Careers in Computer Technology

Careers in computer technology are great opportunities for trained and educated people in the IT (information technology) industry. Even during hard times IT companies are always in need of people to help grow their company. As long as the IT industry continues to advance careers in computer technology will be in high demand.

There are two types of degrees you can get in computer technology. An Associates Degree and a Bachelor's Degree. There are also special certifications you can get that will help advance you in any position you are looking to fill.

An associates degree is a good starting point for your computer technology career. This degree prepares you to work with computers, software programs and even computer networks. If the computer technology degree isn't available at your collage of choice you can choose a two year degree in computer science, computer engineering, electronics technology or information technology and you will still learn a lot of the same things as the computer technology classes.

No matter what degree you take, you should make sure you have a broad range of computer related classes such as computer science, computer programming, computer networking, database software, data communication networks, information systems and business applications.

This associates degree will provide you with all the education you need for that entry-level computer technology job.

A lot of computer technology jobs will require you to have a bachelors degree, if not higher education. Many of the bachelor's degree programs in computer technology include an internship opportunity. This will help you build up your resume while you get hands on experience.

Along with everything that comes with the associates degree, you should take extra business classes so you can understand your role within the larger business structure. Also take some communications classes. These classes will help you communicate all the technical information that comes along with your job to the less technically savvy people.

In addition to any degree you get in collage there are other certifications you can get to increase your career opportunities and your job security.

Two of the most important certifications are the Novell Certified NetWare Engineer (CNE) and the Cisco Systems Certified Network Expert (CNX).

There are also certifications in computer programming, project and file management, information technology, security, document imaging and convergence.

The most common careers in computer technology include network engineers, database administrators, information technology analyst, system administrators and software engineers.

Network engineers are information technology professionals who design computer networks.

• Responsible for implementing updates
• Troubleshooting computer networks
• Fixing problems when they occur
• Keeping the network operating and accessible to the workforce
• Works on high-end issues
• Chooses all the proper equipment to be used on the network
• Generally require a bachelor's degree or associates degree with corresponding certifications
• Average earnings of $70,000 annually

Database administrators keep the computer databases that store important information on customers, clients and projects.

• Responsible for planning security measures
• Ensuring data integrity
• Backup and query protocol for easy recall of needed data
• Generally require a bachelor's degree or associates degree with corresponding certifications
• Average earnings of $72,000 annually

IT analysts work with the operating units of an organization and it's IT department.

• Responsible for downloading, installing and analyzing new software and hardware for all users
• Perform routine testings of systems
• Assists users with any technical questions or operational problems
• Collect, complete and organize all paperwork for the user access, updates and security related issues
• Generally require a bachelor's degree and a minimum of IT related course work
• Average earnings of $75,000 annually

System administrators support the network engineers.

• In charge of supporting and maintaining the company servers
• Handling and planning for system outages
• Data back up
• Password protocol and basic user-level security issues.
• Generally require a bachelor's degree combined with a certification in the type of servers that are used by the organization like UNIX, Windows or SQL.
• Average earnings of $75,000 annually.

Software engineers are the ones who design, develop and test computer software. All software, regardless of the type, was created by a software engineer.

• Make all different sorts of software to include: Accounting software, medical software, video games and software that is used in aircraft's and airports
• Generally requires a bacelor's degree but most organizations would prefer a master's degree
• Average earnings of $87,000 annually

The History of Computer Technology hub basically touches on the generations of computers and how we have gotten to where we are today as far as technology goes.

The Role of Computer Technology in Education hub tells a bit about how much computers have changed in classroom environments.