IT Careers Not Just for Tech-Heads

Information technology (IT) professionals share a common goal of creating and maintaining a wide variety of computer systems, networks, and applications. The need for logical thinkers is paramount in much of information technology, but creative minds and people persons can also find niches. Consider the following:

• Technical thinkers--If you like engineering, careers in software publishing, computer science, and database administration can benefit from your logical, systemized mentality.
• Creative minds--With their creativity and design skills, Web designers and user interface developers create visually inviting Web sites that are easy to use.
• People persons--If you like working with people, you can help them solve problems as a customer service or support agent. Your charm and understanding can help people get through a troubleshooting process or in understanding a new software or hardware product.

Let's take a closer look at some IT occupations that are expected to offer the greatest opportunities in the next 5-10 years.

Software Publishing for the People Person

Software publishers produce and distribute computer software. This includes the software design, documentation, installation help, and--this is where your interpersonal skills are key--customer support services. As businesses strive to improve their efficiency, there is a demand for software that automates day-to-day business processes, such as financial management, program management, and resource planning software.

Industry Fast Facts:

• Average starting salary: $69,700
• Demand: With a predicted 68% job growth between 2004 and 2014, this is the third fastest growing industry in the country
• Demographics: In 2004, 50% of software publishers were between the ages of 25 and 34

Software publishers with a bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or math will have the best opportunities. Programmers generally need either to have taken specific programming courses or to have job experience. On-the-job training is also common, and larger firms often pay for formal training. Using your interpersonal skills to help users understand the new products can really help you succeed in this career.

Web Design for the Creative Mind

Web design could be a great outlet for your creativity as well as your analytical ability. In the design and development of Web pages, Web designers must produce a visually appealing page that is also functional. This requires a familiarity with Web site architecture, image compression, and programming.

Industry Fast Facts:

• Average starting salary: $51,750 to $74,520
• Demand: Computer specialists, including Web designers, can expect job growth of over 27% between 2004 and 2014
• Environment: Many Web designers are self-employed and can work from home

Web designers need a solid background in both design and computer programming. Courses in computer science, electrical engineering, graphics, and art and design prepare you for a career in Web design. Certifications such as Certified Web Designer (CWD) and Associate Webmaster Professional (AWP) give you an edge over the competition and help you hone your layout, coding, and graphics skills.

Thinking Through a Career in Database Administration

Database administrators are responsible for managing how computers organize and store data. Database security is also very important due to the increasing amount of sensitive data, such as credit card and social security numbers, handled on the Internet. On a daily basis, database administrators rely on strong organizational skills and their keen understanding of how computers operate.

Industry Fast Facts:

• Average starting salary: $67,750 to $95,000
• Demand: Predicted as one of the fastest growing occupations through 2014; there were about 104,000 jobs in 2004
• Environment: Comfortable working environment, telecommuting may be an option

Employers generally look for a bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems when hiring database administrators. Logical thinking and good communication skills are key personal assets. A certification in database administration allows you to specialize in a particular application. Microsoft, IBM, and Oracle are just a few of the companies that offer certifications in database administration that uses their products.

A Career Inside the Tech Boom

Software publishing, Web design, and database administration are just three possible careers in IT. Education and training improves your marketability to potential employers and can give you a foot in the door for a career in IT. Regardless of how you think about it, a technology career makes sense.

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