This document discusses information technology (IT) career paths and education. It covers traditional roles in corporate IT departments and software firms. It also addresses new IT jobs and the business and technical skills employers seek. While a bachelor's degree is needed, certifications can supplement skills. Continuing education through seminars, publications, and professional groups helps IT workers adapt to changing technologies.

1. Future of a
Computer Literate

2. What You Will Learn . . .
 Traditional information technology (IT) career paths
 Computer science (CS) and computer information science
 (CIS) curricula in colleges and universities
 Settings in which most IT workers find employment
 The business skills IS managers want in new IT workers
 The technical skills currently in high demand
 The positive and negative aspects of certification

3. Traditional Information Technology (IT)
Career Paths
A Bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for the best jobs.

4. Traditional Information Technology (IT)
Career Paths
Information technology (IT) professionals
 Work with IT in all its various forms
 Are needed by both small and large companies
 Keep up with fast-changing technology

5. Typical Job Titles and Responsibilities in a
Corporate IS Department
Job Title
Chief Information
Officer (CIO)
Director of Computer
Operations
Director of Network
Services
Network Engineer
Systems Programmer/
Administrator
Client/Server Manager
Systems Analyst
Programmer/Analyst
Programmer
Responsibilities
Senior-level management
Defines the IS department’s mission, objectives, and budgets
Middle-management position
Emphasizes overall system reliability
Middle-management position
Emphasizes overall network reliability
Installs, maintains, and supports computer networks
Installs, maintains, and supports the operating system
Installs, maintains, and supports client/server applications
Interacts with others to design information systems
Designs, codes, and tests software
Writes code according to specifications

6. Typical Job Titles and Responsibilities in
a Software Development Firm
Job Title Responsibilities
Director of Research and
Development
Senior-level management position in
charge of all product development activities
Software Architect Computer scientists who are challenged
to create new, cutting-edge technologies
Software Engineer Manages the details of software
development projects
Systems Engineer Gives technical presentations and supports
products on-site
Software Developer Develops new programs under the direction
of the software architect
Customer Support
Technician
Provides assistance to customers who
need help with products

7. Traditional Information Technology (IT)
Career Paths
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
 Fastest growing industries in US economy:
• Software publishing
• Computer system design
• Related computer services

8. Traditional Information Technology (IT)
Career Paths
Offshoring
 Transfer of jobs from workers in one country to
workers in other countries
Outsourcing
 Transfer of labor from the firm to outside entities

9. Education for Traditional IT Careers
 Computer Science (CS)
 Computer Information Systems (CIS)
 Systems and Software Engineering
 Electrical Engineering

10. Computer Science (CS)
 Computer science uses the
principles of science and
engineering to improve
computing.
 Theory rather than the
practical applications of
computing is emphasized.
 Training is technical and
involves higher mathematics
(calculus).

11. Computer Science (CS)
Training also involves
Programming languages
 Programming language structure
 Advanced computer graphics
 Artificial intelligence
 Relational database design
Graduates find jobs in software development firms and
information systems departments.

12. Computer Information Systems (CIS)
 Computer information system departments are usually
located within business schools.
 CIS focuses on the practical applications of computing.
 The skills needed by businesses are emphasized.

13. Computer Information Systems (CIS)
Training involves
 Programming
 Systems analysis
 Finance and marketing
 Communications skills
 Interpersonal skills
Graduates find jobs in corporate information systems
departments as well as software development
companies.

14. Systems Engineering
 Systems engineering uses the
scientific method to create and
maintain systems in business and
industry.
 Systems engineering emphasizes
looking at the whole picture.
 Students learn project
management skills.
 Graduates are in high demand in
the areas of software
development, systems analysis,
and program development.

15. Electrical Engineering
 Electrical engineering focuses on digital circuit
design and communication technologies.
 Jobs are in hardware development.

16. Traditional Methods of Continuing
Education
Training Seminars
 Computer-related
 Last from one day to one week
 Presented by hardware or software developers or
companies specializing in training for new technology
Computer Magazines, Newspapers, and Journals
 Indispensable resources for IT professionals
 Either cover the entire world of computer issues or are
aimed at a specific part

17. Traditional Methods of Continuing
Education
Conferences and Shows
 Are a way of keeping in touch with the profession
 Trade shows – Annual meetings in which
manufacturers, designers, and dealers showcase their
products
Professional Organizations
 Provide a way to keep up with a particular area of
interest

18. Professional Organizations
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Association for Women in Computing (AWC)
Association of Internet Professionals (AIP)
 Data Processing Management Association
(DPMA)
Network Professional Association (NPA)

19. New Information Technology
(IT) Career Paths
 New technologies and the nature of businesses
are changing IT careers.
 A four-year college degree is insufficient for
some employers.
 Employees need skills in communication,
business, and technology.
 Corporate downsizing or mergers may affect
IT careers.
 IT workers must manage their own careers.

20. Sought-After Business Skills
 Teamwork – Ability of an
individual to work effectively
in a team environment
 Project management –
Ability to plan and manage a
project
 Communication –Writing
and interpersonal skills as
well as the ability to give
presentations
 Business acumen – Some
knowledge of business

21. Sought-After Technology Skills
 Networking – Skills related to Ethernet, TCP/IP, and
LAN administration
 Microsoft Windows XP – Integration of .NET Passport
with Windows XP
 UNIX – Strong demand for UNIX system configuration,
maintenance, networking, and programming
 TCP/IP – Knowledge of Internet protocols

22. Sought-After Technology Skills
 Oracle – Experience in working with Oracle database and
client/server applications
 C++ – Language of choice for software development
 Microsoft Visual Basic – Rapid application development and
code reusability

23. New Jobs in Information Technology
Job Title Responsibilities
Interactive Digital
Media Specialist
Creates engaging presentations, including
animation and video
Web master Designs and maintains a Web server and related
database servers
Web Application
Engineer
Designs, develops, tests, and documents new
Web-based services for Web sites
Web Specialist Creates high-quality content pages for Web sites
Network/Internet
Security Specialist
Installs and maintains firewalls, antivirus
software, and other security software

24. Certification
Certification is a skills and knowledge assessment
organized by computer industry vendors.
To obtain a certificate you:
• Take courses at a college, training center, or study
on your own
• Take a comprehensive examination
• Certificate is issued when the exam is passed
Certificates need to be renewed periodically.
•Selected certification programs

25. Selected Certification Programs
Certification Programs
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA)
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) + Internet
Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD)
Certified NetWare Engineer (CNE)
Certified Java Programmer
Certified Java Developer
A+
Net+
Cisco Certified Network Associate/Professional (CCNA/CCNP)

26. Certification
Certification benefits
 Enable employers to assess skills from a pool of applicants
 Employer may increase salary offers
Certification risks
 Students focus on a specific vendor’s technology
 Vendor’s technology may become obsolete
 Having one skill isn’t enough
 Hiring people with narrow training may be risky
for employers

27. Summary
 Information technology (IT) careers require a four-year
college degree in computer science (CS) or computer
information systems (CIS).
 Training in computer science emphasizes the theoretical
and cutting-edge aspects of computing.
 Training in computer information systems emphasizes
more practical aspects of computing in business settings.
 IT workers find employment in corporate information
systems (IS).
 IS managers look for IT workers with teamwork, project
management and communication skills, and business
savvy

28. Summary (continued)
 High demand technical skills include networking,
Windows XP, UNIX, C++, and Internet-related
technologies.
 Certification provides a way of demonstrating your skills
to an employer.
 Certification can help ensure that an employee has the
skills necessary to do the job.