We have already dealt with whether a career in IT is the right direction for you to take and took a look at what your general choices are in terms of job possibilities. Now it is time to look at some of the specific jobs that are available in your chosen skill area(s).
The career areas addressed all around you represent the areas for which demand is currently the strongest in the IT industry. Although some job roles discussed may be a bit more in demand than others, all of those discussed here are considered the most "in demand" in the industry. In an industry that is having its growth stunted by the lack of skilled people, there are few areas that are not currently suffering from a skills shortage.
Major job fields are broken down into the following career areas:
- Computer programming-Literally dozens of computer programming languages exist, but which ones are in demand and what are they used for?
- Computer networking-Should you be an MCSE, CCIE, or MCNE? This section hooks you up with the information you need for a career in computer networking.
- PC and computer support-A PC sits on every desk and uses ever more complex applications that require user support. But it doesn't stop there. In addition, there is a need for people who can maintain and upgrade hardware.
- Internet technologies and Web Design-Ever fancied being a Webmaster or a B2B guru? We look at what you need to get you going in the fastest growing sector of them all.
- Database design and administration-Behind every great e-commerce Web site there is a great database. You could be in charge of gigabytes of valuable data!
Each chapter describes each subject area, then describes particular relevant job roles. Each job role or specialty area includes such things as a description of daily tasks, discussion regarding job demand, qualifications and requirements, as well as various resources such as training, course and certification options, study options, jargon typically used in that field, and other useful resources. Also included at the end of each chapter is a "day in the life" interview with professionals in the field.
The information provided in this section provides a comprehensive look at specific occupations within the IT industry. It provides you with the information necessary to make an informed decision of which IT career is right for you.
Character Sketch
Database programmers need a wide range of skills to cover the many facets of their work. When developing systems, they need the patience and diligence of a programmer combined with the creativity of a Web page designer. In the day-to-day operation of the system, they need the procedural ability and method of a network administrator, and when the chips are down they need the troubleshooting capabilities of a network engineer, combined with an ability to work under lots of pressure.
Personality Checkpoint: A database designer has to wear many hats. Although the majority of tasks are related to one common product or system, there can be a great degree of diversity in the tasks that need to be performed.
Summary
This article explored five occupations of the IT industry. This general information on each occupation can help assist you in matching your personality to occupations within IT. From this general overview you are now ready to further explore the jobs you feel you are suited for.
This article provided a starting point from which you can match your personality to a profession in IT. From here, a more detailed and in-depth exploration is required. This article describes these occupations in greater detail and is a good resource for additional information. Do not stop there however. Log on to the Internet and check out some sites dealing with your chosen interest. If at all possible, locate someone who is doing the job you are interested in. When choosing a career, the more information you have the better.
Computer programmers can be found working in a variety of different environments, though typically they find themselves in an office setting. Companies of all sizes need and use computer programmers, from the largest corporation to the smallest Internet startup. Regardless of the setting, if you like spending large parts of time directly at the computer, then this is the job for you.
That said, the old stereotype of the lone programmer hunched over the keyboard in the corner of the basement is somewhat far from the truth. Although it is true that some programming jobs require extensive hours directly working with the computer, programmers often work in environments where direct programming hours are tempered with project meetings and discussions. Essentially, programming cannot be done in a bubble. There is a good chance that a number of people may be working on the same program, and the need for good communication and cooperation is essential for the successful completion of the project.
