OPPORTUNITIES
IN INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY( I.T)
WHAT IS
INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY?
The application
of computers
and telecommunications
equipment to store,
retrieve, transmit and
manipulate data, often in
the context of a business
or other enterprise.
The term is commonly used as a
synonym for computers and computer
networks, but it also encompasses
other information distribution
technologies such as television and
telephones.
Several industries are associated with
information technology, including
computer
hardware, software, electronics, semico
nductors, internet, telecom
equipment, engineering, healthcare,
e-commerce and computer services.
WHAT SUBJECTS DO YOU NEED TO DO FOR
AN IT CAREER?
• English. Very very important
• Maths, Extremely important
• Further Math. Very Very Useful
• Physics. Very very Useful
• Can Commercial or arts students get
into IT as a career?
• YES. YES.
• Can medical doctors get into IT
careers.
• YES! YES!
• It doesn’t even matter what first
degree you have.
• You May not even need a degree in
some areas, a professional
certification will do.
TYPES OF JOB IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Information technology professionals are responsible for
designing, developing, supporting and managing computer
hardware, computer software, and information networks,
including the Internet.
The real world applications of information technologies can be
found everywhere. In fact, IT is already a part of your life in
ways you may not even be aware of
Computer software used to manage basic computer
applications, computer generated animation in popular movies,
networks and programs that allow you to purchase online.
There are a wide variety of career opportunities available for
capable and experienced IT professionals
TYPES OF JOB IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (Cont’d)
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The Hottest Jobs right now include:
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1. Business architect
2. Data scientist
3. Social media architect
4. Mobile technology expert
5. Enterprise mobile developer
GRADUATE Level jobs in IT
• Software Engineer/Systems Developer
• Systems Analyst/ Systems Engineer
• IT Consultant/Business Analyst
• IT Technical Support Officer
• Network Engineer/ Hardware Engineer.
• Application Development
• Technical consultant/Application
specialist
• IT Sales Professional/Technical sales
• Web designer/ Web developer
• Multimedia programmer/ Multimedia
Specialist
• Software Tester
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Database Administrator
Games developer
Geographical Information system
officer
Information Security Specialist
Information System Manager
Business architect
• The notion that IT is separate from business has faded into
antiquity. Upper management recognizes that technology is not
just integral to success, but actually drives the way companies
pursue their business goals. To help merge technology and
business processes, a new breed of enterprise architect -known as the business architect -- is emerging.
• "Business architecture is about making sure the whole business
holds together," says Forrester Research analyst Alex Cullen,
who researches IT strategy and organizational planning. "It's a
role built around business planning, pointing out opportunities
to utilize IT more effectively" in sales, customer service, and
other key areas.
Business architect
• Unlike the traditional enterprise architect, whose role is to organize
technology to meet business goals, the business architect is a member of
the business organization, reporting to the CEO and fashioning high-level
company strategy with technology in mind. The successful business architect
has a deeper knowledge of the company's business model and workflow
than the average enterprise architect. Think MBA with an IT focus.
• "Business managers want to choose the technology that best meets their
needs and to have the freedom to walk away from that technology to move
on to the next thing," says Cullen. In a world where execs will one day have
the power to provision cloud-based resources for a new business initiative
by clicking through a couple of configuration screens, the need for
enterprise architects who are glorified implementers will wane. The job of
the business architect is to arm managers with the knowledge they need to
choose wisely.
Data scientist
• Big data -- that is, the glut of unstructured or semi-structured information
generated by Web clickstreams, system logs, and other event-driven
activities -- represents a huge opportunity. Buried in that mountain of data
may be invaluable nuggets about customer behavior, security risks, potential
system failures, and more. But when you're talking terabytes that double in
volume every 18 months, where do you start? That's where the data
scientist comes in.
• On the business side, data scientists can open up new opportunities by
uncovering hidden patterns in unstructured data, such as customer behavior
or market cycles. On the dev side, a data scientist can use deep data trends
to optimize websites for better customer retention. Within the IT
department, a skilled data scientist can spot potential storage cluster
failures early or track down security threats through forensic analysis.
