INFORMATIONTECHNOLOGY

ITBy: Sam Toney

Significant Points

Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.

A bachelor's degree in a computer-related field usually is required for management positions, although employers often prefer a graduate degree, especially an MBA with technology as a core component.

Many managers possess advanced technical knowledge gained from working in a computer occupation.

Job prospects should be excellent.

Nature of the Industry Virtually all organizations rely on computer and information technology to conduct business and operate efficiently. In the modern workplace, it is imperative that Information Technology (IT) works both effectively and reliably. Computer and information systems managers play a vital role in the implementation and administration of technology within their organizations. They plan, coordinate, and direct research on the computer-related activities of firms. In consultation with other managers, they help determine the goals of an organization and then implement technology to meet those goals. They oversee all technical aspect of an organization, such as software development, network security, and Internet operations.

Nature of the Industry

Computer and information systems managers direct the work of other IT professionals, such as computer software engineers and computer programmers, computer systems analysts, and computer support specialists

IT project managers develop requirements, budgets, and schedules for their firm’s information technology projects. They coordinate such projects from development through implementation, working with their organization’s IT workers, as well as clients, vendors, and consultants. These managers are increasingly involved in projects that upgrade the information security of an organization.

Nature of the Industry

Industry organization. In 2008, there were 180,100 establishments in the computer systems design and related services industry. Custom programming establishments write, modify, test, and support software to meet the needs of a particular customer. These service firms may be hired to code large programs, or to install a software package on a user's system and customize it to the user's specific needs. Programming service firms also may update or reengineer existing systems, or design customized Web sites.

Working Conditions

Computer and information systems managers generally work in clean, comfortable offices. Long hours are common, and some may have to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines or solve unexpected problems; in 2008, about 25 percent worked more than 50 hours per week. Some computer and information systems managers may experience considerable pressure in meeting technical goals with short deadlines or tight budgets. As networks continue to expand and more work is done remotely, computer and information systems managers have to communicate with and oversee offsite employees using laptops, e-mail, and the Internet.

Working Conditions

Work environment.

Most workers in the computer systems design and related services industry work in clean, quiet offices. Those in facilities management and maintenance may work in computer operations centers. Given the technology available today, however, more work can be done from remote locations using e-mail and the Internet. For example, systems analysts may work from home with their computers linked directly to computers at the location of their employer or client. Computer support specialists, likewise, can tap into a customer's computer remotely in order to identify and fix problems. Even programmers and consultants, who often relocate to a customer's place of business while working on a project, may perform work from offsite locations.

Employment

Compared with the rest of the economy, there are significantly fewer workers 45 years of age and older in the computer systems design and related services industry. This industry's workforce remains younger than most, with a large proportion of workers in the 25-to-44 age range (table 1). This reflects the industry's explosive growth in employment in the 1980s and 1990s that provided opportunities to thousands of young workers who possessed the latest technological skills.

Although the work force range is 25-44 years old, I know that with the latest technological skills and my previous management and business training that I will be a great candidate for any business.

Education and training

A bachelor's degree in a computer-related field usually is required for management positions, although employers often prefer a graduate degree, especially an MBA with technology as a core component. Common majors for undergraduate degrees are computer science, information science, or management information systems (MIS).

A bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field generally takes 4 years to complete, and includes courses in computer science, computer programming, computer engineering, mathematics, and statistics. Most also include general education courses such as English and communications. MIS programs usually are part of the business school or college, and contain courses such as finance, marketing, accounting, and management, as well as systems design, networking, database management, and systems security.

MBA programs usually require 2 years of study beyond the undergraduate degree, and, like undergraduate business programs, include courses on finance, marketing, accounting, and management, as well as database management, electronic business, and systems management and design.

Available Positions

Computer programmers Computer software engineers Computer systems analysts Network systems and data communications analysts Computer support specialists

Certification and other qualifications Computer and information systems managers need a broad range of skills.

Employers look for individuals who can demonstrate an understanding of the specific software or technology used on the job. Generally, this knowledge is gained through years of experience working with that particular product. Another way to demonstrate this trait is with professional certification. Although not required for most computer and information system management positions, certification demonstrates an area of expertise, and can increase an applicant’s chances of employment. These high-level certifications are often product-specific, and are generally administered by software or hardware companies rather than independent organizations.

Computer and information systems managers also need a thorough understanding of business practices. Because information technology is a central component of many organizations, these workers often must make important business decisions. Consequently, many firms seek managers with a background in business management, consulting, or sales. These workers also must possess good leadership and communication skills, as one of their main duties is to assign work and monitor employee performance. They also must be able to explain technical subjects to people without technical expertise, such as clients or managers of other departments.

Sales and related occupations

Due in part to the expansive use of e-commerce, a substantial number of workers in this industry are employed in sales and related occupations. In order to compete successfully in the online world, firms employ marketing and sales workers to improve the presentation and features of Web sites and other Web-related content. These workers are vital for the successful promotion and sales of the products and services offered by the industry.

