1. Information Technology
HRMS Career Day 2016

2. Brief Introduction
My name is Darren Murray and I graduated from Northeastern University in with a bachelors degree in art with a graphic design focus and a minor in communications.
I have been working in the IT field since the late 1990’s.
My career progression: Production department -> IT Associate -> IT Manager -> IT Director.
Two years ago I started my own company where I provide small and medium sized businesses with IT advisory and managed services.
From art major to starting my own IT consulting company… This was my plan since the eight grade.

3. Agenda Define Information Technology (IT)
My Focus Within The IT Cluster
What’s to Like?
In-Demand
Cash Money
Looking Back
Questions
The schedule for the day will be as follows:
9:15                       Presenters report to first floor conference room for brief orientation.
Set-up in classrooms.
9:45-10:15       Career presentation #1 (Plan on students per session)
10:15-10:45     Career presentation #2
10:45-11:15     Career presentation #3
11:15               Luncheon for presenters
Please note that you will have approximately 25 minutes per session, allowing for passing time.  I would suggest minutes of presentation, followed by 5-10 minutes for questions from the students.
Please keep in mind the following when planning your presentation:
The students respond best when they have something to look at, to touch, hold, and/or pass around.  Anything you can bring to show them what tools/tasks are required in your day-to-day functions will be a wonderful addition to your presentation!
Please describe any education, training, etc. required to do your job.
What interested you about this career? What courses in high school most helped to prepare you for this field?
What might a typical day look like?
What is the salary range in your field?
Are there opportunities to use foreign language?
If your company has fliers, brochures, pencils, etc., that you would like to pass out to the students, they would enjoy that, too.

4. Define Information Technology (IT)
GOOGLE - (noun) the study or use of systems (especially computers and telecommunications) for storing, retrieving, and sending information.
Dictionary.com – (noun) the development, implementation, and maintenance of computer hardware and software systems to organize and communicate information electronically.
Network Security
Engineer
Database administrators
Mobile App Developer IT
Applications
architect
Web Designer
Developers
Business analysts
Help desk and
desktop support
Systems engineers

5. My focus within the it cluster
My path evolved from the graphic design industry’s transition from drafting table to computer.
Computers scared me and frankly I didn’t really use one until my junior year in college when it was required to use the computer lab for a graphic design class.
I quickly noticed that those who were proficient at the computer had an advantage so I applied for and got a job in the art and architecture computer lab.
While focusing on a career in design I really liked how the computer opened up so many creative possibilities. I also enjoyed helping my peers while working in the lab… and never having a typical technical background was a benefit in a way.
I graduated, took a production job (designing presentations) and quickly became the go-to person for computer help in the office.
Getting the official title of IT Associate, then being promoted to IT Manager within a year I saw an opportunity at a career I never imagined.

7. What’s to like? What I like about being an IT professional:
What I DON’T like about being an IT professional:
Technology is constantly changing and there is always something new to learn.
People blame you for what Microsoft’s programmers did…
You’re on call pretty much 24x7.
My role provides an opportunity to interact with all levels in an organization. From the CEO to the receptionist.
Occasionally IT is used as a scapegoat.
Telecommute
I get to play with some really cool stuff.

8. In-demand – Handout
Considering the diversity and range of the technology industry, here are some skills employers are seeking in the technology field:
Communication
Team-oriented
Problem Solving
Creative
Collaboration
Certifications
All of these “soft” skills are transferable to virtually any industry. It’s worth noting that if you venture down the IT path and eventually transition to a different industry all of your IT specific skills will likely benefit you.

9. Cash money Yes, most jobs in the IT cluster provide good salaries.
Gender matters!
Robert Half Technology Salary Guide

10. Looking back
If I had the opportunity to talk to my eight grade self I’d tell me that I was too focused on things that really don’t matter.
There’s a quote that says; “Find something you love to do and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.”
What drew me to Northeastern was the Co-op program and what helped lead me down my career path wasn’t the classroom experience but the work experiences.
If I had to do it over again I would have applied myself toward academics sooner and explored career development opportunities such as internships in varying industries.
Key academic areas to focus on for IT professionals are Math and Writing.

11. Questions and contact info
Feel free to reach out with any questions.
Darren Murray
Personal
Slides and other resources are available at
Thank you.

12. Resources https://www.udemy.com/courses/
back/bachelors
/character/nick-burns-17301