An Exploration of Careers in Information Technology

At the beginning of my computer information course I was presented with challenge of writing a research paper. We were given several topics to choose from and I chose the topic of careers in information technology. The focus will be on the computer support specialist, the database administrator, the network and computer systems administrator, the computer, office machine and automated teller technician, the programmer, the software engineer, the cryptographer, the computer trainer, and the desktop publisher.

I will explore what each profession is, the duties, the work environment, the education required to be in each profession, the earning potential and the future employment outlook of each field. Computer support specialists may also be called technical support specialists or help-desk technicians. A computer specialist provides technical assistance, support and advice to organizations and individuals. “They resolve common networking problems and may use troubleshooting programs to diagnose problems. Most computer support specialists are hired to work within a company to provide support for other employees and divisions. (O'Leary ; O'Leary, 2008)

Much like the computer support specialist a technical support specialist provides support within an organization and oversees the daily performance of their company’s computer systems. The help-desk technician works directly with the customer responding to phone and email correspondence from them to ascertain their dilemma and provide them with assistance in solving their problems. These workers typically work in well-lit office settings or in computer labs. Because many skills are needed for these positions the education requirements vary.

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A college degree is required for some computer support specialist positions, but an associate degree or certification may be sufficient for others. Strong problem-solving and communication skills are essential. ” (Labor, 2010) A computer support specialist can expect to earn an annual salary of $26,000 up to $76,000. “Median annual wages of wage-and-salary computer support specialists were $43,450 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $33,680 and $55,990. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $26,580, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $70,750. (Labor, 2010)

The future employment outlook for workers in this position is good and expected to rapidly increase. A slight slowing may occur due to outsourcing however the job prospects remain positive. Those possessing bachelor’s degrees and relevant experience will have an advantage with employers. The database administrator is one who works with database management software to determine ways to store, organize, analyze, use, and present data. “They identify user needs and set up new computer databases. In many cases, database administrators must integrate data from old systems into a new system.

They also test and coordinate modifications to the system when needed, and troubleshoot problems when they occur. An organization’s database administrator ensures the performance of the system. ” (Labor, 2010) Their duties also include adding users and they may have to help with security measures. The work environment for these workers is ideally a comfortable well-lit office setting. With the expansion of computer networks they are often able to telecommute from home. The level of education requirement in this field largely depends on the employer. Workers can enter this field with many different levels of formal education, but relevant computer skills are always needed and certification may improve an applicant’s chances for employment. ” (Labor, 2010)

A worker in this field can expect an annual salary ranging from $39,900 to $91,850. The future employment outlook for the database administrator is good with a projected increase of 20% over the next eight years. Network and computer systems administrators are workers whose duties are to design, install, and support an organization’s computer system. They are responsible for LANs, WANs, network segments, and Internet and intranet systems.

They install and maintain network hardware and software, analyze problems, and monitor networks to ensure their availability to users. These workers gather data to evaluate a system’s performance, identify user needs, and determine system and network requirements. ” (Labor, 2010) The work environment for these workers is ideally a comfortable well-lit office setting. With the expansion of computer networks they are often able to telecommute from home.

The education requirement for these workers is typically a bachelor’s degree but a professional certification may be adequate for some employers. “Experience with network security and maintenance is preferred. Because network administrators are involved directly with people in many departments, good communication skills are essential. ” (O'Leary ; O'Leary, 2008) Network and computer system administrators can expect to earn an annual salary ranging from $41,000 to $104,070. “Median annual wages of network and computer systems administrators were $66,310 in May 2008.

The middle 50 percent earned between $51,690 and $84,110. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $41,000, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $104,070. ” (Labor, 2010) The future employment outlook for the network and computer systems administrator is good and projected to increase by %23 over the next eight years. The computer, office machine and automated teller technicians are workers, who repair, install, fix, and maintain many of the machines that are used by businesses, households, and consumers.

The computer technician is also known as a computer service technician or data processing equipment repairers. Duties include servicing mainframes, personal computers, servers, printers, installations and hands-on- repairs. The office machine technician repairs and maintains company machinery on site or for smaller machinery they may have a repair shop. The automated teller technician installs, repairs, maintains automated teller machines and electronic kiosks. These workers are often in the field.

The work environment for these three technicians is most commonly are clean well-lit surroundings. Because computers and office machines are sensitive to extreme temperatures and humidity, repair shops usually are air-conditioned and well ventilated. Field repairers must travel frequently to various locations to install, maintain, or repair customers' equipment. ATM repairers may have to perform their jobs in small, confined spaces that house the equipment.

Because computers and ATMs are critical for many organizations to function efficiently, data processing equipment repairers and ATM field technicians often work around the clock. [ (Labor, 2010) ] The education required for these positions is certification in computer repair or an associate degree. Employers also require knowledge and experience with electronics. Workers in these fields can expect to earn an annual salary ranging from approximately $23,000 to $43,000. The future employment outlook for these positions is projected to decline by 4% over the next eight years. As new innovations emerge with new machinery they require fewer repairs. The duties of a computer programmer is on who writes programs.

