Future of a Computer Literate

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

Traditional Information Technology (IT) Career Paths

A Bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for the best jobs.

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

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 positionEmphasizes overall system reliability

Middle-management positionEmphasizes 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

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 SupportTechnician

Provides assistance to customers who need help with products

Traditional Information Technology (IT)

Career PathsU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Fastest growing industries in US economy:• Software publishing• Computer system design• Related computer services

Traditional Information Technology (IT)

Career PathsOffshoring

Transfer of jobs from workers in one country to workers in other countries

Outsourcing Transfer of labor from the firm to outside entities

Education for Traditional IT Careers

Computer Science (CS) Computer Information Systems (CIS) Systems and Software Engineering Electrical Engineering

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).

Computer Science (CS)

Training also involvesProgramming languages Programming language structure Advanced computer graphics Artificial intelligence Relational database design

Graduates find jobs in software development firms and information systems departments.

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.

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.

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.

Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering focuses on digital circuit design and communication technologies.

Jobs are in hardware development.

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

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

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)

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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

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.