|
|
 |
| |
Computer Careers: Building a Successful Computer Career
|
| |
Establishing a successful computer career requires more than taking a short course in computer programming or knowing how to put together a simple Web site. At the same time, you have to start somewhere. Demonstrating ability to learn, troubleshoot and move with the industry are key values employers pay for. Professionals intent on building a rewarding computer career must start with some skills, the right attitudes and people abilities, and have the right outlook toward obtaining relevant experience in order to ensure upward mobility in the IT labor market. Intent coupled with knowledge of your skills and where you want to fit in, will be the right stuff to make contact with employers. Learn how employers are seeking entry-level IT staff, non-technical "technical" support staff; and IT professionals with the right skill sets.
Interested in building a successful a computer career? You could not have chosen a better time to start. IT employment trendsindicate that approximately 1.4 million computer jobs, including computer programming jobs, will be created between now and 2012 in the U.S. alone. Aside from the obvious benefits-excellent compensation, exciting work environment, and plenty of room for advancement-computer careers offer multiple occupational specialties that appeal to a wide range of interests. Wizards in algorithmic analysis and hard coding would feel at home in computer programming jobs, while techies with an artistic bent may find the perfect fit in computer graphics jobs or computer animation jobs. Information technology has become so integral to American business and government life that it has created new occupations to provide auxiliary support to the IT infrastructure and endeavor. Ultimately, professionals who pursue computer careers thrive in a dynamic professional environment fueled by the unlimited possibilities of technology. |
| |
Educational Requirements, Skill Sets, and Other Qualifications for Computer Careers
|
| |
Although it is widely acknowledged that there is no single path to establishing a successful computer career, there exist common essentials for building a solid professional foundation. Technical postsecondary education is the recommended starting point for most computer careers. A four-year degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or Management Information Systems creates an advantage for anyone seeking a highly technical computer career, although a two-year Information Technology degree from a community college might do just as well, as long as getting a foot in the recruitment office's door is concerned. IT certificate programs offered by higher educational institutions are very useful for those who want to enhance their knowledge and skills in a specialized IT discipline or a specific technical area. Vendor-related certification, such as the Sun Certified Java Programmer Certification or Microsoft's MCSE certification, carry significant weight in the information technology employment market. Postgraduate degree programs prepare professionals for higher-level computer jobs, such as IT business management, or highly specialized IT applications, such as biomedical informatics or robotics.
Business and soft skills have become indispensable to computer careers because computer jobs have evolved to include a tremendous amount of collaboration, personal interaction, problem solving, and decision-making. Soft skills, such as oral and written communication, team working, critical/analytical thinking, problem solving, and adaptability, are particularly important in computer careers, as are business skills, such as project management, customer relations, needs analysis, and cost-benefit analysis.
Work experience is the lynchpin of a rewarding computer career. Hands-on, on-the-job training gives IT professionals' exposure to real world problems and situations and enables them to translate theory to practical applications. Workers who are just starting on a computer career can gain experience through internships in an IT company or by volunteering their services to a nonprofit. |
| |
|
| |
Computer careers are comprised of several specializations and job designations that involve specific responsibilities, which may sometimes overlap because of the collaborative nature of computer jobs. The core duties of the some of the most popular computer career options are described below:
Computer programmers write, test, debug, maintain, and update program codes or commands. Computer programming jobs may be further divided into two groups: applications programmers and systems programmers. Applications programmers create and maintain programs for business, engineering, or science applications, while systems programmers maintain and update computer systems software, which include operating systems, networked systems, and database systems.
Database administrators are responsible for maintaining the accuracy, integrity, and efficiency of databases using database management software. Professionals in this computer career design, develop, implement, and update databases for specific client needs. Database administrators may also design database systems and implement database security solutions.
Network administrators install, configure, troubleshoot, and support computer networks or network segments. People in this computer career are responsible for the security and administration of local area networks, wide area networks, intranets, portals, and Internet systems. Network administrators maintain both hardware and software and monitor networked systems to ensure their efficiency and security.
Systems analysts are plan, devise, and implement ways to enable an organization to maximize its information technology resources. This computer career may include designing and developing new computer systems or modifying IT-related business processes to reap the maximum benefit from equipment and personnel. Also referred to as systems developers or systems architects, systems analysts may prepare feasibility study and cost-benefit analysis of hardware and software systems to assess their cost effectiveness and efficiency.
