Information Technology, or IT, is usually involved in the context of a business and is often used to automate manual tasks and improve efficiencies within an organization. Information technology has helped the industry reach new markets and apply new services to customers and clients. Some of the areas of IT that you can be involved in are:

• Programming
• Artificial Intelligence
• Web Hosting
• Computer Science
• Networks
• Databases
• Robotics

IT professionals perform a variety of duties that range from installing applications to designing complex computer networks and information databases. A career in information technology opens up an increasing world of opportunities.

Technical schools offering training in information technology provide training on computer hardware and software, networks, computer programming, databases, telecommunications and management skills. Information technology bachelor’s, master’s degree programs, and online IT degree programs offer up to date courses such as:

• Visual Basic
• Oracle
• Java

On the business side of the courses, students will learn:

• Project management skills
• Strategic planning
• Collaboration
• Problem solving

Once you have obtained your degree and training, you can pursue a career as a network administrator, IT manager, system integrator or help desk specialist.

There are many specific areas of the IT field on which you may choose to focus. Several of these career paths include:

• Computer software engineer, systems software
• Computer systems analysts
• Computer support specialists
• Computer programmers
• Computer and information systems managers
• Computer software engineers, applications
• Database administrators
• Computer security specialists
• Computer and information scientists, research

Salaries in the IT field can vary in extremes because of the wide variety of careers for those with an IT degree. However, on the high end of the scale, information technology directors can stand to make $140K per year.

Computer systems analysts analyze business or scientific tasks and plan and develop the hardware systems and software that allow a computer to complete these tasks. Most employers will require that a computer systems analyst have a college education. An computer systems analyst is very favorable and expected to grow much faster than average. The median yearly wage for a computer systems analyst is roughly $67,000.

Computer databases that store information on customers, inventory and projects can be found throughout most industries. That data needs to be stored, organized and managed and that is where a database administrator comes in. As a database administrator, you will play several roles and have multiple responsibilities such as:

• Identify user needs
• Set up computer databases and test systems
• Ensure that systems perform as they should
• Add people to the system as needed
• Plan security measures

Database administrators typically carry a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science or management information systems (MIS). Many community colleges offer an associate degree in computer science or related technology field. Expected salaries range from $33k to $97k per year based on education and experience.

The job of a network administrator is to design, install and manage computer networks for businesses and organizations. As a network administrator you will need to be ready to:

• Discuss network needs with the employees of a small start up company
• Configure a network and server from a remote location
• Design a wide –area network (WAN) for the various branches offices of a corporation
• Protect networks against hackers

Many employers look for network administrators with bachelor’s degrees. However, taking courses in high school such as computer science and communication classes like English, drama and speech classes will be very beneficial. As a network administrator, you can expect to bring in a salary of roughly $65,000 per year with the proper education and experience.

Computer support specialists, sometimes referred to as help desk technicians, field phone calls or emails or make house calls for people who are having difficulty with a particular piece of computer hardware or software. Other support specialists provide support to people in the information processing department of a company. All support positions require strong analytical thinking and problem solving abilities. Most employers require that support specialists have at least some college education, typically in math and sciences. High school students wishing to pursue this career should study in the following areas:

• Mathematics
• Computer science
• Physics
• Computer programming
• Computer languages

Computer support specialist positions are expected to increase faster than average for all occupations. Typical salaries for a support specialist range from $40 to $48k per year.

Computer hardware engineers are involved in researching, designing, developing and testing the computer hardware as well as supervising its production and installation. Hardware is the term applied to computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems and other equipment such as keyboards, modems and printers. Hardware engineers also oversee the production and installation of computer equipment. Some of the areas of employment you can expect to work in are:

• Computer and electronics manufacturer
• Professional, scientific or technical firms
• Telecommunications

Hardware engineers may face some stiff competition for employment because while the number of degrees has increased in this field, the employment pace is expected to grow more slowly. Those with more skills and training will be more likely to obtain the available employment opportunities. As far as salary goes, you can expect it to range from $46k to upwards of $100k per year depending on your company and experience.

Computer applications software engineers are engaged in analyzing user needs as well as designing, constructing, and maintaining computer applications software and specialized utility programs. Various programming languages are used by these engineers such as C and C++ which are most common. While software engineer may be required to wear are:

• Configuration
• Implementation
• Installation
• Marketing
• Sales

Provide technical support to buyers and consumers

Most employers will be on the lookout for software engineers with at least a bachelor’s degree, a broad knowledge and experience with a variety of computer systems and technologies. Candidates who seek software engineering jobs will enhance their employment opportunities by participation in internship or co-op programs which are offered through their schools. Computer software engineering positions are expected to grow rapidly in the next several years. Salary ranges for this career can start at $44k per year and grow to $100+ per year with additional education and experience.