What fields are there in information technology

An understanding of how information systems are analyzed, architected, designed, built, deployed and maintained to achieve organizational objectives. Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills The ability to present your thoughts clearly and intelligently in written statements and written opinion pieces.

The ability to organize, understand and analyze sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks. The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands.

The ability to explain complex ideas clearly to others and to apply complex theoretical concepts to everyday practice and professional dilemmas. The skills to collect various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields and efficiently convey your message and the goal of your work. Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task.

The ability to debate, persuade, mediate and present your thoughts and opinions to others, as well as the capacity to recognize and incorporate other potential solutions or applications to given problems.

These professionals store and organize data and protect data from unauthorized access using specialized software. Database administrators must identify user needs to create and maintain efficient databases. As needs change, they must also update permissions, merge databases, and backup and restore data. Some database administrators choose a specialization, such as system database administrators or application database administrators.

System DBAs handle physical database requirements like upgrading programs and repairing program bugs with the appropriate patches. Application DBAs, on the other hand, work with specific applications within a particular database, such as customer service software. Minimum bachelor's degree in management information systems or a related field; master's degree in computer science, information systems, or information technology for advancement. As the creative minds behind new computer programs, software developers create applications and underlying computer systems.

These professionals begin by determining users' needs through careful analysis and then recommend or develop software upgrades. They must document each aspect of the application for future maintenance. Collaboration with other computer specialists, such as programmers during the development process is also an important aspect of the job. There are two types of software developers:. Applications software developers design consumer applications or create organizational databases.

Systems software developers create operating systems and build interfaces so that users can interact easily with the computer. Minimum bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field; master's degree in computer science for advancement.

By writing code, computer programmers implement the program designs created by software developers. They must test programs on a regular basis, debugging them to produce the necessary results. If a program doesn't work properly, it is the programmer's job to identify and correct mistakes in the code. Computer programmers and software developers work closely together to plan software, create models and flowcharts, write code, and design simple and complex applications.

Minimum associate degree or bachelor's degree in computer science or related field; continuing education and professional development to keep up with changing technology. With the increased threat of cyberattacks , information security analysts are an essential part of any organization, as they plan and carry out security measures to keep computer networks and systems safe.

Information security analysts must continually monitor networks for breaches in security and follow up with investigations. They need to be comfortable installing and using software designed to protect information, such as firewalls and data encryption programs. Other responsibilities include preparing reports, conducting penetration testing, researching the latest IT standards and creating disaster recovery plans.

These professionals often report directly to upper management. Minimum bachelor's degree in computer science, computer programming or a related field; MBA in information systems for advanced positions. Learning how to be an IT professional can prepare you for a steady, comfortable salary. Salaries vary depending on the position and region. Below is national median salary for several common IT careers in In order to be successful in the field of information technology, it's necessary to have both hard and soft skills.

The following are a sample of abilities typically required by IT employers. The ability to analyze users' needs is essential in designing software and evaluating network and system performance. IT professionals need to be able to interpret complex information from various sources and determine how potential changes will affect each project. Because IT professionals often work as part of a team, strong interpersonal and communication skills are necessary.

Whether it's giving clear instructions to the rest of the project team or describing problems and solutions to people outside of the IT department in language they can understand, IT professionals need to be able to communicate effectively.

Without a comprehensive understanding of computer capabilities and languages, it is impossible to design software, update equipment, oversee connections and ensure the entire system is working properly. IT professionals need to learn the ins and out of computers, including gaining hands-on experience, to be effective in the workplace. For software designers and developers, the ability to think creatively is necessary to design and develop effective and innovative software.

These workers need to be able to "think outside the box" more than most IT professionals, though this skill does apply to the field as a whole. Working in an IT environment requires the ability to solve many problems at the same time because the employee is often the "go-to" person for any technology issue.

In addition to knowing how to multitask well, IT professionals should be able to solve problems as they arise throughout the design process. Earning a credential or certification gives IT professionals increased credibility and marketability, and can also be an opportunity for personal development. Because IT is a constantly evolving field, there are numerous credentialing programs. Three of the biggest certification programs are managed by Microsoft basic certifications , Cisco challenging certifications , and CompTIA vendor-neutral.

Other options designed for IT professionals who want to improve their job skills include:. Sponsored by Amazon, the AWS designation recognizes IT professionals with the technical skills and expertise to design, deploy, and operate applications and infrastructure on AWS. Amazon offers exams in multiple languages at testing centers in the U. Certifications include:. Since , this certification has been intended for IT professionals who work in the field managing complex information security controls.

It requires candidates to pass an exam and have three years of work experience in three of the applicable domains: risk identification, assessment and evaluation; risk response; risk monitoring; information systems control design and implementation; and information systems control monitoring and maintenance. These designations are sponsored by the vendor-neutral Storage Networking Industry Association, which claims certification can result in a 5 to 11 percent pay bump. The certifications provide a strong foundation of credentials to reflect the advancement and growth of storage networking technologies.

IT professionals must be familiar with a range of tools and technologies and these can vary greatly depending on the specific job title. Below is a look at some of the basic technologies that most IT professionals use on a regular basis:. With commerce needing skilled professionals to manage the vast networks of industry information, it's not surprising that IT professions can expect considerable job growth.

For instance, U. It also reports computer and information systems managers will experience an 18 percent increase in employment — for a total of , new jobs. There are a bevy of similar career paths for people interested in technology, most with considerable salary potential.

Take a look at salaries for a few closely related careers:. Individuals interested in IT may decide to explore broader, yet similar career paths. Below is a look at ten example career paths for IT degree program graduates to consider. Learn everything you need to know about attending plumbing school, and find a program near you on our list of the best programs. Technical support typically handles both hardware and software issues at the user level, helping out the less tech-savvy with their computer problems—making communication skills , problem solving, and well-rounded tech knowledge an asset.

Computer programmers are the brains behind software functions—they write and test the code that makes up software programs. This might range from simple computer games or word processors all the way up to complicated operating systems and database management systems.

Web developers often have the most visible jobs. Computer systems analysts are the multitaskers of information technology; they have to understand computer hardware, software, and networks—and how they all come to work together. This job requires a multitude of different skills, including the ability to analyze information quickly and effectively, excellent communication, and the ability to persuade when necessary.