Computer graphics designers create visuals, text, graphics, animation, videos, digital videos and images, and graphical user interfaces for a variety of applications. This computer career offers numerous professional opportunities. Computer graphic designers may work in multimedia design, computer animation, Web design, interactive media, advertising, and entertainment. Computer graphic designers work with applications such as Adobe Photoshop, CorelDraw, Macromedia Dreamwaver, Flash, ColdFusion, Cakewalk Pro, 3D Studio Max, Maya, GoLive, and AutoCAD. |
| |
|
| |
Information technology has become so integral to American business and government life that it has created new occupations to provide auxiliary support to the IT infrastructure and endeavor.
IT Procurement Jobs have grown up to manage the creation of RFPs (Requests for Proposals), Bid Analysis, Purchase and Maintenance Contracts, Personnel Contracting and the management of contracts. These jobs require special knowledge of the IT industry and the procurement field. People may enter an IT procurement job from another department and learn-as-you-go. Or they may be hired as a computer programmer or systems engineer to facilitate the procurement function for the hardware and software requirements. Computer Project managers often manage IT procurement contracts for staff and services. There is usually continuous communication between staff holding IT procurement jobs and technical staff delineating hardware and software contracts and outlining staffing needs.
IT Training Jobs exist both within an organization and with the numerous information technology training suppliers. Companies and government agencies contract for information technology training on new software and hardware. They may also contract for on-site or off-site information technology training for their employees. People may enter an information technology training job with a liberal arts or other degree or with hands-on business or training experience. IT trainers who work for a software or hardware vendor will be expected to know their product. IT trainers who train on software use will expand their tech jobs horizons by knowing may software products used in the workplace. Information technology training will be an integral part of any organization's employee development program. Both specialized information technology training and generic information technology training will ensure a modern organization where employees are conversant with software and the ability to handle information.
IT Project Management jobs, utilizing project management software such as Microsoft Project, Crystal Reports, Network Associates Magic, and Visio, are required in many departments. They are especially integral to the IT and Telecommunications departments of an organization. Project managers and systems analysts using project management software create project plans outlining system development life cycles and timelines. They gather statistics of call centers, tech support centers and organization groups to analyze IT operations. They use drawing and visualization software to map IT center server configurations. IT project management jobs usually do not require a degree in computer science. They require project management software skills, an ability to understand the parts of an organization and IT operation, and good communication skills.
IT Security jobs may fall under the web development group of an organization, under the telecommunications department, or in tech support. Information technology security jobs may reside in a separate security department responsible for facility and data security. IT service providers and outsourcers often hire IT staff to do security planning for their clients. Outsourcers may perform the access control function for their clients. Access control managers and access control specialists carry out access control functions for computer users, workgroups, and applications. Security specialist jobs exist for network engineers to establish secure network connections, decide on proxy servers to control content, and to determine firewall requirements. Systems analysts jobs are required to determine security requirements for safe electronic file transmissions, electronic file payment systems, HIPPA data release requirements and e-commerce systems.
While some tech jobs are clearly "technical" in nature, requiring math experience, there are so many non-technical tech jobs that no one should consider themselves out of the running for info tech employment. Skills are transferable from one industry to another and from one business process to another. Information technology employment will grow extensively over the next decade. IT service providers, staffing firms and outsourcers are hiring to fill new occupations created by this growth. |
| |
|
|
Telecommunications jobs in Sales require an ability to grasp the nature of the product and the industry, to understand the fundamentals of telecommunications, and to work with the client to know where the product and service will fit into their strategy. Employers are looking for someone who can actually sell the software and systems. Dual experience in technology and sales will land a job in telecommunications software and service.
Telecommunications Customer Service personnel help customers understand the new and varied types of services offered by telecommunications providers. Some customer service representatives also are expected to sell services and may work on a commission basis.
Most corporations and government agencies have telecommunications departments. These departments offer telecommunications employment. Billions of dollars are spent every year by companies on their telecommunications systems, and especially on telecommunications services. The telecommunications jobs track installs, repairs and moves for the organization. Telecommunications analysts perform work to maintain an organization's voice data infrastructure. They monitor security, fraud usage, network privacy, and costs. These jobs require solid experience in the principles of business analysis, purchasing and accounting. Telecommunications administrative support workers include financial, information, and records clerks; secretaries and administrative assistants; and first-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers. These workers keep service records, compile and send bills to customers, and prepare statistical and other company reports, among other duties. IT Outsourcers provide telecommunications services for their clients and hire for telecommunications jobs for their departments as well.