• "There's now an intellectual consensus in business that the only way to run
an enterprise is to use analytics with data scientists to find opportunities,"
says Norman Nie, CEO of Revolution Analytics, which produces the first
commercial application to bring the R data analysis programming
Social media architect
• Social Web tools and services are now entering business at every level, from
back-office IT communications to top-floor business collaboration, partnerconnected workflow, and public-facing customer support. As the complexity
of social business grows, companies need specialists to make it all work.
• Social media no longer means just Facebook and Twitter. IBM, Jive, and
Yammer are now the companies to watch, offering social tools for public and
private clouds that redefine the role of social media for business. This
creates a demand for IT pros with the specialized knowledge to build secure
communities within a business network and between businesses and
customers.
• “Since 2010, "You're starting to see that companies want the benefits of the
social Web without the risks of putting their business in the hands of
[Facebook and Twitter]."
• In the enterprise, says Fauscette, social tools need to work together securely
while offering transparency to the business. The clickstream data and other
user intelligence that these tools produce need to be accessible and
searchable inside the business, yet impenetrable from outside the business.
Mobile technology expert
• "Mobile is the biggest factor changing IT right now," says Stewart Tan, vice
president of information risk management and security at Accretive
Solutions. "Building mobile apps, architecting mobile strategies, and
securing those devices" are the top concerns facing the enterprise today.
• Based on the listings showing up on IT employment sites, Tan's words sound
almost like an understatement. One of the most common new titles we've
run across on IT job sites sounds more like a general cry for help than an
actual job listing. In response to the flood of new mobile devices, companies
are desperately seeking "mobile technology experts" to bring order to the
chaos.
• If you have serious IT experience deploying and managing fleets of
BlackBerry, Android, and iOS devices, there's ample work ahead. The listings
we've reviewed consistently seek people evaluate mobile platforms for
enterprise use, research and draft device specifications, and support users
and developers within the enterprise.
Enterprise mobile developer
• While mobile application development has been a fast-growing tech arena
for years, IT job sites are seeing a rise in listings for creators of enterprise
mobile apps. "Companies are looking for ways to make sense of mobile data,
develop apps, and ensure security compliance," says Alice Hill, managing
director of IT job siteDice.com.
• In some organizations, the programming skills required depend on what's
native to the platform: Objective-C for the iPhone, or Java for Android or
BlackBerry. But thanks toHTML5, there's also a movement toward mobile
Web development that crosses mobile platforms. If you're not already
schooled in Objective-C or Java, acquiring deep HTML5 expertise has the
dual benefit of a shorter learning curve and greater versatility, though you
may still need to learn the quirks of individual mobile platforms.
Software engineer
• Graduate job 1: Software engineer
• Also known as: application programmer, software architect, system
programmer/engineer.
• This job in brief: The work of a software engineer typically includes
designing and programming system-level software: operating systems,
database systems, embedded systems and so on. They understand how both
software and hardware function. The work can involve talking to clients and
colleagues to assess and define what solution or system is needed, which
means there’s a lot of interaction as well as full-on technical work. Software
engineers are often found in electronics and telecommunications
companies. A computing, software engineering or related degree is needed.
• Key skills include:
• analysis,
• logical thinking,
• teamwork
• attention to detail.
Systems Analyst
• Graduate job 2: Systems analyst
• Also known as: product specialist, systems engineer, solutions specialist,
technical designer.
• This job in brief: Systems analysts investigate and analyse business problems
and then design information systems that provide a feasible solution,
typically in response to requests from their business or a customer. They
gather requirements and identify the costs and the time needed to
implement the project. The job needs a mix of business and technical
knowledge, and a good understanding of people. It’s a role for analyst
programmers to move into and typically requires a few years’ experience
from graduation.
• Key skills include:
• ability to extract and analyse information,
• good communication
• persuasion
• sensitivity.
Database Administrator
• Applications developers translate software requirements into workable
programming code and maintain and develop programs for use in business.
• Most will specialise in a specific development field, such as mobile phone
applications, accounting software, office suites or graphics software, and will
have in-depth knowledge of at least one computer language.
