Careers in Information Technology
An Exploration of Careers in Information Technology
Info 103: Computer Literacy
January 26, 2010
An Exploration of Careers in Information Technology At the beginning of my computer information course I was presented with challenge of writing a research paper. We were given several topics to choose from and I chose the topic of careers in information technology. The focus will be on the computer support specialist, the database administrator, the network and computer systems administrator, the computer, office machine and automated teller technician, the programmer, the software engineer, the cryptographer, the computer trainer, and the desktop publisher. I will explore what each profession is, the duties, the work environment, the education required to be in each profession, the earning potential and the future employment outlook of each field. Computer support specialists may also be called technical support specialists or help-desk technicians. A computer specialist provides technical assistance, support and advice to organizations and individuals. “They resolve common networking problems and may use troubleshooting programs to diagnose problems. Most computer support specialists are hired to work within a company to provide support for other employees and divisions.” (O'Leary & O'Leary, 2008) Much like the computer support specialist a technical support specialist provides support within an organization and oversees the daily performance of their company’s computer systems. The help-desk technician works directly with the customer responding to phone and email correspondence from them to ascertain their dilemma and provide them with assistance in solving their problems. These workers typically work in well-lit office settings or in computer labs. Because many skills are needed for these positions the education requirements vary. “A college degree is required for some computer support specialist positions, but an associate degree or
Info 103: Computer Literacy
January 26, 2010
An Exploration of Careers in Information Technology At the beginning of my computer information course I was presented with challenge of writing a research paper. We were given several topics to choose from and I chose the topic of careers in information technology. The focus will be on the computer support specialist, the database administrator, the network and computer systems administrator, the computer, office machine and automated teller technician, the programmer, the software engineer, the cryptographer, the computer trainer, and the desktop publisher. I will explore what each profession is, the duties, the work environment, the education required to be in each profession, the earning potential and the future employment outlook of each field. Computer support specialists may also be called technical support specialists or help-desk technicians. A computer specialist provides technical assistance, support and advice to organizations and individuals. “They resolve common networking problems and may use troubleshooting programs to diagnose problems. Most computer support specialists are hired to work within a company to provide support for other employees and divisions.” (O'Leary & O'Leary, 2008) Much like the computer support specialist a technical support specialist provides support within an organization and oversees the daily performance of their company’s computer systems. The help-desk technician works directly with the customer responding to phone and email correspondence from them to ascertain their dilemma and provide them with assistance in solving their problems. These workers typically work in well-lit office settings or in computer labs. Because many skills are needed for these positions the education requirements vary. “A college degree is required for some computer support specialist positions, but an associate degree or
References: Labor, U. D. (2010, January). Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-11 Edition. Retrieved January 25, 2010, from Bureau of Labor Statistics: http://www.bls.gov/oco O 'Leary, T. J., & O 'Leary, L. I. (2008). Computer Essentials: Introductory Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin. University, S. (2010, January). Cryptographic Technician Job Description, Career as a Cryptographic Technician, Salary, Employment - Definition and Nature of the Work, Education and Training Requirements, Getting the Job. Retrieved January 26, 2010, from State University: http://careers.stateuniversity.com/pages/7758/Cryptographic-Technician.html