Technology Career Information

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Information Technology

Innovative companies and individuals continue to explore logical and creative solutions to enhance the ways we use computer applications and hardware in our businesses and our personal lives. Fast-growing occupations include systems analysts, computer scientists, and database administrators. Advertised positions often require relevant work experience and a bachelor's degree for many jobs. More complex jobs also call for a graduate degree. Overall, 86% growth in employment is anticipated from 2000-2010.

Related occupations include system architects, systems developers, computer programmers, computer software engineers, computer and information systems managers, web designers, web developers, quality assurance analysts, network administrators, and financial analysts, among others. In fact, new occupations are being created to match new developments.

Working conditions for these types of professionals normally include a 40-hour work week in an office or laboratory, normally in comfortable surroundings. However, evening or weekend work may often be necessary due to tight deadlines or problems that require immediate resolution. Some companies allow telecommuting. This work usually requires a high degree of concentration, often in the midst of surrounding activities. The long hours spent on the computer in the same position, using repetitive motions, makes such workers prime candidates for eye strain, back problems, and problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome or cumulative trauma disorder.

Computer scientists, for example, are enmeshed into theorizing, researching, and inventing solutions and new technology. Some work in academic institutions, perhaps on ". . . multidisciplinary projects, such as developing and advancing uses of virtual reality, in human-computer interaction, or in robotics." In private industry, computer scientists may ". . . work in areas such as applying theory, developing specialized languages or information technologies, or designing programming tools, knowledge-based systems, or even computer games." The Internet and electronic business have created a need for effective data storage, management, and extraction, where database administrators excel.

Deciding to prepare for a career in this area becomes a lifelong project. In order to keep up with the rapid changes in technology means continual study in orders to maintain one's range of skills. Employment and advancement depend not only in technical skills but also on a broad background and good interpersonal skills. Some jobs may require only a 2-year degree or a certificate based on immersion in the area; such training usually leads to employment in a specific occupation. People with degrees in other areas also find positions in computer occupations. Occupations such as web master or developer may also require training and experience in art or graphic design.

Computer Engineering

Opportunities are projected to be abundant for computer software engineers during the decade from 2000-10. Employers are expected to favor those with bachelor's or advanced degrees in computer engineering or computer science. Those with practical computer experience will have an advantage in the employer's eyes.

Like others in the computer industry, the computer software engineers must keep up with new developments and master new skills constantly due to the extremely rapid rate of advancements in computer technology. New areas of specialization will become available. Workers use their combined knowledge of engineering, mathematics, and computer science to perform tasks such as analysis of systems and applications toward innovation and improvement. This might include envisioning, designing, developing, and testing software applications, operating systems, and network distribution. They may also be called on to solve problems that arise at the companies they work for or at client sites. These engineers typically have strong programming skills although this tasks comprises only a portion of their work.

Computer hardware engineers, in contrast, typically design, develop, and test computer hardware. Their work may involve " . . . computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, and related equipment such as keyboards, modems, and printers." Like other workers in the computer industry, computer hardware engineers must constantly update their skills and keep abreast of developments.

Nearly 60,000 workers were employed as computer hardware in 2000, a fairly small percentage of the computer technology workforce.

Source: US Bureau of Labor