:: What is Information Technology >>>



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What Is IT?
IT is a broad term that covers all aspects of managing and processing information. IT professionals design, develop, support, and manage computer software, hardware, and networks, such as the Internet

Why Choose IT?

IT careers can be very rewarding, and right now the demand for qualified IT professionals exceeds the supply. Microsoft estimates that over the next 12 months its business partners and customers will require 647,000 new IT professionals to support and develop business solutions for Microsoft products and technologies. The reflection of this number shows that there is a huge demand for IT professionals and it however means real opportunities exist for people with the skills and desire to succeed in this dynamic industry.
Skills Assessment
Whether you're already in a career or still in school, there are many resources available to help you learn more about IT careers. A good way to start is to identify IT jobs that interest you, find out about the skills you will need for that job, assess your current skills to identify what you must learn, and then access the training options that will help you build the skills you need.
Here are some of the many different careers within the IT field that are available to candidates. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
Below is an explanation of some of these IT areas:
Software Engineer
Software engineers or software developers working in applications development analyze users’ needs and design, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. These professionals also possess strong programming skills, but they are more concerned with analyzing and solving programming problems than with writing code for programs. Some software engineers develop both packaged and systems software or create customized software applications for clients (from the Occupational Outlook Handbook ).
Software engineers can be involved in the design and development of software systems for control and automation of manufacturing, business, and management processes. They may research, design, and test operating system software, compilers—software that converts programs for faster processing—and network distribution software.
Network Administrator
Network administrators are responsible for the security and administration of the networks that are now prevalent in many companies. They also design and implement systems that keep networks functioning in the event of a power failure or other emergency.
Duties of network administrators may include:
- - Planning for and then installing the hardware and software that comprise the network.
- - Adding and deleting files to the network server.
- - Maintaining the printers and other peripherals connected to the network.
- - Training staff to use the hardware and software that are part of the network.
- - Troubleshooting problems and questions encountered by staff members.
Web Designer
A web designer is the general contractor/team leader for the creation and management of websites. They are responsible for creating and maintaining Internet sites for organizations, corporations and individuals.
Many people confuse webmasters with web designers. Webmasters are responsible for all technical aspects of a website, including performance issues such as speed of access, and for approving site content. Internet developers, web developers, or web designers are responsible for day-to-day site design and creation.
A thorough knowledge of computer programming and management information systems is essential. Web designers should also have writing, design and copy editing skills. They should be comfortable working closely with clients and developing web sites that meet with client's requirements.
Database Administrator
Database administrators design, install, update, modify, maintain, and repair computer databases. Unless they work for a very small company, they are usually part of a project group or team. Members of the project team may specialize in different aspects of working with data. Database administrators code, test and install new databases. They also modify existing databases by developing new programming code. Database design analysts design new databases and coordinate their development. Frequently, they work with clients on custom projects.
Duties may include:
- - providing technical support for existing databases
- - modifying existing databases as circumstances change
- - customizing commercial databases for specific needs
- - planning and designing databases for new clients
- - solving problems to meet the needs of clients
- - programming databases for a wide variety of applications
- - overseeing the installation of new databases
- - training staff in client companies about the use of new or existing databases.
In fact, even if you don't pursue a career in IT specifically, you will still need IT skills. Whether you become a teacher, an administrator, a doctor, a writer, a meter reader…whatever, IT skills are needed in the 21st century.
In the IT arena itself many are initially attracted by their love of technology from youth often fostered by science fiction films, books or magazines.
Whether you're just starting high school, or you're reaching for your diploma, NOW is the best time to find out what is out there and what it takes to succeed.