Want a Career in IT? Here’s what you need to know

 

POSTED ON Oct 13, 2021

 

Information technology, or IT for short, is the use of computers to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data. IT is typically used within the context of business operations as opposed to personal or entertainment technologies.  An information technology career centers on various responsibilities of a computer system – including all hardware, software and peripheral equipment – operated by a specially trained group of users. If you’re considering a career in information technology, you’ll work in one of the core areas of responsibility of IT.  

• IT governance refers to the various policies and processes that ensure IT systems are effectively implemented and suiting the needs of the company or service. 
• IT operations is the daily work of an IT department. This includes providing tech support, network maintenance, security testing and device management duties. 
• Hardware and infrastructure refers to all the physical components of the computer infrastructure. This pillar of IT centers upon the initial setup and ongoing maintenance of equipment such as  servers, routers, phone systems and individual devices like desktops, tablets, and laptops. 

As a recent or future college graduate, you may be wondering what the specific roles within an IT department are. Here are some of the positions that you’ll seek to fulfill when you start your exciting career in IT: 

• Computer support specialists work with non-IT colleagues. They can be found troubleshooting any technology issues including software problems, computer crashes and trouble with hardware. Computer support specialists may also assist their senior-level IT colleagues (or supervisors) with larger-scale issues. 
• Computer systems analysts work behind the scenes to marry IT with smart business solutions. They usually specialize in a particular industry while working for a technology firm or work directly in an industry, like finance or government. 

• Information security analysts are responsible for the security of their company’s computer networks. They conduct tests and develop company-wide security practices to ensure that all employees are safely using the network and protecting their data. 
• Computer network architects design and build data communication networks like local area networks, wide area networks, and Intranets. Their routine job tasks include creating plans and layouts for networks, articulating designs with colleagues and management staff, and upgrading hardware and software to support current networks. 
• Software developers create new and proprietary applications and systems that operate company devices, control company networks, and allow employees to complete specific tasks. Software developers speak with employees and customers in order to determine how new applications will meet their needs and function, while working closely with programmers and other IT team members. 

When searching for employers, consider that some of these roles will change depending on the size and type of company. In smaller companies, daily work might focus on ordinary, mundane tasks like troubleshooting peripherals like printers, so it is possible that you may be best-suited to be more of a jack-of-all-trades with broad skills and knowledge. With large companies, IT employees typically have a more diverse focus on the many facets of the organization itself. They may work upward into management and organizational planning roles, while other specialists may pursue more niche areas like cybersecurity. With IT roles, there’s something for everyone!  

What type of salaries are available for these specialized careers? Average salary ranges for IT positions span from the low $80,000s to the mid $100,000s. These competitive salaries are in line with the specialized skills and degrees that are required for employment, as a four-year degree and demonstrated skill proficiency is essential to obtaining employment.  

In the next 5-10 years, expect more and more IT positions to focus on the following cutting-edge technologies, and more: 

• Artificial intelligence 

• Machine learning 
• Robotic Process Automation 
• Edge computing 
• Quantum computing 
• Virtual and augmented reality 

• Blockchain 
• 5G 
• The Internet of Things 

Information technology careers are well paying, specialized, and exciting employment options. Whether you like to work on routine tasks or design the systems of tomorrow, there are employment options for you!