Computer and Information Technology Occupations

“What do I want to be when I grow up?” That is the question isn’t it? Well if you are reading this then at some point you got a taste of some form of technology and your answer became, “something with computers” right? Then as you enter college you realize there are so many avenues you could go with Information Technology, which one do you choose? How do you know your path?

Just a few questions you must ask yourself first.
1. Are you prepared to give your IT Career 24/7 attention?
2. Do you possess Troubleshooting or Problem solving skills? (Not required but will help you advance in your new career)
3. Are you prepared to continue your education to learn new technologies?
4. Do you possess any computer literacy skills?

These are just a few questions, however not required. These are just examples of what a typical IT person possesses.

So you have decided to choose IT, but what occupation do you choose? Here i will break down a FEW IT careers to give you some insight and thought on “what you want to be when you grow up”
(Note there are many career choices in the IT field)

Information Technology-

*Network and Computer Administrators
Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks. They organize, install, and support an organization’s computer systems, including local area networks (LANs); wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets, and other data communication systems

• -Determine what type of infrastructure the company needs before setting it up. – Install all network hardware and software and make needed upgrades and repairs.
  – Maintain network and computer system security and ensure that all systems are operating correctly.
  – Understand how to make the system run faster and better and more secure on a regular basis by collecting data.
  -Add users to a network and assign and update security permissions on the network.
  – Detect and troubleshoot problems within all aspects of the network.

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Computer-and-Information-Technology/Network-and-computer-systems-administrators.htm#tab-2

*Computer Network Architects
Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software

• -Determine and adjust network sizes to meet volume or capacity demands.
  -Communicate with system users to ensure accounts are set up properly or to diagnose and solve operational problems.
  -Coordinate installation of new equipment, control network operations, maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
  -Design, build, or operate equipment, including network hardware, software, servers, or server operation systems.
  -Determine specific network hardware or software requirements, such as platforms, interfaces, bandwidths, or routine schemas.
  -Develop and implement solutions for network problems.

http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1143.00

*LAN Support Technician
Network technicians design client’s network system and operate it. They administer these systems and troubleshoot problems as they arise. Depending on budget allocation, Network technicians use the latest network software and hardware. Network design must always serve the client’s needs, so they normally talk with the client on various issues that need to be addressed and resolved. Implementation of a network deals with installing and configuring of hardware and conflict resolution of hardware used. Hardware conflicts such as cards, cables and such are the most common.

• -Costs are calculated in planning for a system
  -Design a Network based on Client/Company needs
  -Configuring hardware and hardware conflicts
  – Technical support is provided to non-technical staff and users
  -Knowledge of protocols, network terminology and hardware

There are many factors to consider what your career path will be in IT, I assure you Johnson County Community College will be a key in your success. JCCC provides support to the students in all areas of learning and coping with daily school life.
Happy Days are ahead for you
And
May the Force be strong with you