So readers, I have a couple extra days off so I figured I would catch up and write  some articles.  The one topic that I’d like to touch on is Information Technology Careers and Jobs and I’d like to target this to the younger generation.  When I was in high-school, I really wished someone would of broken all this down for me and gave me more direction.  As a result, it probably took me a few years to really figure out what I wanted.  What I find encouraging is that a great many high-school aged individuals want to go into Information Technology.  The only thing that discourages me, is usually their reasons for wanting to do so.

The reasons to go into IT usually are:

• “The Money is Good”
• “I enjoy using the Computer all day”

To debunk these two reasons, I’ll state the following:

• The money isn’t always good or consistent (at the beginning more so)
• Using the computer for hours a day doesn’t involve Facebook or Instant Messaging.

Unfortunately, to me these really are not good enough reasons to want to go into the Information Technology.  Information Technology isn’t only for geeks and computer nerds, but if you’re idea of IT and computing is chatting on Windows Messenger, Yahoo, or Facebook – then you won’t find many careers that pay you for doing that.

Some key attributes to typical IT Professionals:

• They have a Birdseye view of things
• They love analyzing problems
• They love developing inventive solutions

Of course for my part, I’ll admit that sometimes having these attributes comes at an expense; social skills being one of the top lacking attributes of many IT gurus.  However, it’s my hope that with formal education, networking, and increased teamwork things will slowly change that stereotype.

The Truth

The truth is, you’ll have to read some pretty thick text books/technical manuals, learn some basic math skills, be willing to upgrade yourself often, and have to suffer through some programming.  I’ll be honest in saying that most IT careers (other then computer programmers) you won’t be using high levels of mathematical programming.  However, you will be doing some sort of analysis.

Thank God for most of us right?  And Thank God for the few people who love writing and dissecting code.  I for one, wasn’t one of them and went into IT Management and Systems Administration.  However, atleast I was able to see the benefits and power that programmers give to IT and make software more easy to use.

In all truth, you can achieve some pretty high pay scales within IT – but it all boils down to persistence, discipline, gaining certifications, and the ability to learn technologies rather quickly.  Does persistent, disciplined, and a quick learner describe you?  If so, IT may just be for you!

STEP 1 – Students: What area do you want to go into?

Ask a student, “What area do want to do in IT?” and the response will typically be, “Well I want to work on a computer all day”.

Guys and gals, you can work on a computer all day as a secretary or receptionist.  If you have a real interest in IT, start researching some career models and see where those careers can take you.  I’ll be honest, I didn’t know what area I wanted to go into till probably my 3rd year of college.  So College students, if you’re in a rut and wondering why you’re taking IT as a major or what you’ll do with it – don’t fret.  You’ll figure it out and your specialty will call to you.

If you’re a high school student (or even an college student) – You should checkout Microsoft DreamSpark which offers free development software for future IT programmers, database administrators, and systems engineers.  Free Software from Microsoft?  You got it – Don’t pass it up.

Now for you new-comers and high school students, here are some careers within IT for you to ponder over and plan ahead for.

Here are some basic areas you can decide to go into:

Want to see Salaries for IT Jobs? Check out: www.salary.com

STEP 2 – Specialties

Keep in mind of course, these are just a few areas but most people start off in one of them.  From that point, you’ll probably find some specialty areas you may want to pursue.  Here are just a few examples of some extremely high-demand specialties that are needed NOW:

• Network Security Analyst – Involves often protecting corporate or Government networks for foreign hackers.  Think: Ethical Hacker
• Virtualization Specialist – Involves server consolidations, clustering, and saving corporations costs
• Digital Investigation and Forensics – Involves working with security staff to track down digital computer crimes

STEP 3 – Why an IT degree can help you reach your Goals

I’ve met quite a few self-taught IT guru’s and even went to high-school with a few people who never sought a degree.  Those people got in on the ground level of networking technologies before it was the cool thing to do, and now are making a ton of money.  People and opportunities like this are rare right outside of high school.  Truthfully, most of those people have a desire to get a degree later on in life to reach management levels.

Personally, I am glad I got my education by going to Pace University in New York.  Obtaining a B.S. in Information Systems gave me the well-rounded tech foundation I needed to specialize later on in my career.

What I can promise you in getting an Information Technology degree, is that it will make you a well-rounded individual.  It is a broad first step into a life-long career that will enable you to get your feet wet.  Think of it as your foundation on which you’ll build on for the rest of your life.  Technology changes so rapidly, that even within five years of graduating you’ll not be able to apply the hands-on training from college.  However, you can ALWAYS apply the analysis and theory that you learned within college.  This is what makes it inherently important – building a solid well-rounded foundation for your career.

STEP 4 – Nearing Graduation?  Start Internships!

If there is one thing that will set you apart from other graduates and professionals it is Interning.  If you can juggle it, start interning as early as possible in your college career.  This gives you a hands-on environment to apply some of the foundation you’re learning in college.  Better yet, if you’re a high school student – Take ANY opportunity, paid or free, to work in an IT environment.

Bottom line: Interning will make you a better student – Being a student will make you a better intern.  Plus, it looks great on a resume!

STEP 5 – Supercharge your Career with Certifications

Going to school, studying, and interning – and still got steam?  I suggest you get at least one certification early on in your career.  The two entry level ones you can look into while studying would be: Comptia A+ (Computer Technician) and Comptia Network+ (Computer Networking).

Check out: http://www.comptia.org for more program information

Some other higher level certifications are: Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA), Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), etc.

Conclusion

I hope some of you found this article helpful.  Like I stated earlier, I wish I had someone to point out some of these basic tips to me.  I’d of saved myself some headaches.  If I provide even one of you the insight and ability to navigate IT Careers and education – I feel I’ve done my job.  I look forward to hearing some of your own stories and experiences.

Want news and updates on the Technology industry and education info?  Check out: www.insidetech.com

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