1. Career Opportunities in Information Technology There are four main categories of IT jobs, grouped by the main focus of the job: Sales and support Software development Application development Hardware design

2. Preparation for an IT Career What training is needed to succeed in an IT career? Three main types of bachelor’s degree programs are most commonly followed to launch a career in IT. Computer science Computer engineering Computer information systems

3. Careers in Computing Software Development Software Engineering Database Administration Database Programming Internet Engineering Web Development Systems Administration Network Administration Information Technology

4. Job Prospects in Computing 2004-2014, 71% of new jobs in science and engineering will be for computer specialists 59% of new jobs plus net replacements US universities will graduate half this amount

5. Careers in IT Computer Engineer Involves the understanding and design of computers and computational processes Computer Operator Responsible for monitoring and controlling computer systems in a company or organization

6. Careers in IT Systems Administrator Maintains and operates a computer system or network for a company or other organization Computer Programmer Writes codes for computer software Software Designer Designs, creates, and maintains software

7. Careers in IT Systems Analyst Programmer who designs and manages the development of business applications on the computer Multimedia Designer Works in communicating a concept or information via a computer using audio, video, text, graphics, animation, etc.

8. Careers in IT Help Desk Technician Responsible primarily for supporting end-user software applications; normally done remotely via telephone Technical Writer Creates technical documentation and user guides for a professional field Webmaster Maintains and updates a website

9. Typical Job Titles and Responsibilities in a Software Development Firm Help Desk Technician Responsible primarily for supporting end- user software applications; normally done remotely via telephone Technical Writer Creates technical documentation and user guides for a professional field Webmaster Maintains and updates a website 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 ProgrammerResponsibilities 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

10. Typical Job Titles and Responsibilities in a Software Development Firm Help Desk Technician Responsible primarily for supporting end- user software applications; normally done remotely via telephone Technical Writer Creates technical documentation and user guides for a professional field Webmaster Maintains and updates a website 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 Job Title Responsibilities Director of Research and Development Senior-level management position in charge of all product development activities Software Architect Computer scientists who are challenged to create new, cutting-edge technologies Software Engineer Manages the details of software development projects Systems Engineer Gives technical presentations and supports products on-site Software Developer Develops new programs under the direction of the software architect Customer Support Technician Provides assistance to customers who need help with products

11. Activities of IT Workers Troubleshooting and Support Help desk technicians and service workers Programming Writing code for computer software Designing Computers, web pages, software, multimedia

12. Activities of IT Workers Analyzing Modifying computer systems to improve production and workflow; expanding systems Networking Connecting two or more computers together for communication purposes Managing Monitoring and controlling computer systems

13. 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

14. Certification 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

15. New Jobs – Labor Department

16. Job Prospects ( New + Replacement )‏ 59%