Careers in Technology

Careers in Technology

Technology is rapidly changing both the workplace and the job market. Even though the economy may be struggling, the demand for technological expertise is growing.

Here are some of the many fields offering a career in technology:

Overview of Technology Career Paths
Computer and Information Systems Managers

• Projected job growth stems primarily from rapid growth among computer-related occupations.
• Employers prefer managers with advanced technical knowledge acquired through computer-related work experience and formal education.
• Job opportunities should be best for applicants with a master's degree in business administration with technology as a core component.

Computer Applications and Systems Programmers

• Employment growth will be considerably slower than that of other computer specialists, due to the spread of pre-packaged software solutions. Three out of 5 computer programmers held at least a bachelor's degree in 2000.
• Prospects should be best for college graduates with knowledge of a variety of programming languages and tools; those with less formal education or its equivalent in work experience should face strong competition for programming jobs.

Computer Systems and Software Engineers

• Computer software engineers are projected to be the fastest growing occupation over the 2000-10 period.
• Very favorable opportunities are expected for college graduates with at least a bachelor's degree in computer engineering or computer science and practical experience working with computers.
• Computer software engineers must continually strive to acquire new skills as computer technology changes rapidly.

Computer Support Specialists and Systems Administrators

• Computer support specialists and systems administrators are projected to be among the fastest growing occupations over the 2000-10 period.
• Job prospects should best for college graduates who are up to date with the latest skills and technologies; certifications and practical experience are essential for persons without degrees.

Systems Analysts, Computer Scientists, and Database Administrators

• As computer applications expand, systems analysts, computer scientists, and database administrators are projected to be among the fastest growing occupations.
• Relevant work experience and a bachelor's degree are prerequisites for many jobs; for more complex jobs, a graduate degree is preferred.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2002-03 Edition, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/.

Planning Your Technology Career Education
When you investigate technology degree programs, certificate programs and professional education courses, consider the following points when choosing which college or university to attend:

• A degree program should be state accredited. Click here for more information on accreditation.
  
• Speak with admissions counsellors to determine the flexibility of the programs offered. For example, can you study a wide range of courses in your first and second years and then create a major and a minor in your third and fourth years? Maybe you wish to structure a major in your second year?
• What works best for you? Taking two years of college and then transferring to a four-year program? Or would you prefer four years at the same school? Maybe complete an associate level program first, and then after gaining some work experience, complete a baccalaureate program.
• Does the school offer career services that include job placement, a resume service, job fairs and networking opportunities? Is there a fee connected with the career services offered? What is the placement rate for graduates of the program?
• Are you able to attend school full-time or part-time? Evenings or weekends only? Have you considered online or distance learning? You could continue with your career while completing a degree online. Click here for more information on online learning.
  
• Is there an internship component required? If so, what is the placement rate for graduates of the program? Will it be necessary for you to travel in order to complete the internship?
• What is the cost of the education required? Will you require financial aid? Could you qualify for a scholarship? Are loans or grants available to you? Click here for more information about scholarships and financial aid.
  
• If you are preparing for an IT Certification exam, you may wish to take a course online. Many companies offer IT certificate training, simulated exam questions and feedback on your exam readiness. Click here for more information about IT certification and examinations.
  

No matter what piques your interest, careers in technology offer many options to students.

• Get Started: Visit the links on the left navigation bar to review current career information and learn more about the nature of the jobs that interest you, such as salary expectations, working conditions, future outlook of the profession, employment rates and educational requirements.