An information technology (IT) degree is one of the most powerful diplomas that any student can get today. As the world around us becomes more and more reliant on technology in every industry, IT has become a crucial part of what makes the whole world work. This could mean that you open up opportunities not just in places that involve the use of computers, but in any business that requires some knowledge of tech.
There are employment opportunities for information technology graduates in any organization that makes use of tech facilities, including healthcare, the local and central government, consultancy firms, telecom companies, technology development companies, and more. Additionally, you may be able to find a career in retail, for companies that sell technology.
Whether you’re interested in building technology systems or simply working with them, there are a number of things that you can do with even just a bachelor’s degree in information technology. Here, we’ll look at just some of the popular career opportunities.
#1 Technical Support Officer
If you love computers and can generally understand how to use different types of computer technology, then you might be able to assist other people as an IT technical support officer. IT technical support officers are the professionals that monitor and maintain computer networks and systems within a business. They’re often responsible for configuring computer systems, monitoring software, and diagnosing various hardware problems that might take place in a business.
IT tech support officers are often responsible for any task that involves making sure that a computer system can run effectively. This may include updating and replacing parts in a computer system, providing ongoing support for companies, and responding to call-outs from different clients and businesses.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the technical support officer is classified under the category of the computer support specialist who had a median salary of $52,160 per year as of May 2016. Job growth has been predicted to be 12% from 2014 to 2024, which is much faster than average.
#2 IT Sales Professional
If you like working around other people and being a part of the action, then you might choose to use your information technology degree to work as an IT sales professional. The best people in IT sales are those who are persuasive and self-motivated. Usually, you will be expected to provide customers with information about technology, and help them understand how different systems might be able to offer solutions to their problems.
The role of an IT sales professional will often involve a lot of interaction with clients, either over the telephone, online, or in person. Though the tasks you’ll be expected to complete will vary, some common responsibilities are:
- Ensuring quality of service with detailed insights into product specifications and technology processes
- Marketing and promoting a range of products by designing and writing sales literature or going to industry events
- Maintaining awareness of changing hardware and software systems
- Providing technical advice to customers about the application and installation of computer networks and systems
- Identifying and developing new business through networking and follow-up calls
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sales professionals in the role of “manager” had a median salary of $117,960 per year as of May 2016.
#3 Database Administrator
Database administrators are responsible for ensuring the proper performance, security and integrity of databases. They might also be involved with the development and planning of database development, as well as troubleshooting various issues on behalf of database users.
These professionals are responsible for monitoring the performance of databases and managing parameters to ensure fast responses for end users. They test and develop new versions of databases, develop and manage back-up and recovery plans, and make sure that all archiving and storage procedures function as they’re supposed to. They will also work alongside technical and operational staff to ensure database security.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, database administrators had a median salary of $84,950 per year as of May 2016.
#4 IT Consultant
If you chose to get a degree in information technology, then you may want to consider a career as an IT consultant. Ranked as one of the best jobs in America, an IT consultant is responsible for a number of different tasks. These professionals are expected to evaluate systems within a business or organization, and conduct research to make sure that clients are getting the most out of their technology.
Everyone, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, need IT consultants to help them understand the most productive ways to make use of computers and other devices. IT consultants can either work on a freelance basis, choosing the clients that appeal most to them; or they can work for a relatively large company. In some cases, government agencies will hire IT consultants to help ensure that their systems are always running at their best.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies IT consultants under the computer systems analysts category, which had a median salary of $87,220 per year as of May 2016. Note, however, that IT consultants are likely to earn the top salaries in this category.
#5 Network Engineers
In order to be successful as a network engineer, you’ll need more than just a basic knowledge of information technology obtained from an IT degree. You’ll also have to have amazing communication skills, exceptional attention to detail, and plenty of problem-solving skills. Network engineers are responsible for maintaining, implementing, supporting, and developing communication networks between organizations, or within a specific organization. It’s their goal to make sure that the network infrastructure runs effectively at all times.
Network engineers may either work as part of an overall IT support team, or as part of an outsourced IT team. The duties that you’ll be expected to handle will depend on the sector and the person who employs you. Common responsibilities might include:
- Establishing the network environment by choosing the right configuration for each company, then documenting and enforcing system standards
- Improving network performance by troubleshooting problems, monitoring performance, and scheduling upgrades
- Securing network systems by establishing new enforcement policies and monitoring access
- Reporting network operational status regularly by gathering information and managing new projects
The Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies network engineers under the category of network and computer systems administrators. These professionals had a median salary of $79,700 per year as of May 2016.
References
- Computer Support Specialists. (2015, Dec. 17). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-support-specialists.htm
- Sales Managers. (2015, Dec. 17). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/sales-managers.htm
- Database Administrators. (2015, Dec. 17). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/database-administrators.htm
- Computer Systems Analysts. (2015, Dec. 17). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators. (2015, Dec. 17). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm
