Running Head: CAREERS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 1

Careers in Information Technology

Tracie White

Arkansas Tech University

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Introduction

Information technology has completely changed our world. At first information

technology, also referred to as IT, changed the way we communicate, transmit, access and store

information. Today it permeates every aspect of our culture. It has changed the way we live,

work and play. It has also weaved its way into every industry and field. IT is used in

communication, data storage, mobile devices, healthcare devices, automobiles, childrens toys,

and more. Because of information technology, we can communicate to another person on the

other side of the world; we can look up the weather, or get directions and traffic information with

the touch of a few buttons. Students can use the internet to write a research paper, without setting

foot into a library. Information technology is even used in chicken farming. Because of the

enormous growth in the IT field, IT jobs were not significantly affected in the 2007 to 2009

economic recession (Csorny, 2013).

The field of IT has and continues to change extremely rapidly. IT workers must

continuously learn new computer languages, software, and hardware technologies. As soon as a

new technology is learned, there is a newer technology to learn. Workers in the IT industry must

embrace an attitude of lifetime learning (Csorny, 2013).

Projected
Employment Median
growth Typical education
Occupation in 2010 annual wage
20102020 needed for entry
(in thousands) 2011
(percent)
Computer systems analysts 135.3 43.1 $82,160 Bachelor's degree
Computer programmers 116.8 28.8 $72,100 Bachelor's degree
Software developers, applications 174 57.4 $88,120 Bachelor's degree
Software developers, systems 117.8 71.7 $94,570 Bachelor's degree
Computer support specialists 107.4 43.1 $48,800 Some college, no
degree

Because the field of information technology is growing so fast, there are numerous
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careers and job opportunities. The table above shows the projected IT growth, wages, and

required education from 2010 to 2020 (Csorny, 2013. In particular, there is an increased demand

for newer technologies such as cloud computing, data storage, mobile technology, and

cybersecurity. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the IT field are expected to

grow 12% from 2014 to 2024 (Csorny, 2013). As long as there is a demand for the constantly

changing field of information technologies, career opportunities in the IT industry will also

continue to grow.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

There is a wide array of career opportunities in Information Technology, which require

different knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs). Computer support specialists dont always

require a bachelors degree in information technology or computer science, although a bachelors

degree and experience is often preferred. Software system developers and software application

developers require at a minimum a bachelors degree in software engineering or computer

science (Department of Labor, 2017).

Getting a degree is only the first step to work in the IT field. According to Careers in

Information Technology (WetFeet, 2009) business skills and strong communication skills are the

top-two desired skills in the IT world. A willingness to learn new IT systems, programming

languages and software is also necessary.

In my current position with the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development

Center (ASBTDC) I assist the training coordinator with the hands-on technical training events,

market training events, handle social media accounts, design and produce flyers for ASBTDC

training events, expand and update ASBTDC website, create images for marketing and social

media, update 18 laptops and 12 iPads to use in hands-on training events, and produce videos.
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During my work experience, I have acquired many skills that will be helpful in the IT

field. I have strong business and communication skills. While working as a remote marketing

assistant, I developed skills in computer and business equipment troubleshooting. Because I

moved often (my husband was career Army), I acquired the ability to learn new skills and new

software quickly. I have learned to embrace change and I look forward to learning new skills. I

have used several types of web development software, such as Adobe Dreamweaver, Word

Press, Weebly, and OU Campus. I have extensive knowledge of Microsoft Office applications to

include a Word Expert Certification and an Excel Expert Certification. I also have strong skills in

Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat, and I am working on learning Adobe

Premiere Pro.

During my course work for my degree, I have developed knowledge in network

architecture, programming using C++, XHTML, and CSS. I have learned written, verbal, and

electronic communication skills. I have also learned how to think strategically, work

collaboratively using the internet, and to be a leader or a team player. The curriculum for the

Bachelor of Professional Studies Degree also taught me the following skills: management ethics,

project management, ethics in the field of technology, and human resource issues. With my

previous work experience, current computer skills, and a bachelors degree, I believe I am in a

good position to find a job in the information technology field.

Job Positions in Information Technology

An information security analyst or a security architect position involves planning and

securing computer networks, systems and data as it is transmitted. As cyber-attacks incidents

grow, information security analysts must implement security measures to protect computer

systems and have a plan of action if a cyber-attack occurs. This position also requires continuous
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education to keep up with new IT systems and new cyber-threats (Department of Labor, 2017).