The duties include converting the design of computer software design into a logical series of instructions that the computer can follow. Depending on the need, they code these instructions into any number of programming languages. They also update, repair, modify, and expand existing programs. Computer programmers usually work in an office environment or in a laboratory.

Usually a bachelor’s degree is required to work in this field however some employers will accept a two year degree or professional certification. They can expect to earn an annual salary ranging from $40,000 to $111,450. Median annual wages of wage-and-salary computer programmers were $69,620 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $52,640 and $89,720 a year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,080, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $111,450. ”The future employment outlook for the computer programmer is expected to decline slowly by 3% over the next eight years.

This decline is due to outsourcing and advancements in programming languages. A software engineer analyzes users’ needs and creates application software. They apply the theories and principles of computer science and mathematical analysis to create, test, and evaluate the software applications and systems that make computers work. ” Some of the types of software they design are games, applications and operating systems. They typically work in office environments or telecommute from home. Most employers require a bachelor’s degree and extensive knowledge of computers and technology. “Those with specific experience with networking, the Internet, and Web applications may have an advantage over other applicants.

Employers typically look for good communication and analytical skills. ” [ (O'Leary & O'Leary, 2008) ] Software engineers can expect to earn an annual salary of approximately $53,000 to $128,000. “In May 2008, median annual wages of wage-and-salary computer software engineers were $85,430. The middle 50 percent earned between $67,790 and $104,870. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $53,720, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $128,870. ”The future employment outlook for workers in this position is good. It is projected to increase by 21% over the next eight years.

Cryptography is the study and practice of encryption and decryption. Encryption is the conversion of data into a form, called a cipher text that cannot be easily understood by unauthorized people. Decryption is the process of converting encrypted data back into its original form, so it can be understood. “Cryptographic technicians are responsible for operating cryptographic equipment that is used to code, decode, and transmit secret information. Such equipment is used in law enforcement agencies, armed forces, and business organizations. (University, 2010)

The work environment for the cryptographer is a stressful one. They typically work at large corporations, as professors or for the government. Usually the education required in order to become a cryptographer is a PhD. “All cryptographers must have broad experience in both mathematics and computer science or information systems. ” (O'Leary & O'Leary, 2008) They can expect to earn an annual salary ranging from $60,000 to $101,000. The future employment outlook for workers in this field is good. Because cryptography is very specialized there is a large demand for workers.

A computer trainer is a type of training specialist that teaches new users how to use the latest software or hardware. “Responsibilities typically include preparation of course materials, grading coursework, and continuing education in the field. ” (O'Leary & O'Leary, 2008) The type of instruction they provide depends on what setting they are in. Some of the different types of settings they work in are corporations, schools, seminars and consultations. Their working environments are typically offices, classrooms, or conference rooms.

The trainer who works in a school is usually required to have a bachelor’s degree and teaching certification. “Corporate trainers and consultants may only need experience using the software being taught. Many software trainers are self-taught and rely on the knowledge they have gained working with various programs. ” (University, 2010) Workers in this field can expect to earn an annual salary ranging from $26,000 to $54,000. The future outlook for employment in this field is expected growth of faster than average over the next four years.

A desktop publisher uses computers to format and create publication-ready material. “Ways in which they create this material are to use computer software to format and combine text, data, photographs, charts, and other graphic art or illustrations into prototypes of pages and other documents that are to be printed. They then may print the document on a high-resolution printer or send the materials to a commercial printer. Examples of materials produced by desktop publishers include books, brochures, calendars, magazines, newsletters, newspapers, and forms. (Labor, 2010)

Some may write and edit, as well as layout and design pages. Their work environment is usually an office setting, well-lit and quiet. Most have a traditional Monday through Friday work schedule though they may have varying shifts where needed. Generally there is no formal education required to be a desktop publisher however employers prefer a degree or certification. They can expect to earn an annual salary ranging from $21,000 to $43,000. “Median annual wages of desktop publishers were $36,600 in May 2008. The middle 50 percent earned between $28,140 and $47,870.

The lowest 10 percent earned less than $21,860, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $59,210 a year. Median annual wages of desktop publishers in May 2008 were $39,870 in printing and related support services and $33,130 in newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers. ” (Labor, 2010) The future employment outlook for the desktop publisher is expected to rapidly decline. Many workers have the added responsibility of publishing along with regular duties thus reducing the need to hire the desktop publication. Having explored all of these positions I found that many of them are similar.

They have overlapping duties in some situations or work very closely together like the software engineer and the programmer. They work in a variety of settings; corporate offices, classrooms and laboratories. Almost all of them require a higher degree or certification. The cryptographer was the only position that required a doctorate while the desktop publisher does not require formal training. The overall average annual salary for these positions was approximately $52,000. The overall future employment outlook was good with most of the positions having projected growth before the next decade.

References

1. Labor, U. D. (2010, January). Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-11 Edition. Retrieved January 25, 2010, from Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/oco
2. O'Leary, T. J., & O'Leary, L. I. (2008). Computer Essentials: Introductory Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin.
3. University, S. (2010, January). Cryptographic Technician Job Description, Career as a Cryptographic Technician, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job. Retrieved January 26, 2010, from State University: http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/7758/Cryptographic-Technician.html

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