Professional and related occupations

Although there are no universal educational requirements for computer programmers, workers in this occupation commonly hold a bachelor's degree. Some hold a degree in computer science, mathematics, or information systems. Others have taken special courses in computer programming to supplement their study in fields such as the physical sciences. Because employers' needs are varied, a 2-year degree or certificate may be sufficient for some positions, as long as applicants possess the right technical skills. Some employers seek applicants with technical or professional certification. Certification can be obtained independently, although many organizations now assist employees in becoming certified.

OUTLOOK MOVING

FORWARD

Employment change Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow 17

percent over the 2008-18 decade, which is faster than the average for all occupations. New applications of technology in the workplace will continue to drive demand for workers, fueling the need for more managers. To remain competitive, firms will continue to install sophisticated computer networks and set up more complex intranets and websites. They will need to adopt the most efficient software and systems and troubleshoot problems when they occur. Computer and information systems managers will be needed to oversee these functions.

Because so much business is carried out over computer networks, security will continue to be an important issue for businesses and other organizations, and will lead to strong growth for computer managers. Firms will increasingly hire security experts to fill key leadership roles in their information technology departments because the integrity of their computing environments is of utmost importance.

Job prospects

Given the rate at which the computer systems design and related services industry is expected to grow, job opportunities should be excellent for most workers. The best opportunities will be in computer specialist occupations, reflecting their growth and the continuing demand for the high-level skills that are needed to keep up with changes in technology. In addition, as individuals and organizations continue to conduct business electronically, the importance of maintaining system and network security will increase. Employment opportunities should be especially good for individuals involved in cyberspace security services, such as disaster recovery services, custom security programming, and security software installation services

Industry earnings

Workers in the computer systems design and related services industry generally command higher earnings than the national average. All production or nonsupervisory workers in the industry averaged $1,401 a week in 2008, significantly higher than the average of $608 for all industries. This reflects the concentration of professionals and specialists, who often are highly compensated for their specialized skills or expertise. Wages in selected occupations in computer systems design and related services appear in table 3.

Wages of computer and information systems managers vary by specialty and level of responsibility. Median annual wages of these managers in May 2008 were $112,210. The middle 50 percent earned between $88,240 and $141,890. Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of computer and information systems managers in May 2008 were as follows:

Software publishers $126,840 Computer systems design and related services 118,120 Management of companies and enterprises 115,150 Depository credit intermediation 113,380 Insurance carriers 109,810

Earnings

Faster than average employment growth is expected, and job prospects should be excellent

Because so much business is carried out over computer networks, security will continue to be an important issue for businesses and other organizations, and will lead to strong growth for computer managers. Firms will increasingly hire security experts to fill key leadership roles in their information technology departments because the integrity of their computing environments is of utmost importance.

Job Outlook

Database Specialist (Database Administrator/Programmer) Database Specialist (Database Administrator/Programmer) Date Announced: 09/10/2010 Date Announced: 09/10/2010 Work Unit: Work Unit: Information Technology Services Information Technology Services Department: Department: Identity and Access Management (IAM)Identity and Access Management (IAM)Job Number: Job Number: 3293032930

The Database Administrator/Programmer will report to the Principal Lead of the ITS Identity and The Database Administrator/Programmer will report to the Principal Lead of the ITS Identity and Access Management Project and will be responsible for the administration and programming of Access Management Project and will be responsible for the administration and programming of databases related to the identity management infrastructure including a new central person registry. databases related to the identity management infrastructure including a new central person registry. Duties will include: ensure proper operation of and configuring multiple instances of the Oracle Duties will include: ensure proper operation of and configuring multiple instances of the Oracle database; ensuring optimal performance of the instances; patching the database when security database; ensuring optimal performance of the instances; patching the database when security vulnerabilities arise; developing a strategy for backing up and restoring from the database; vulnerabilities arise; developing a strategy for backing up and restoring from the database; developing and implementing procedures for how failover between the database instances and developing and implementing procedures for how failover between the database instances and developing PL/SQL stored procedures to aid programmers in the development of the registry. This developing PL/SQL stored procedures to aid programmers in the development of the registry. This job will be filled as a level 2 (intermediate) or level 3 (mid-level) depending upon the successful job will be filled as a level 2 (intermediate) or level 3 (mid-level) depending upon the successful candidate’s education and experience. candidate’s education and experience.

Typically requires an Associate’s degree plus two years of related experience as a database administrator or an equivalent combination of education and experience for a level 2. Additional experience and/or education and competencies are required for higher level jobs. The successful candidate will demonstrate competencies in the following areas: administration of large scale database clusters (Oracle is preferred); ability to program stored procedures; the ability to work both independently and cooperatively; excellent analytical skills; excellent judgment and organizational skills; solid verbal and written communication skills; and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.

IN CLOSING, I FEEL IN CLOSING, I FEEL THAT MY THAT MY OPPORTUNITIES ARE OPPORTUNITIES ARE ENDLESS IN THIS ENDLESS IN THIS PARTICULAR FIELD. PARTICULAR FIELD. AND I ALSO FEEL AND I ALSO FEEL THAT MY TRAINING THAT MY TRAINING HERE WILL AFFORD HERE WILL AFFORD ME EVERY CHANCE IN ME EVERY CHANCE IN SUCCEEDING AT THIS SUCCEEDING AT THIS CAREERCAREER.

SOUTH HILLSSCHOOL OF BUSINESS &

TECHNOLOGY