• Applications, or 'apps', can be written for a particular system, such as
Windows or Android, or across numerous platforms, including computers
and mobile devices.
• Job titles and specific duties may vary between organisations but the role
usually involves writing specifications and designing, building, testing,
implementing and sometimes supporting applications using programming
languages and development tools.
• Applications developers work in a range of business sectors, including
finance and the public sector. They often work as part of a team with other
IT professionals, such as software engineers and systems analysts, and write
programs according to their specifications.
Games developer
• Games developers are involved in the creation and production of games for
personal computers, games consoles, social/online games, arcade games,
tablets, mobile phones and other hand held devices. Their work involves
either design (including art and animation) or programming.
• Games development is a fast-moving, multi-billion pound industry. The
making of a game from concept to finished product can take up to three
years and involve teams of up to 200 professionals.
• There are many stages, including creating and designing a game's look and
how it plays, animating characters and objects, creating audio,
programming, localisation, testing and producing.
• The games developer job title covers a broad area of work and there are
many specialisms within the industry. These include:
– quality assurance tester;
– programmer, with various specialisms such as network, engine, toolchain and
artificial intelligence;
– audio engineer;
– artist, including concept artist, animator and 3D modeller;
– producer;
– editor;
– designer;
– special effects technician
Information Security Specialist
• Information security specialists' work centres on understanding the risks to
the security of information or data.
• They analyse where security breaches may occur or have occurred, and
repair or strengthen systems against such breaches. This relates to the
systems and networks used by companies and organisations to manage their
information and information technology.
• Information security specialists may have expertise in working with different
types of computer networks. These could include networks associated with
the government, the defence industry, or the banking sector and, for
example, with those associated with:
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laptop;
mobile telephone and application technologies;
the Payment Card Industry (PCI);
cloud computing.
Information System Manager
• An information systems manager is responsible for the computer systems
within a company. They:
• oversee installation;
• ensure back up systems operate effectively;
• purchase hardware and software;
• provide the ICT technology infrastructures for an organisation;
• contribute to organisational policy regarding quality standards and strategic
planning.
• Information systems managers work in every size of organisation in the
industry and the service sector, usually with a staff of technicians,
programmers and database administrators reporting to them.
• You'll need experience in the sector, in areas like technical support or
operations, before becoming a manager.
• Although the title of information systems manager is becoming more
common in the ICT sector, job titles may vary. For example, you might be a:
– service delivery manager;
– functional manager;
– systems manager
IT Consultant
• An IT consultant works in partnership with clients, advising them how to
use information technology in order to meet their business objectives or
overcome problems. They work to improve the structure and efficiency
of IT systems in various organisations.
• IT consultants may be used to provide strategic guidance to clients with
regard to technology, IT infrastructures and enabling major business
processes through enhancements to IT.
• They can also be used to provide guidance during selection and
procurement as well as providing highly expert technical assistance, and
may be responsible for user training and feedback.
• IT consultants may be involved in sales and business development, as
well as technical duties.
IT Sales Professional
• The work of an IT sales professional falls into the three main areas of presales, sales and post-sale support of hardware and software.
• Pre-sales involves giving detailed information about technical specifications
and the ways in which they could meet a customer's needs. This often
includes demonstrating those features before a sale.
• In some cases it also involves responding to a pre-qualification questionnaire
(PQQ) and then, if short listed, replying to a more detailed information to
tender (ITT) document.
• The actual sale involves negotiating a commercial agreement to the benefit
of both the customer and supplier.
• Technical support, which follows the sale, may include solving faults and
problems, or maximising the use of software features, as well as advising on
appropriate user training.
IT Technical Support Officer
• IT technical support officers monitor and maintain the computer systems
and networks of an organisation. They may install and configure computer
systems, diagnose hardware and software faults and solve technical and
applications problems, either over the phone or in person. Depending on
the size of the organisation, a technical support officer's role may span one
or more areas of expertise.