The rapidly changing field of IT makes securing computers, their networks and data extremely

challenging. Today IT security analysts must make sure current IT trends, such as teleworking,

mobile devices, new payment methods, cloud computing, social networking, mobile networking,

big data analytics, and the internet of things, are secure as well as planning ahead to secure

new trends in IT (Collins, 2014). This position usually requires a bachelors degree in a

computer field, some experience, and the willingness to stay on top of new IT trends.

A Computer Forensic Investigator examines computers, networks or systems, to find

evidence of criminal behavior (Department of Labor, 2017). A computer forensic investigator

uses forensic techniques on computer equipment to identify, preserve, analyze, and present

evidence in a court of law. This position involves working with law enforcement agencies,

therefore knowledge of local, state, and federal law is also necessary (Solomon, 2011).

A Computer Support Specialist troubleshoots computer software, networks, and

hardware. They assist employees within their business or organization with computer and IT

issues (Department of Labor, 2017). The computer support specialist job field is expected to

grow 43% from 2010 to 2020 (Csorny, 2013). Some first and second level computer support

specialists dont require a degree. Although a degree is not required to be a computer support

specialist, a CompTIA A+ certificate is helpful.

Career Advancements

Career advancement in the information technology field can be accomplished by getting a

graduate degree, learning a new programming language, or getting professional certificate in

various IT specialties. There are certificates for Cisco, Citrix, CompTIA A+, EC-Council, IBM,

IEEE, ISC2, ITIL, Linux, Microsoft, Oracle, PMI, VMware, and more (Professional, 2017).
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Personal Reflection

I am confident that with a bachelors degree, the knowledge, skills and abilities I have

acquired, and my work experience, I can find a position in the information technology field. I

also believe my philosophy never stop learning will give me an edge to stay on top of the

advances in the information technology field. At this point, I am more qualified for the computer

support specialist position, however, I have a strong interest in cybersecurity, which fits with the

information security analyst position. If I decide to stay in my current position and do not pursue

a position in the IT field, the skills I have learned will still be beneficial. Because of the

cybersecurity project I completed in the Fall, I have just been assigned to a cybersecurity team

that will focus on internal cybersecurity issues for the Arkansas Small Business and Technology

Development Center.

Conclusion

The world of information technology is a rapidly growing field. Armed with a bachelors

degree, my work experience, and the right KSAs, finding a position in IT is within my grasp.

Regardless of where I work, I agree with Maya Angelou. I've learned that I still have a lot to

learn.
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References

Collins, J. (2014). Security Architect. Swindon: BCS Learning & Development Limited.

Retrieved February 11, 2017, from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/atu-

ebooks/detail.action?docID=1713960

Csorny, L. (2013). Careers in the growing field of information technology services, Beyond the

Numbers: Employment & Unemployment. 2(9) Retrieved February 2, 2017, from

https://www.bls.gov/opub/btn/volume-2/careers-in-growing-field-of-information-

technology-services.htm

Moss, A. (2013). Information technology career path: career opportunities in information

technology (Kindle version). Retrieved February 26, 2017, from Amazon.com

Professional Computer & IT Certifications (2017). Retrieved March 1, 2017, from

http://www.computertrainingschools.com/certifications/

Solomon, M., Barrett, D., & Broom, N. (2011). Computer Forensics JumpStart. Hoboken: John

Wiley & Sons, Incorporated. Retrieved February 11, 2017, from

https://libcatalog.atu.edu:2641/lib/atu-ebooks/detail.action?docID=661659

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2017). Computer and Information

Technology Occupations. Occupational outlook handbook, 2016-17. Retrieved February

27, 2017, from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-

technology/home.htm

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2017). Computer Support Specialist.

Occupational outlook handbook, 2016-17. Retrieved February 27, 2017, from

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https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-

specialists.htm

U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2017). Computer System Analysts.

Occupational outlook handbook, 2016-17. Retrieved February 27, 2017, from

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-

analysts.htm

WetFeet, (Firm). (2009). Careers in Information Technology. Philadelphia, PA: Universum

USA. Retrieved February 12, 2017, from

https://libcatalog.atu.edu:443/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=tr

ue&db=nlebk&AN=293761&site=ehost-live&scope=site