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Career Explorations - Information Technology
About This Cluster:
Information technology (IT) involves all aspects of managing and processing
information electronically. Computer software, hardware, the Internet
and networks are the key components of the systems that IT professionals
design, develop, support or manage. Virtually every business in Connecticut
needs people with IT skills. Offices depend upon well-trained administrative
support personnel who know how to use computers, use a variety of computer
applications and navigate the Internet. Businesses also employ IT professionals
who maintain and manage company data.
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Types of Jobs and Where They Are
Information technology (IT) careers involve the design, development,
support and management of hardware — computers and computer-network
structures — and of software,
multimedia resources, and systems-integration services. In addition
to career opportunities in the IT industry itself, IT professionals
are needed in every sector of the economy, from financial services
to manufacturing and from transportation to education.
There is also a video available for this
cluster that includes work site footage and interviews from the following
companies: The Hartford/Hartford Technology Services Company, JDS Uniphase,
NeuVis, Outpost.com, Society for Information Management/Central Connecticut
Chapter, TranSwitch, and the Connecticut State Department of Education.
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An overview of jobs in information technology
- Database developers
and administrators analyze, design, develop and implement databases,
which are computer programs that store great
amounts of information.
- Digital media specialists apply artistic, organizational and analytic
skills to the production of visual and functional designs. They may
create animation, “virtual reality” and other multimedia
presentations and communications.
- Network designers and administrators analyze, design, configure,
implement, test, monitor, manage, administer and maintain computer
networks.
- Programming/software engineers design and develop computer programs
(software). They begin with the basic structure of a program and
often work through the implementation, testing and release of the
product.
- Systems analysts are high-level technology managers who define system
solutions and provide strategic direction to development teams.
They begin with their customers’ requirements and continue through
system implementation.
- Technical support workers troubleshoot technical facilities and
provide customer service. They can perform hardware and software installation,
configuration and upgrades, as well as perform system operations,
monitoring
and maintenance.
- Technical writers are communicators who analyze project requirements,
conduct research, and then develop and write authoritative support
documents that accompany programs, systems or networks.
- Web developers and administrators perform content and technical
analysis, develop and implement web applications/designs, and maintain
applications.
They include Web-site designers and developers, Webmasters, Web
architects, and Web administrators.
- Human resources (HR) professionals help companies recruit and hire
qualified IT workers. They also identify and coordinate appropriate
training for IT employees, and manage employees’ basic HR
files.
- IT executives and managers are responsible for a broad range of
functions, including planning strategies and directing their implementation,
setting
project goals, overseeing departments, guiding the proper use of
resources, maintaining deadlines for project staff, and effectively
communicating
to all involved.
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Educational Background Needed
High school students desiring careers in IT should focus on courses
in math, English, science and other technology-related subjects that
teach the kind of logical and analytical thinking so often used in IT
problem solving. Knowing how to use a computer and being familiar with
basic software programs is necessary in most businesses today. But in
order to pursue an IT career, a student should also gain an understanding
of how computers and computer programs actually work. In addition, many
jobs are available to students with artistic or research skills in the
fast-growing areas of Web-site design and e-commerce.
High school graduates usually can move directly into entry-level and
administrative-support jobs if they have basic computer and IT skills.
But most IT careers require additional training — often, post-secondary
or advanced college degrees. In most cases, employers prefer to hire
people who have pursued additional studies after high school. Managers
and analysts usually are expected to have bachelor’s degrees or
graduate degrees.
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Kinds of People Who Work in This Cluster
Working in technical jobs often appeals to people who:
•
Enjoy figuring out how things work
•
Like solving practical problems
•
Can think about developing new techniques and products
•
Have a special interest in computers and the way they work
Characteristics and Skills Vital for Advancement
Employers and experts refer to the following practical and academic
skills as keys to hiring and advancement in the Information Technology
cluster and all job clusters.
- Strong basic math and literacy skills
- State-of-the-art computer and
technology skills
- Teamwork and communication skills
- Flexibility to deal with constant
change
- Desire to learn new skills outside of one’s area
- Cross-functionalism:
the ability to transfer skills and learn new ones in order to
perform many functions in the workplace
- Multicultural awareness and,
in some cases, fluency in at least one other language
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Education Requirements and Average Salary Levels
Note: All salary ranges listed are current industry averages. Actual
jobs may pay more or less depending on a number of factors.
Level
of attainment: High school diploma, college associate’s
degree, or specialized training:
- Database development and administration $45,000-$65,000
(Data analyst, database analyst, database developer)
- Digital media $35,000-$55,000
(Animation, 2D/3D, virtual reality specialist, multimedia author,
media specialist, media/instructional design)
- Enterprise systems analysis and integration $32,000-$45,000
(Electronic transaction specialist)
- Network design and administration $45,000-$65,000
(Network technician, network operations analyst, data communications
analyst)
- Programming/software engineering $42,000-$60,000
(Software tester, software applications specialist, programmer/analyst,
software question-and-answer specialist)
- Technical support $33,000-$45,000
(Technical support representative, customer service representative,
help-desk technician, PC support specialist, sales support
technician, maintenance technician)
- Technical writing $38,000-$52,000
(Document specialist, electronic publications specialist)
- Web development and administration $44,000-$68,000
(Web page developer, Web site developer, Web administrator)
For Bachelor’s, Masters or Doctorate Degrees/Other Professional
Degrees & Certificates
-
Database development and administration $54,000-$85,000
(Database administrator, data architect, data modeler, knowledge
architect)
-
Digital media $50,000-$65,000
(Producer)
-
Enterprise systems analysis and integration $48,000-$115,000
(Systems analyst, systems integrator, electronic commerce specialist,
data systems manager, data system designer, infrastructure
analyst, business continuity analyst, chief information officer)
-
Network
design and administration $50,000-$100,000
(Network engineer, network architect)
-
Programming/software engineering
$52,000-$82,000
(Software engineer, software development engineer)
-
Technical writing
$42,000-$60,000
(Technical writer, technical publications manager)
-
Web development
and administration $52,000-$75,000
(Webmaster, Web architect, Web designer)
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Additional Resources
Information Technology Career
Explorations Video
Teacher's
Guide for Careers in Information technology (PDF
file)
Student
Activity Sheets for Careers in Information technology (PDF
file)
Industry
Skills Standards for IT from the National Workforce Center for
Emerging Technologies
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