparing for a Career in the Computer Industry What are benefits of a professional organization? Chapters throughout the U.S., for both professionals and students Monthly meetings Publications, including magazines, journals, and books Workshops, seminars, and conventions Click to view Web Link then click Professional Organizations Special Interest Groups (SIGs) that bring together members with shared interests, needs, knowledge, and experience Programs to help with continuing education needs Next p.16.14

Preparing for a Career in the Computer Industry What are the URLs for some professional organizations? Next p.16. 14Fig. 16-12

Preparing for a Career in the Computer Industry What is a user group? A collection of people with common computer equipment or software interests Meets regularly to share information Next p.16.14 Fig. 16-14

Preparing for a Career in the Computer Industry What is professional growth and continuing education? A way to stay aware of new products and services in the computer industry books workshops events video-based training training seminars computer-based training (CBT) conferences Web-based training (WBT) conventions Click to view Web Link then click Issues Next trade shows instructor-led training p.16.14

Preparing for a Career in the Computer Industry What is COMDEX? One of the larger technology trade shows in the world More than 2,100 vendors and 200,000 attendees Next p.16.14 Fig. 16-15

Preparing for a Career in the Computer Industry What are computer publications? A way to stay informed about happenings in the computer industry Hundreds of publications are available from which to choose Some cover a wide range of issues Others are oriented toward a particular topic Next p.16.15 Fig. 16-16

Preparing for a Career in the Computer Industry What are some Web news sites? Most of the more popular publications have Web sites Next p.16.15 Fig. 16-12

What is Computer Certification? A way for employers to ensure a level of competency, skills, or quality in a particular area Demonstrates the mastery of a skill set and knowledge base in a specific IT area Usually obtain certification by passing an examination Click to view Web Link then click Certification Next p.16.16 Fig. 16-17

What is Computer Certification? What are some of the benefits of certification? Proof of professional achievement, a level of competence commonly accepted and valued by the industry Opportunity for advancement. Certification can be a plus when an employer awards job advancements and promotions Enhancement of job opportunities. Many employers give preference in hiring to applicants with certification. Next p.16.16

What is Computer Certification? What is a sponsor? An organization that develops and administers each certification hardware and software vendors independent training companies professional organizations Next p.16.16 Fig. 16-17

Types of Computer Certification How are certifications classified? Usually classified based on the computer industry to which they are most closely related software applications operating systems programming hardware networking Internet database systems Next p.16.17 Fig. 16-18

A Guide to Computer Certification What are software applications certifications? Certify the proficiency of productivity software users Next p.16.18 Fig. 16-19

A Guide to Computer Certification Who may be interested in software certification? desktop publishers Helpful to anyone who works in the computer industry draftspeople graphical designers layout editors office managers/workers photographers Next p.16.19

A Guide to Computer Certification What are operating systems certifications? Certifications represent several different knowledge levels Focus on particular skills – the user, the operator, the system administrator, and the system engineer Next p.16.18 Fig. 16-20

A Guide to Computer Certification Who may be interested in operating systems certification? computer consultants Beneficial for occupations such as an operating system administrator or engineer May also benefit from networking, hardware, and Internet certifications hardware technicians help desk operators system administrators Next p.16.189

A Guide to Computer Certification What are programming certifications? Usually supported with training programs that prepare applicants for the certification test Programmers can add to their skill base Tied closely to certifications in networking and Web design, which can broaden employment opportunities Next p.16.19 Fig. 16-21

A Guide to Computer Certification Who may be interested in programming certification? ActiveX, Perl, or Java programmers Programmers may also benefit from certifications in networking an Web design Network administrators Oracle database managers Programming consultants SQL programmers Web page designers Next p.16.20

A Guide to Computer Certification What are hardware certifications? Vary in scope from a narrow focus with an emphasis on the repair of a specific device to an integrated hardware solution that addresses a company's current and future computing needs Implies that you have achieved a standard of competence in assessing a company's hardware needs Next p.16.20 Fig. 16-22

A Guide to Computer Certification Who may be interested in hardware certification? Cable installation technicians Personal computer consultants Hardware specialists may also benefit from networking and operating system software certifications Personal computer field technicians Personal computer help desk specialists Personal computer repair technicians Personal computer trainers System engineers and administrators Technology coordinators Next p.16.20

