Information Technology (IT)
Information Technology (IT)
--- Employing in IT: An Introduction ---
Technology is the broad subject concerned with all aspects of managing and processing information. Due to the growing dependence on information in all aspects of our modern life, the value and importance of IT experts (whatever their specialization) cannot be emphasized enough. Different specializations within the IT field are numerous. We will cover three broad & diverse fields of employment which are programming, networking, and web applications.
Definitions
Sample Job Titles
Education and Skills Profile
Definitions
Programming
Programmers are people who know computer languages, and who use them to build application software. There are many different computer languages such as Visual Basic, C++, and Delphi. Programmers write a code (a series of technical instructions) that makes the computer perform certain tasks. They work closely with system analysts and since they develop specialized programs, they also often work closely with accountants, managers, scientists, engineers, etc. Traditionally, programming work focused on the design, enhancement, and usability of application software. However, as the IT market evolves, programmers' work is increasingly tied to the Internet and other technologies.
Networking
Networking specialists are those who set up computer networks. A computer network is like a network of roads that connect destinations together and that give people from one side of the city access to places on the other side. A computer network allows users of the network to share information and resources. The network usually consists of a server, multiple computers, and cables. The networking specialist is responsible for setting it up and making sure that the connection is fast and reliable. Some of the common network operating systems are Windows, Mac, Linux, and Netware.
Web Applications
This includes all computing that involves the Internet. A common example is web development which is simply programming for a website on the World Wide Web. There is also everything that involves the website; maintaining the servers, managing the databases, etc.
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Sample Job Titles
System Analyst
Analysts study problems and formulate solutions in the form of computer programs. They identify problems to study, form objectives, and gather information to analyze, as well as present possible methods to solve these problems. They then test the validity of their solutions and finally, they prepare specifications for how to best implement the solution and meet the desired objectives. Analysts must be able to understand the needs of the user of the system and translate the needs into logical steps to give to programmers to write the codes.
Network Administrator
These are the godfathers of technology within any organization. They must know everything about the company's information technology. They insure the performance of the web servers, manage the mail servers, supervise the operation of all employees' computers, and they manage all networks that the organization runs. Common tasks that they perform include optimizing network performance, setting up employee email accounts, and giving access to multiple users to a printer.
C++ Programmer, Visual Basic Programmer
These programmers use these computer languages to develop application software. Visual Basic is an easy and fast way to develop database programs as well as games. C++ on the other hand is a more difficult language that is used to develop sophisticated software.
Web Developer
Web developers conceive of the website strategy. They figure out the hardware that the site should use and the software necessary to make it function properly. They also program the site so that it functions effectively and set up reporting tools and databases to record traffic to the site.
Web master
The Webmaster used to be the one person fully in charge of a company's website. He or she would manage the servers, do programming, correspond with content providers (writers or other), and perform graphic design work. But that has mostly changed now and webmasters perform a similar job to that of web developers. Their responsibilities may include site monitoring, server administration, programming, and sometimes, graphic design. Webmasters have more of a managerial job of the website.
Database Administrator
This person's main job is to build, sustain, and repair a company's database(s). In addition to developing and updating these databases, administrators also monitor their performance and insure the security of their information. Database administration can involve programming, the Internet, and networking. That is because a database can be shared on a network, on the Internet, and can be programmed for classification of the stored data.
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Education and Skills Profile
Education Required
A Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Communications or MIS (management information systems). You can also qualify by attending any of the many IT certificates offered.
Education Enhancement and Certificates
Masters in Computer Science. Some of the popular certificates are: Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD), and Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA). (There are many different courses and programs offered in IT, these are just three of the most common).
Computer Skills
Excellent computer skills. Different computer languages and software are required according to the industry and position. Some examples include Visual Basic, Dreamweaver and Microsoft Frontpage.
Experience Required
The experience required varies according to position. Being a young industry, there is usually more focus on skills then on experience, although experience will always be a plus.
Additional Skills
A programmer must have a constructive mind. He or she must have an ability to build since a program is a series of logical and sequential commands that add up to make one whole component.
They should also have a solution-orientated mind; since they often are expected to develop software that addresses certain problems, they should be able to creatively devise solutions.
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Disclaimer
These articles and guides have been compiled from internet research and interviews conducted with specialists in the field of advertising. It is meant to be an introduction into the field, for HR personnel and others interested in recruiting or developing careers in it, and not a definitive and exhaustive source on the subject.
