Why IT?
Want to learn more about education and careers in IT?
IT jobs are expected to be some of the fastest-growing and highest-paying over the next decade.
2: Two of the top four fastest-growing occupations in the United States are IT related, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. They are:
- Network systems and data communication analysts
- Computer software engineers, applications
53 percent: The demand for network systems and data communications analysts is projected to increase by 53 percent from 2008 to 2018, which places it among the fastest growing of all occupations. This category includes network architects and engineers, as well as Web administrators and developers.
Demand for network architects and engineers will increase as organizations continue to upgrade their IT capacity and incorporate the newest technologies. The growing reliance on wireless networks will result in a need for many more network architects and engineers. Workers with knowledge of information security also will be in demand, as computer networks transmit an increasing amount of sensitive data.
More web administrators and developers will be needed to accommodate the increasing number of services provided over the Internet.
30 percent: Overall employment of computer network, systems, and database administrators is projected to increase by 30 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Growth in computer network, systems, and database administrators will be rapid in the computer systems design, data processing and hosting, software publishing, and technical consulting industries, as these types of organizations provide an increasing array of IT services. Growth will also be rapid in health care, as these organizations look to increase their efficiency and improve patient care through the use of information systems and other technology.
7: In South Carolina, seven of the top 26 projected fastest-growing occupations for those with bachelor degrees or higher are IT related.
85 percent: Eighty-five percent of all IT jobs are found within companies that are everyday household names in industries such as retail, design, insurance, banking, aerospace, energy, and health care.
$60,000: The average starting salary for IT-related positions.
There are 27 distinct career opportunities in IT:
Application Development | Business System Analysis | Client Account Management | Computer Operations | Database Management | Design Architecture | Desktop Support | I/S Risk and Compliance | I/S Security | IT Business Support | IT Procurement | Network Management | Network Operations | Process Management | Program Management | Proposal Management | Quality Assurance | Server Management | System Performance | System Programming | System Support | System Testing | Technical Training | Technology Support | Telecommunications | Web Application Development | Web System Support
Check out the Be a Part of IT brochure, which provides great information on IT careers, pathways and more!
For more information, visit www.mebasc.com.
Educational Tracks
There are several different educational tracks you can take if you want to pursue a career in information technology, depending on whether you’re interested in designing systems and developing applications or managing networks and databases.
Bachelor’s degrees include computer science, information technology and information technology management.
All require a foundation in math and statistics. Courses in business and communications also are encouraged.
Many programs also encourage students to gain relevant work experience through internships.
You can also improve your opportunities by earning certifications, which are offered through product vendors, computer associations and other training institutions. Many employers regard these certifications as the industry standard, and some require their employees to be certified.