For telecommunications firms, and for companies with large telecommunications systems and networks, telecommunications jobs exist for Line Installers and Tech Support Staff to install, repair, and maintain telephone equipment, cables and access lines, and telecommunications systems. This work includes setting up, rearranging, and removing the complex switching and dialing equipment used in central offices. When customers move or request new types of service, such as a high-speed Internet connection, a fax, or an additional line, installers relocate telephones or make changes in existing equipment. They assemble equipment and install wiring. Many of these are scientific and technical personnel such as engineers and computer specialists. They may also solve network-related problems and program equipment to provide special features. To obtain and hold one of these telecommunications jobs, on-the-job experience, or training from a technical school, 2 or 4-year college programs in electronics or communications, trade schools, or training provided by telecommunications companies and/or equipment and software manufacturers is usually required. Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers may advance to jobs maintaining more sophisticated equipment or to network engineering technician positions. Tech support staff in telecommunications jobs develop, install, and diagnose telecommunications equipment, as well as provide maintenance and other services to clients after the equipment is installed. Additionally, tech support professionals in telecommunications jobs may program, analyze, and resolve problems related to telecommunications software. Professionals in higher-level telecommunications jobs may supervise a team of telecommunications network engineers, software designers, network systems designers, test engineers, field engineers, and electrical/electronic technicians.
Telecommunications analyst's jobsfocus on systems development, maintenance, and technical support for various telecommunication hardware and software systems, particularly mainframe, microcomputer, and minicomputer hardware and software and a variety of operating systems. Workers in telecommunications analyst's jobs are expected to document installation of telecommunication systems and propose system design changes when necessary. Telecommunications analyst's jobs involve the coordination of telecommunication system evaluation, equipment and service purchasing, and systems deployment. Additionally, professionals in telecommunications analyst's jobs may advise managers and service users on equipment acquisitions and system deployments. Information systems analysts and telecommunications analyst's jobs, share many similar responsibilities with computer tech jobs. These telecommunications jobs often require training and experience on-the-job, or to begin, a liberal arts degree or a Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, or related discipline.
Telecommunications network services require network engineers and network test engineers. E ngineers plan cable and microwave routes, central office and PBX equipment installations, and the expansion of existing structures, and solve other engineering problems. Some engineers also engage in research and development of new equipment. Many specialize in telecommunications design or voice, video, or data communications systems, and integrate communications equipment with computer networks. They work closely with clients, who may not understand sophisticated communications systems, and design systems that meet their customers' needs. Computer software engineers and network systems and data communications analysts design, develop, test, and debug software products. These include computer-assisted engineering programs for schematic cabling projects; modeling programs for cellular and satellite systems; and programs for telephone options, such as voice mail, e-mail, and call waiting.
Telecommunications specialists coordinate the installation of these systems and may provide follow up maintenance and training. These network engineers, systems designers and other holders of telecommunications jobs often enter the field with software programmer experience or with a technical degree, in electrical/electronics and communications engineering. These telecommunications jobs require the ability to learn, the ability to troubleshoot, and the ability to move with developments in the industry. Knowledge of the principles of both digital and analog communications technologies and exposure to various telecommunications architectures and protocols are necessary for technical telecommunications jobs. Telecommunications analyst's jobs require a combination of hardware and software skills, including knowledge of mainframe, minicomputer, and microcomputer hardware and software, local and wide area networks, and a variety of operating systems.
Telecommunications employment exists for telecommunications marketing managers and telecommunications lawyers. They advise and support on the telecommunications industry and developments in marketing and law. These people often start with liberal arts degrees or an undergraduate degree in business, marketing, or management. There are opportunities for developing expertise in the burgeoning fields of telecommunications marketing and telecommunications law and bringing that expertise to clients companies. |
| |
|
| |
Once you've acquired the necessary skills for a computer career, you will need to establish the right contacts to land that lucrative information technology job. Set your computer career in motion by contacting IT service providers with contracts to supply computer related services to Federal and State agencies and private corporations.
For the person starting their career or the seasoned professional enhancing their skills and looking for higher paid work and greater responsibility, the challenges and opportunities are robust. You need to find the companies that can use you, your talents, your experience, and your potential in the right way. The companies are here hiring at all levels. Info Tech Employment has put together a catalog of leading IT Companies with Contracts, over 6000 companies with contracts in all 50 U.S. States, organized by State and Region, with contracts to provide services and staff to their clients. The IT Staffing Firms represent another 1200 companies that specialize in information technology placement. When you Sign Up for IT Companies with Contracts for your U.S. State, you receive the IT Staffing Firms resource Free. The IT Outsourcers resource identifies 1400 U.S. based outsourcers in the business of supplying IT services and staff for their clients. We invite you to take advantage of this research. Embrace how big the opportunity really is. |
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
