In 2006, nearly 150 million computers, printers, and other hardware filled landfills across the country. Alarming? Consider those that have been tossed into the mix since 2006. Clearly, this has become one of the most environmentally challenging aspects for companies wishing to clean up their procedures in dealing with obsolete equipment. Those who can step up to the plate and provide solid solutions that are both feasible as well as cost-effective stand to find themselves in starring roles.
Another demand within the IT sector is that of the database administrator. The positions are filled with those most knowledgeable and educated in testing and evaluations of LANs and WANs, internal intranets, and any other electronic communications systems. These personnel are responsible for building networks which allow employees to travel and never lose contact and those which allow employees to telecommute. The administrators also conduct research regarding the latest programs, advances, and new developments. They are generally the decision makers when it is time to choose which new software is implemented, along with the budgeting for all hardware. They work closely with upper management as these changes are made.
Yet another fast-growing avenue of IT positions which have proven viable in a weak economy is the specialists within the telecommunications field. These are vital to a successful network since everything must be coordinated and linked for proper communication avenues via faxes, computers, telephones, intranet, and Internet sources. Usually, the Web designers fall into this category since the technology comes via an ISP, which is often the same provider for telephone services.
Working conditions are excellent as most IT teams, with a few exceptions, tend to be small departments with a close-knit group of people. Overtime and even weekend work is generally an understood and unwritten rule, but the salaries are indicative of the faith companies have in these groups of people. Again, many IT specialists have the option of working from home, at least to some degree. Most companies cite security as being the single problematic issue that prevents full-time telecommuting.
The educational requirements are not set in stone; however, those with at least business management degrees are often shuffled to the top of interview lists. Certainly, those with computer science and other applicable educational backgrounds are considered as well. With that said, there are other skills and traits that bode well in an IT area. Multi-tasking makes the top five in the list of qualities managers are seeking for these roles. The fast-paced environment and unpredictability that tend to go hand in hand with all things technology related require one to be able to juggle projects and sometimes even work on more than one simultaneously. Organization, the ability to find the source of problems, patience, a level head, and an analytical mind are ideal plusses for candidates.
Some of the most-active sectors that seek IT personnel include financial institutions, manufacturing companies, utilities, government offices (including the military), companies that have global offices, and of course computer companies. Insurance has recently seen an increase in its collective need for information technology.
Shortly after Hurricane Katrina barreled into the Gulf Coast in August 2005, one of the key priorities officials sought to restore included phone and Internet services. Due to the critical need, many IT professionals traveled from across the country and companies volunteered server space to re-route these vital lines of communication until the Louisiana and Mississippi officials could rebuild their own structures. As one might guess, it took weeks, even months, for this to happen, but with the volunteers who stepped up to the plate to re-route these links and the server space made available from companies as far away as Japan, a temporary and effective solution was found that allowed water systems to come back on line, communication with family members to be made, and even employers were able to establish communication with employees. These stepping stones were not breaking-news events, but for those who were able to take advantage of these services, it was as big as the storm itself. This is but one small example of how technology worked for many, courtesy of IT technicians and specialists who stepped up to the plate and offered their expertise and resources.
Salary expectations run the gamut from entry-level technicians who earn salaries of around $40,000 (with degrees) to those in upper management where salaries are reported as high as $200,000. Vice presidents and other similar titles stand to earn considerably more; some companies report caps at around $250,000.
For those who are computer oriented and are ready for the next big challenge, IT is the natural next step; specifically, it is the green sector that has caught everyone’s attention. Long-term projections are indicative of a permanent and solid placement.
