Is an IT Career Right for YOU?

Transcription

1 Is an IT Career Right for YOU? Do you enjoy working with computers? Have you created your own webpage? Is mathematics a favorite subject? Are you organized and able to focus on details? Do you learn new computer programs quickly? If you answered yes to two or more of the questions above, you might m be interested in considering a career in information technology. Information Technology (IT) is an area that is growing and always s changing with new developments. You would have the opportunity to work in all types and sizes of businesses from Microsoft to your local hospital. IT professionals work with computer hardware, software, multimedia, and network systems.

2 What types of IT jobs can I plan for? What are you interested in? Hardware Software Problems solving and presenting solutions Writing code Helping people to get the best fit for their computer needs Managing data and information Developing websites Analyzing a system or network

3 Computer Systems Managers/Administrators Computer and information systems managers figure out their company's computer and information needs. They talk to company employees to find out more about their computer needs. Then they determine the workers and equipment that will meet those needs. Once they have determined what the system will be, managers plan activities, such as installing and upgrading hardware and software. They develop computer networks. They set up Internet and intranet sites. They also work with other departments on projects that require technical t support.

4 Computer Support Specialists Computer support specialists may also be called computer technicians, ians, PC/LAN technicians, computer information or service consultants, help desk specialists or coordinators, or computer maintenance technicians. Computer support specialists help coworkers or people who bought their companies' products. They start by having computer users describe what is wrong. By asking a questions, they try to learn enough about the problem so that they can create a short list of items that might be causing the problem. Then they either make the repairs or tell customers what to change.

5 Computer Engineers Computer engineers are behind all these computers. They are part of a team of workers who develop computer equipment (hardware) and programs (software). Computer engineers are the team t members who solve theoretical problems. They help solve technical problems and pass that information on to team members who do the programming or create the equipment. However, engineers sometimes are involved in the hands-on part of the job.

6 Computer Programmers Computer programmers write detailed instructions that tell computers how to perform tasks. Programmers determine the steps that must be followed and the processes that must be completed in each step. Sophisticated new languages and tools have made much of the programming ramming work done today very complex. Job titles shift rapidly to reflect t new areas of specialization or changes in technology. In general, computer programmers are those whose main job is to write programs. They have a wide range of duties.

7 Computer Security Specialists Computer security specialists work with companies to build secure e computer systems. They question managers and staff about their current security methods. They find out what information the company wants to protect. Specialists also learn what information employees should be able to access. Computer security specialists use their findings to plan the security system. They regularly train staff on how to use security software and properly p use computers to prevent any problems. Specialists install software that protects the information.

8 System Analysts Systems analysts help organizations redesign their computer systems. Sometimes they add only a few software programs to make better use u of computers. At other times, they design entirely new software systems. Analysts often specialize in business, science, or engineering systems. s Analysts often try to predict how organizations will use technology ogy and determine what software and hardware will be necessary to successfully sfully complete work tasks within an organization.

9 Database Administrators Database administrators use database management systems software.. This software allows them to organize, store, and retrieve data. Administrators sometimes develop new databases for clients. Database administrators must be familiar with many types of computers and operating systems. These include mainframes, Windows, and UNIX systems. s They may work with databases such as Oracle, Ingres,, and Access. Because database technology changes quickly, administrators must keep their skills and knowledge up-to to-date.

10 Web Administrators Web specialists design, operate, and maintain websites on the Internet and private networks called intranets. Site managers oversee all aspects of a website. They make sure that the site is well laid out, easy to use, kept up-to to-date, and functions correctly and quickly when accessed by visitors. They may set-up and maintain both hardware and software used by the site.

11 Graphic Designers Graphic designers create brochures and ads to promote products or services using computer design software. They produce logos for products or businesses. They create visual l designs for company reports and other print materials. Some graphic designers work on design and layout for magazines or other publications. Graphic designers also work in website design. They choose the colors c and images and design the layout to make the website more appealing.

12 Salary and Level of Education Associate Degree Computer Support Specialist $47,322 State Median Wage Bachelor s s Degree Computer Engineers $82,510 Computer Programmers $87,043 Computer Security Specialists $68,405 Computer Systems Analysts $74,873 Computer Systems Administrators $68,405 Computer Network/Data Communications $74,319 Database Administrators $75,408 Web Specialists $71,000 By completing a BA degree you have the potential to increase your income by 30-40%

13 What IT programs does SCCC have? Network Design & Administration (4 quarter Certificate or 7 quarter AAS degree) Database Design & Administration (4 quarter Certificate) Computer Programming (4 quarter certificate or 7 quarter AAS degree) Applications Support (3 quarter certificate Or 6 quarter AAS degree) Web Design or Development (4 quarter certificate or 7 quarter AAS S degree) Graphic Design (8 quarter AAS degree) Business Information Technology (4 quarter certificate or AAS degree)

14 What schools offer a BA or MA in Computer Science? SU, WWU and the UW offer a BS or MS in Computer Science or Computer Engineering The UW Foster School of Business has a BS in Information Systems and Operation Management. DigiPen Institute of Technology (Redmond) has a variety of BA degrees in CS with a focus on Game design and d animation. City University has a BS in Information Systems There are many private and public programs in addition to these so do your research and find a program that meets your career goal needs and d is reputable and accredited!

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19 Slides from the University of Washington website.