• Organisations increasingly rely on computer systems in all areas of their
operations and decision-making processes. It is therefore usually crucial to
ensure the correct running and maintenance of the IT systems.
• IT technical support officers may be known by other job titles including help
desk operators, technicians, maintenance engineers or applications support
specialists. The work is as much about understanding how information
systems are used as applying technical knowledge related to computer
hardware or software.
Multimedia programmer
• A multimedia programmer works with different multimedia features such as,
text, sound, graphics, digital photography, 2D/3D modelling, animation and
video to create products such as websites or computer programmes.
• Multimedia products mainly work on the internet but can also be used in:
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interactive television;
information kiosks;
DVDs;
CD-ROMs;
computer games consoles;
mobile phones.
• Programmers may come from a design or computing background, but the
role demands a combination of both creative and technical skills. The
multimedia programmer usually works to a designer's specification.
• Other common terms for multimedia include:
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new media;
interactive media;
digital media;
online/internet services
Multimedia Specialist
• Multimedia specialists combine creative flair and technical skills to design
information and communication technology (ICT) based products that
entertain, educate or inform the user.
• Common multimedia products include:
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computer games;
CD-ROMs;
catalogue databases;
DVDs;
websites.
• As well as the vast gaming industry, there is a huge demand for training
materials within the education and business sectors.
• Companies require a wealth of advertising and marketing materials to
promote their products, for example on websites, and through Flash
banners, email campaigns and social media. A range of organisations, such
as those that provide information services to the public, also need specialist
information-resource materials.
Network Engineer
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Network engineers are responsible for implementing, maintaining, supporting,
developing and, in some cases designing communication networks within an
organisation or between organisations.
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Their goal is to ensure the integrity of high availability network infrastructure in
order to provide maximum performance for their users, such as staff, clients,
customers and suppliers. Networks can include:
– computer;
– voice;
– firewall.
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Network engineers may work internally as part of an organisation's IT support team,
or externally as part of an outsourced IT networking consultancy firm working with a
number of clients.
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Other job titles used to refer to this kind of work include:
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network support;
support engineer;
IT support engineer;
helpdesk support;
network administrator;
first-line support;
- second-line support;
- security engineer
- network architect
- VoIP engineer
- CISCO engineer
- systems engineer/support
Software Tester
• A software tester is involved in the quality assurance stage of software
development and deployment. They conduct automated and manual tests
to ensure the software created by developers is fit for purpose. Software
testing involves the analysis of software, and systems, to overt risk and
prevent software issues.
• The role of a software tester is integral to the creation of software systems
and technical products including vehicles, electronic goods, defence, and
healthcare.
• Ultimately software testers are employed to find bugs and issues within a
product before it gets deployed to everyday users. They can work on
bespoke individual projects or multinational projects spanning the globe and
costing billions of pounds. Many software testers will be familiar with
programming and using coding languages. Assessing code is one part of the
role of a software tester.
Systems Analyst
• A systems analyst uses computers and related systems to design new IT
solutions, modify, enhance or adapt existing systems and integrate new
features or improvements, all with the aim of improving business efficiency
and productivity.
• They must possess a high level of technical expertise and clear insights into
current business practices. Depending on the employer, clients may be
internal, e.g. departments within the same organisation, or external.
They:
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examine existing IT systems and business models;
analyse systems requirements;
undertake product development;
implement, configure and test feasible solutions.
• They liaise and report to internal and external clients and stakeholders,
including colleagues and developers.
• An increasingly integrated approach is being adopted as the role evolves,
where the client is involved throughout the development process. The
analyst acts as liaison between the client and the developers.
System Developer
• Systems developers maintain, audit and improve organisational support
systems by working on the internal operations of computers, using existing
systems or incorporating new technologies to meet particular needs, often
as advised by a systems analyst or architect. They test both hard and
software systems, and diagnose and resolve system faults.
• The role also covers writing diagnostic programs and designing and writing
code for operating systems and software to ensure efficiency. When
required, they make recommendations for future developments. Depending
on the type of organisation, developers can become either systems or
applications specialists.
