Information technology (IT) is the application of modern computers to make, process, store and exchange all forms of data and information. IT is commonly used in the context of enterprise computing rather than personal or gaming technology. In the past decade, IT infrastructure has increasingly become an important component of organizational management. Organizations now face many challenges such as managing and maintaining their IT infrastructure, supporting high-end mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets, managing the security and privacy of corporate data, and even managing a more secure and responsive public network. The good news is that IT professionals can successfully address these issues with the right training.
IT professionals who are hired to handle the organization’s IT infrastructure can include network architects, data entry operators, database administrators, system trainers, security experts, network consultants, and information technology specialists. These professionals can work together to provide a comprehensive and integrated solution that addresses the diverse needs of organizations. Network architects design the physical layer of the network by creating a physical network architecture including the physical hardware, software, routing, switches, and other technologies necessary to support communication between and among computers and servers. Network architects also design the logical layer of the network by creating a logical architecture including the underlying network hardware, software, and routing protocols.
A bachelor’s degree in information science and a bachelor’s degree in computer systems will get you started on a career path that leads to many job titles. Database administrators manage the functionality and storage capacity of a company’s database systems. The requirements for this position usually entail a master’s degree or higher in information science and a bachelor’s degree in computer systems.
Computer software engineers design and develop the computer systems that run an organization’s business information systems. Some common computer systems used in businesses include desktop software, database management software, networking and video games, and other applications. These career paths usually start out with a bachelor’s degree in information technology and a business degree. Business information systems typically include financial accounting, marketing, and business strategy.
Many IT departments at companies need both entry-level programming and full-fledged software development. IT recruiters often require both knowledge of computers and writing on information systems. These recruiters look particularly for graduates with backgrounds in computer science, math, and computer programming. Those who know how to use computers and can write compellingly about those skills are usually well-regarded by IT recruiters.
IT managers are the ones responsible for all aspects of information systems and the support systems that go with them. They generally have bachelor’s degrees in information systems and master’s degrees in information systems. Generally they are expected to have experience in information systems, database management, or a related field. In some cases, though, IT managers may not have a bachelor’s degree in information systems. In these situations, they usually have a two-year college degree as a minimum requirement. A lot of smaller companies only hire IT managers, and larger companies usually hire those with bachelor’s degrees in information systems and a master’s in information systems.