--- IT Careers ---
There are two driving forces behind what people call globalization! These are the drastic revolutions in the two fields of information technology and telecommunications. These two closely related fields facilitate the best use of information for all purposes and the instantaneous traveling of information from one side of the globe to the other. A major component of this is the Internet, and hence comes the recent and common phrase that "the world has become a global village".
Introduction
Programming
Working as A Programmer
Working as A Network Administrator
IT and the Future
Introduction
Information has become the building block of every sector of our modern society. Whether it's the government, private businesses, educational institutions, or public enterprises, information is a key element in their operations and decision-making.
Information Technology (IT) is everything that has to do with using, sharing, managing, processing, storing, collecting, and presenting information. The very common programs that organizations use worldwide like spreadsheets (MS Excel), word processing (MS Word), and presentation software (MS PowerPoint) are a product of the efforts of IT professionals.
IT specialists' titles and duties vary greatly. IT specialists create such products as those mentioned above and set up and maintain systems. Their work varies widely: they upgrade computer software; get the office computer network up and running again after it crashes; set up and maintain the servers on which a company's website runs; create and customize the software products you use; build websites; and build and maintain the databases that a company relies on to gather information to serve their customers.
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Programming
Programming is perhaps the most common job in computing. Everything people use on computers is usually a product of programmers. Programmers vary widely, they use many different languages and they program very different programs for different purposes.
Programming can be divided into two main categories: System Programming and Application Programming.
System programmers develop products that many people will use for different purposes. Examples are operating systems such as Windows and Linux, spreadsheet and word processing software like MS Excel, web browsers like Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator, and database management systems such as Access and MS SQL Server, and even software for programming such as Visual Basic and Visual C++.
Application programmers will then use the tools developed by system programmers to design either Desktop Applications or Web Applications. Desktop applications are products designed for individual end-users. These applications may be inventory systems, accounting systems, human resource systems, etc. depending on the needs of the user. Web applications is designing websites and designing any dynamic or interactive features on the website; it is programming for the Internet.
For example, a product developed by a system programmer is MS SQL Server which is a database management system. An application programmer will then use MS SQL Server - using his knowledge of structured query language and the concept of "relational database" - to design an accounting system for a client. He or she will devise tables and relations between variables for the system to store data and present reports, and the system will then be used by the end-user.
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Working as a Programmer
Programming is mentally exhausting. Programmers need to be able to concentrate for long periods of time when they are writing the code for programs. They are seated the whole time, and they need as clear a mind as possible to be able to carry out their work.
One IT manager at an internet company told us that if someone wanted to become a programmer, they should understand the concept of programming first before learning any programming languages. It then is easier to learn the language and once you've learned one language, it becomes easy to learn many other ones. To understand programming you need to understand flow charts. The flow chart is a diagram of the series of commands and the different results that would trigger different reactions from the software.
"Experienced programmers will think of the program they need to design and then think of the best language to be used," he said.
When asked about his work he said, "it would be nice if I played sports because being active helps you concentrate."
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Working as a Network Administrator
As explained in the career profile, network administrators are the godfathers of a company's technology. They must know everything about the company's information technology. Their work can be very hectic. They are usually running from one user to another fixing their computer problems.
Because they are often troubleshooting, network administrators need to have the ability to make fast and yet reliable decisions about how to fix problems.
One network administrator said that he must always be updated on the latest in technology. In this field your methods and machines could be outdated overnight, and you need to stay ahead if you want to do well.
This network administrator loves his work too. Since he set up the network and is responsible for its performance, he told us, "the network is like my baby." "I have to take care of it and I watched it grow."
About the pros and cons of his job he says that everything is his responsibility. "Whenever something goes wrong fingers point at me, I have to always be alert and on top of things." However, he likes that he is constantly learning and developing his skills.
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IT and the Future
Information Technology is the way of the future. Not too far from now, everything will be automated and programmed using computer technology. Even the joyful experiences we care about may become only virtual. Maybe you will play a basketball game and exercise your whole body without moving from your seat. You might be able to taste delicious food without ever swallowing. You might shop and try on outfits from all over the world and still never leave your room.
We are at the verge of a brave new electronic age.
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--- Recruiting ---
Employing in this field differs according to specialization. To conform to this, we have divided this section accordingly.
Please choose the one most appropriate for the position you want to recruit for:
Programming Positions:
This is for recruiting programming positions at different levels. Click here.
Networking Positions:
This is for recruiting networking positions at different levels. Click here.
Web Applications Positions:
This is for recruiting web applications positions at different levels. Click here.
Related Article:
Information Technology (IT) - Career Profile