A Guide to Computer Certification What are certifications in networking? Implies that you have achieved a standard of competence, enabling you to address the complex issues that arise when planning, installing, managing, and troubleshooting a network Next p.16.20 Fig. 16-23

A Guide to Computer Certification Who may be interested in networking certification? Network managers Hardware service technicians System administrators Network consultants Help desk personnel Networking engineers Next p.16.22

A Guide to Computer Certification What are Internet certifications? Require technical expertise in networking hardware and network configuration before enrollment in the training program For people interested in designing, implementing, and maintaining Web sites Next p.16.22 Fig. 16-24

A Guide to Computer Certification Who may be interested in Internet certification? Those working in an Internet-related occupation can benefit from certifications in hardware, networking, operating systems, and programming Internet and intranet managers Internet service provider staff Java, Perl, or ActiveX programmers Network administrators Web page designers Webmasters Next p.16.22

Company on the Cutting Edge RealNetworks Producer of RealPlayer®, the fourth most popular application among U.S. home users One of the 20 most popular Internet destinations Software delivers audio, video, and other multimedia services to personal computers Formats used in 85 percent of Web pages using streaming media Click to view Web Link then click RealNetworks Next p.16.23

A Guide to Computer Certification What are database systems certifications? For professional staff supporting a large database system Next p.16.24 Fig. 16-25

A Guide to Computer Certification Who may be interested in database certification? Database specialists Database application developers Database administrators Database designers Database analysts Next p.16.22

Certification Benefits What is a primary benefit of certification? IT certification can enhance employees’ careers and provide them with a better standing as industry professionals Certification can increase salary Microsoft’s Fifth Annual Salary Survey Next p.16.24 Fig. 16-26

Certification Benefits What are benefits of certification? Next p.16.25 Fig. 16-27

Certification Benefits What are benefits of vendor-sponsored certifications? Often provide special access to technical and product information secure online electronic resources special technical support automatic notification of updates access to beta products and early releases Next p.16.26 Fig. 16-28

Certification Benefits Who are other beneficiaries of certification? Next p.16.26 Fig. 16-29

Choosing a Computer Certification What are factors to consider in choosing a certification? Reflect on your career goals and interests Consider your long term career path Assess your background and experience Research certifications Next p.16.27 Fig. 16-30

Preparing for Computer Certification What options are available to prepare for certification? self-study Most certification programs do not require academic coursework Test results determine certification entirely Most people prefer to follow a study program to prepare for the test online training classes instructor-led training Click to view Web Link then click Loans Web resources Next p.16.28

Preparing for Computer Certification What is self-study? Click to view Web Link then click Self-Study Next p.16.28 Fig. 16-31 and Fig. 16-32

Preparing for Computer Certification What are online training classes? Next p.16.28 Fig. 16-31 and Fig. 16-32

Preparing for Computer Certification What is instructor-led training? Click to view Web Link then click Instructor-Led Training Next p.16.28 Fig. 16-31 and Fig. 16-32

Preparing for Computer Certification What are Web resources? Next p.16.28 Fig. 16-31 and Fig. 16-32

Computer Certification Examinations How can you find a testing center? Authorized testing centers provide most certification exams Certification sponsors often have a link to the testing company's site At the training company’s site, you can locate test centers near you Sylvan Prometrics prometric.com Virtual University Enterprises vue.com e-certifications tekmetrics.com Next p.16.29

Computer Certification Examinations What are examinations like? Examinations are taken using computers Processes the results as you take a test Most are in a multiple-choice format Click to view Web Link then click Examinations Next p.16.29 Fig. 16-33

Computer Certification Examinations What is computerized adaptive testing (CAT)? These tests analyze a person’s responses while taking the test The number and order of the test questions are modified to correspond to each individual’s progress and demonstrated ability If you do not pass a certification exam, you must pay the fee again to retake the test Most people opt to review before trying to take the test again Some training centers offer a guarantee for their program Next p.16.30

Career Development after Computer Certification How can professionals keep pace with the computer industry? They must maintain and continually monitor technological developments Sponsors often provide restricted- access Web resources specifically for certificate holders Next p.16.30 Fig. 16-34

Summary of Computer Careers and Certification Careers in the computer industry Preparing for a career in the computer industry What is computer certification? Types of computer certification A guide to computer certification Certification benefits Choosing a computer certification Preparing for computer certification Computer certification examinations Career development after computer certification

Chapter 16 Complete