Most households, schools and businesses use computers, phones and other digital devices during the average day. These devices run software programs that were created and designed by an IT professional. All of these items have hardware that needs to be monitored or serviced. Some may run on a network and need an IT specialist to develop and install them.
In short, with today’s age of technology constantly evolving, there are plenty of IT jobs now and in the foreseeable future. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), IT employment growth is expected to grow faster than average and job prospects should be excellent.
Different Types of IT Jobs
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Computer Systems Design and Related Services – Common IT job positions in this industry are Computer Programmers, Software Engineers, Systems Analysts, Network Systems, Data Communication Analysts and Support Specialists. According to the BLS, job opportunities should be excellent for most workers with great opportunities for computer specialists.
The majority of workers in this industry are computer systems analysts, computer software engineers and computer programmers. Their main responsibilities are developing computer software, designing information systems and maintaining network security.
Many IT professionals in this industry commonly work in clean, quiet offices, computer operations centers and even from home. Although injuries seldom happen, musculoskeletal strain, eye problems and carpal tunnel syndrome may occur. In 2008, IT professionals in this industry averaged 38.8 hours per week and about 19 percent work 50 hours or more. Six percent of IT workers work part time.
Training for IT jobs in this industry depends on employer needs. However, many IT professionals in this industry hold a bachelors IT degree in computer science, mathematics, information science or management information systems (MIS). There are some employers hiring applicants with a certification in a specialized area. The IT industry is projected to be 1 of the 10 fastest growing in the nation with the best opportunities in computer specialist positions.
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Computer and Information Systems Managers – Common jobs within this industry are Chief Technology Officers, IT Directors and IT project managers. Job prospects should be excellent as employment is expected to grow faster than the average. A bachelors IT degree is commonly required for management positions. However, many employers prefer graduate IT degree holders. These IT professionals plan, coordinate and direct research. They supervise all technical aspects of an organization including software development, network security and Internet operations.
Many IT professionals in this industry work in clean, quiet offices. However, there are a growing number of managers who work off-site. Employees in these positions can expect long hours, with evening and weekend work to meet deadlines or solving computer issues. In 2008, close to 25 percent of IT workers in this industry worked 50 or more hours a week.
Although injuries are rare, eyestrain, back discomfort and carpal tunnel syndrome can occur. Employment in this industry is expected to grow by 17 percent between now and 2018. The job growth is expected to be the fastest in computer systems design establishments, software publishing firms, data processing and hosting companies consulting services and healthcare organizations.
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Computer Network, Systems, and Database Administrators – Common jobs within this industry are Network Architects, Systems and Database Administrators, Security Specialists, Telecommunication Specialists, Web Developers and Web Administrators. Employment is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations with over 286,000 new jobs projected over the 2008-2018 decade. IT professionals can enter this industry with different levels of training. The main duties are to help individuals and organizations share and store information throughout computer networks, the Internet and computer databases.
Most IT professionals in this industry work in well-lit, comfortable offices or laboratories and work around 40 hours a week. In some cases, some of these IT workers may be “on call” so they can respond to system failures and other problems outside of normal business time. Although injuries are rare, eyestrain, back discomfort and carpal tunnel syndrome can happen.
A bachelors IT degree is often required and the common majors are computer science and information science. IT professionals, looking to work in this industry, can expect excellent job prospects with job projections increasing by 30 percent and adding over 286,000 new jobs between 2008 and 2018. It is best to combine your IT degree with a certification for the best opportunities.
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Software Publishers – Common jobs within this industry are Computer Programmers, Software Engineers and Support Specialists. Job opportunities will be excellent, especially for computer specialists. However, it is a must to keep up with technology changes. Employment is expected to grow by 30 percent from 2008 to 2018 as more firms are continuing to heavily invest in new software. Computer specialists accounted for 52 percent of all IT professionals in this industry.
Sixty-eight percent of IT software publishing professionals are between the ages of 25 and 44. In 2008, IT workers in this industry averaged 37 hours a week with about 43 percent working 40 hours, 25 percent working 50 or more hours and 4 percent working part time. Most work in clean, quiet offices or work remotely. Although injuries are rare, musculoskeletal strain, eyestrain and carpal tunnel syndrome may occur.
The IT jobs in this occupation have varying levels of training and usually depend on the employer’s needs. Many of these workers are bachelors IT degree holders with computer science, math and information systems being the dominant majors. There are some workers who have taken special courses and earned certifications to supplement their course study. Computer Support Specialists commonly are associates IT degree holders but have relevant hands-on experience.
