Are you the one your family and friends come running to for help with their computer problems? Maybe you’re the one with the most up to date smartphone yet you anticipate the arrival of the newest version soon to come? Do you find all this “nerdy” stuff interesting? Are you in need of a career?
If so, perhaps a career in information technology may be what you’re looking for. The perfect match for you! Let your passion and your interests guide you into a rewarding and fun career. After all, isn’t that what everyone is looking for?
Information Technology
There is a variety of career opportunities with an IT career. Training ranges from certificates to bachelor’s degrees and beyond. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), projected job growth in this field to be 8 out of 10 fastest growing occupations
(2000-2010), and according to www.monster.com, it is a field that is recession proof.
Educational Pathways
There is a multitude of paths to take in achieving an IT career. Though a computer-related degree may be the most logical and direct route, it isn’t the only one. Many employers prefer their workers to have a degree because it indicates you’re able to think logically; however, most people working in the IT field do not necessarily possess a computer-related degree. Having practical experience along with a degree of some sort is all that may be needed. However, with that said, it is projected that non-degree programs, such as on the job training and self-study are expected to rise.
Training
- Certifications – Many are six to nine-month programs and can be taken online.
- Associate degrees – These tend to be occupational-specific, and are offered at community colleges, independent technical schools, and private colleges that can also be taken online like an online health information technology degree.
- Bachelor’s degrees – A majority of workers have a bachelor’s degree in other areas. A computer science degree or systems information degree are examples of industry degrees.
- Graduate degrees – This degree is preferred for more complex positions in management.
- Doctorial degrees – Computer Scientist or Information Scientist. These positions are usually “highly innovative and technical in nature.”
The IT field is ever changing. Continued educational learning may be expected to remain an asset in the industry.
Employment & Options
Employment includes a full gamut of industries, many of which are not even in the information industry. Employers not only look for those with degrees but look for equally important business and communicative skills. They need people who can communicate well both verbally and with the written word. They also look for those who can interact well with others, whether it be inter-off interactions or with clients.
Many career options are available. For example, with an associate degree you can become a computer programmer or get into data network security. With a bachelor’s degree, some options include computer science, software engineering, or computer engineering. And with a doctorate degree, work in database development and administration is an option. Even new emerging demand for IT professionals and medical billing students is growing within the healthcare industry with the adoption of electronic health records for ICD-10 medical billing and coding standards. These are a few examples of employment options, and there are many more to consider.
With an interest and passion for information technology, the IT field is wide open.
Author Bio: Sandra Mills is a freelance writer who has a passion for technology, health, and education.
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