• The work undertaken by systems developers is generally of a highly complex
and technical nature, and involves the application of computer science and
mathematics in an environment which is constantly evolving due to
technological advances and the strategic direction of their organisation.
Technical Author
• Technical authors help to communicate technical information about
products and services in a way that is easy to understand. The information
may be presented in the form of user guides for software applications,
reference and instruction manuals for appliances, training guides or online
help incorporated into software and operating guides.
• They have to establish an understanding of the product or applications and
then design and write documentation to explain it to users. They may also
provide this information in various other forms including software demos
and interactive tutorials, using video, illustrations and graphics.
• Technical authors work for a range of industries including automation,
avionics, chemical, defence, finance, government, manufacturing, medical
and pharmaceutical supplies, nuclear energy, quality assurance, IT and
telecommunications, transport and utilities
Web designer
• Web designers plan, create and code web pages, using both non-technical
and technical skills to produce websites that fit the customer's
requirements.
• They are involved in the technical and graphical aspects of pages, producing
not just the look of the website but determining how it works as well. Web
designers might also be responsible for the maintenance of an existing site.
• The term web developer is sometimes used interchangeably with web
designer, but this can be confusing. Web developing is a more specialist role,
focusing on the back-end development of a website and will incorporate,
among other things, the creation of highly complex search functions.
• The recent growth in touchscreen phones and tablet devices has dictated a
new way of designing websites, with the web designer needing to ensure
that web pages are responsive no matter the type of device a viewer is
using. Therefore the need to test websites at different stages of design on a
variety of different devices has become an important aspect of the job.
Web developer
• Web developers build and maintain websites and web applications.
Although their work usually focuses solely on the underlying software and
databases (known as the 'back end'), some web developers work on the
interface and visual design (the 'front end'), while others combine both
('full-stack development').
• Job titles vary according to the focus of the role.
• In an agency or as a freelancer, a web developer's job is to create products
that meet clients' needs. The work can be particularly varied with many
projects to work on simultaneously and lots of meetings with clients to
discuss their requirements and update them on progress.
• In all cases a web developer's primary task is creating reliable and high
performing applications and services, which can be accessed over the
internet.
Steps to Starting a Career in I.T
STEP 1
Discover if you are already skilled in
IT.
If you have a PC and use it for more
than just typing and basic office work,
doing homework, playing games and
casually browsing the web, then you
have the right stuff for the job
Steps to Starting a Career in I.T
STEP 2
Make a list of what types of IT work you
might be interested in.
For example, if you love computer games, you
can list "game testing," or "writing game
software." If you enjoy designing, "graphic
design" or "software design" should go on
your list. If you are interested in how the
internet works and how computer connect to
each other, "network administration or
network design" will work for you.
Steps to Starting a Career in I.T
STEP 3
Choose something that will make you
happy.
If you really enjoy it as a pastime, you will
progress in the skill much faster.
Steps to Starting a Career in I.T
STEP 4
Get to know the right people.
Many IT gurus love to assist people.
Look into a formal or even casual
apprenticeship. Make a geek your new
best friend.
Steps to Starting a Career in I.T
STEP 5
Search for educational opportunities in
your area or online, and determine
what the entry requirements are for
each field of study.
Make comparisons.
Steps to Starting a Career in I.T
STEP 6
Supplement self-taught skills with a few
classes or an associate degree, and move
right into the job market.
The more education you get in the field,
the better your income will probably be in
the long run, but there are entry level jobs
even for people with little education.
Steps to Starting a Career in I.T
STEP 7
Look into professional certifications.
Even without a college degree an MCSE
or A+ certification can gain you significant
credibility
Steps to Starting a Career in I.T
STEP 8
Seek internships at reputable
companies.
An internship with companies related
to your filed of choice will open a lot
of doors for you later
Steps to Starting a Career in I.T
STEP 9
Write a competitive resume and list it
at prominent internet job sites.
Steps to Starting a Career in I.T
STEP 10
Take the best entry level job you can
get, and in your spare time, focus on
honing your skills and on keeping up
with the constantly evolving
applications, hardware, and software
that you'll need to utilize.
THANK YOU
THE END