Tech Topic Connection

 




What a ride it has been getting an introduction to Information Technology! The IT field is diverse and ever-changing, which makes it exciting to learn.  There are many different paths an IT student could be interested in pursuing as a future career.  IT careers span all the fundamentals of the field, past, present, and future.  With so many possibilities, how would one decide which way to go?  I decided to take a brief look at some of the IT careers available in each of the areas studied in this course, and what these professions entail. Hopefully this will shed some light on the question we all must ask ourselves: what do I want to be when I grow up? 

 

A Computer Systems Analyst is a business’s IT partner in terms of the history of computers and the means by which they operate.  They review past, present, and future technology needs to make recommendations on how the business can run more efficiently (Vahid & Lysecky, 2019).  This includes analyzing both the software systems currently used and the hardware supporting it and implementing changes (Birt, 2020).  Meanwhile, the hardware components and functions of a modern computer system are typically managed by a Computer Systems Administrator.  The Computer Systems Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operations including installation of new devices, managing networks, troubleshooting and technical support (Coursera, 2022).  These are positions would interact during an implementation to ensure that any hardware, software or network installations needed are successfully completed and training is available to other staff members.

 

When it comes to programing languages and program execution methods, this is where developers shine.  Web developers design the web sites businesses use and have three specifications: front-end development (the user side), back-end development (applications and databases running behind the scenes), and full-stack development which does both (Coursera, 2022).  The skillset of a developer is heavy in programming languages, including front-end languages like HTML, CSS and JavaScript, and back-end languages like Python or Ruby (Coursera, 2022).  Software Developers specialize in application software that can be used across an entire company’s workforce or can be mass-distributed for customers.  Software developers also need strong programming language skills, as well as strong problem-solving skills to test the software they create (Birt, 2020).  The applications everyone uses are created by developers.  

 

Companies collect massive amounts of data that needs to be stored, accessed, and kept secure.  The role of the Database Administrator (DBA) is to manage this daunting amount of data.  DBAs ensure that users are able to easily access the data stored within the database, prevent data loss by performing backups, and keep the system secure as most databases contain sensitive information (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022).  While DBAs work primarily with highly organized relational databases and are well-versed in Structured Query Language (SQL), Data Scientists use non-relational (NoSQL) databases and tools like MongoDB, Hadoop or Azure for predictive analysis (IBM Cloud Education, 2021).  NoSQL databases are compatible with a vast amount of data compared to relational databases, but Data Scientists have a much higher level of expertise to know how to maintain them.

 

Managing the complex role of network architecture and security is the Network Architect, or Network Engineer.  Network Engineers design the computer network and ensure that all hardware is up to date and in working order, that the network is secure, and also predict future networking needs (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022).  Network engineers are by definition the experts of a company’s network and have the knowledge of how it is set up, how the different systems communicate within the network, where access points are, and are able to troubleshoot any issues in the network.  Information Security Analysts, or Cybersecurity Analysts, are then responsible for making sure the online network remains protected.  They stay up to date on current threats, implement security protocol, and address any attacks that may occur (Coursera, 2022).  Cybersecurity Analysts are the fighting force in protecting a company’s machines and data against attackers.

 

After spending some quality time in the history of computers, the means by which they operate, and their hardware components, programming languages, application software, databases, and network architecture and security, I feel a lot more knowledgeable and confident going forward in my IT education and future career path.  Each aspect of Information Technology overlaps, so a good general background is the best place to start.  Throughout this course, activities very much excited me like creating a project in Scratch, experimenting with transitions and animations in PowerPoint, and creating a blog.  From here, I’m looking forward to learning more about programming languages and web development.  And after looking into IT careers, I realize this isn’t the unrealistic goal I had once thought it to be.  I’m excited for what the future of the IT field holds and what my part in it will be.



 

References

 

Birt, J.  (2020, February 4).  21 Different Types of IT Careers to Explore. Indeed Career Guide.  

Updated September 29, 2022.  https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/types-of-it-jobs

 

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.) Occupational Outlook Handbook: Database Administrators and 

Architects. U.S. Department of Labor. Updated September 8, 2022.    https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/database-administrators.htm#tab-2

 

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.) Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer Network 

Architects. U.S. Department of Labor. Updated October 4, 2022.    https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-network-architects.htm#tab-2

 

Coursera.  (2022, August 10).  10 Entry-Level IT Jobs and What You Can Do to Get Hired.

https://www.coursera.org/articles/entry-level-it-jobs

 

IBM Cloud Education. (2021, June 29). Structured vs. Unstructured Data: What’s the Difference? IBM. https://www.ibm.com/cloud/blog/structured-vs-unstructured-data

 

Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. (2019). Computing Technology for All. zyBooks.

 

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