Computers Are
Your Future
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
Computers Are Your Future
Chapter 10
Careers and Certification
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 2
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
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
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 3
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
Traditional Information Technology (IT)
Career Paths
Learn about computers.
 Stay abreast of job trends.
 http://www.stats.bls.gov
A Bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for the best jobs.
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 4
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
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
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 5
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
Typical Job Titles and Responsibilities in a
Corporate IS Department
Job Title
Responsibilities
Chief Information
Officer (CIO)
Senior-level management
Defines the IS department’s mission, objectives, and budgets
Director of Computer
Operations
Middle-management position
Emphasizes overall system reliability
Director of Network
Services
Middle-management position
Emphasizes overall network reliability
Network Engineer
Installs, maintains, and supports computer networks
Systems Programmer/
Administrator
Installs, maintains, and supports the operating system
Client/Server Manager
Installs, maintains, and supports client/server applications
Systems Analyst
Interacts with others to design information systems
Programmer/Analyst
Designs, codes, and tests software
Programmer
Writes code according to specifications
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 6
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
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 Support
Technician
Provides assistance to customers who
need help with products
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 7
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
Traditional Information Technology (IT)
Career Paths
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
 Fastest growing industries in US economy:
 Software publishing
 Computer system design
 Related computer services
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 8
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
Traditional Information Technology (IT)
Career Paths
Offshoring
 Transfer of jobs from workers in one country to workers
in other countries
Outsourcing
 Transfer of labor from the firm to outside entities
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 9
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
Education for Traditional IT Careers
 Computer Science (CS)
 Computer Information Systems (CIS)
 Systems and Software Engineering
 Electrical Engineering
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 10
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
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).
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 11
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
Computer Science (CS)
Training also involves





Programming languages
Programming language structure
Advanced computer graphics
Artificial intelligence
Relational database design
Graduates find jobs in software development firms and
information systems departments.
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 12
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
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.
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 13
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
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.
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 14
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
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.
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 15
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
Electrical Engineering
 Electrical engineering focuses on digital circuit
design and communication technologies.
 Jobs are in hardware development.
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 16
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
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
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 17
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
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
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 18
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
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)
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 19
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
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.
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 20
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
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
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 21
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
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
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 22
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
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
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 23
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
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
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 24
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
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
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 25
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
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)
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 26
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
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
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 27
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
Chapter 10 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.
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 28
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10
Chapter 10 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.
© 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Slide 29