Information Technology Careers

 Information Technology Careers

            Information technology is an exciting and constantly changing field of study. A degree in technology provides individuals with the opportunity for a career in top-ranked jobs (Vahid & Lysecky, 2019). How does an individual know what career is right for them? Information technology is a relatively new career path. However, it is one of the fastest growing. With technological advances being made every day, new job roles are forming to fill the changing needs of businesses. Career competencies are positively correlated to career adaptability and success in an individual’s career (AlKhemeiri et al., 2021). Technology’s constant evolution requires individuals to have a broad knowledge of the fundamentals of technology concepts to maintain adaptability. To succeed in a career in technology, individuals should understand the history of computers, have knowledge of hardware and applications, and comprehend network architecture to succeed.

            The history of computers helps individuals decide what information technology career is right for them. Studying the progression of computers allows a glimpse into different career paths. Computers originated from electric pulses through switches, later developed into transistors, which today form the central processing unit (Vahid & Lysecky, 2019). A deep understanding of this information would assist in a computer repair technician or engineer career. Similarly, a career in programming starts with understanding how the electric pulses read as zeros and ones to compose machine language. Machine language led to assembly language for enhanced readability, but its limited processing capability led to the progression of high-level programming languages (Vahid & Lysecky, 2019). The history and progression of computers allow for insight into how hardware and applications were formed. Another example of this is how database management systems revolutionized the 1970s. Database management systems were created to solve managers’ technical issues. Databases allow businesses to organize data and retrieve requested material through queries. Conversely, this created new job roles like database management (Bergin & Haigh, 2009). Although technology constantly changes, understanding its history will allow individuals to identify where their job role originated and where it may be headed. Individuals will be better informed about which technology career they are best suited for.

            Knowledge of hardware is necessary for any career choice in information technology. A computer programmer creates code for software programs (Vahid & Lysecky, 2019). A programmer must have intimate knowledge of applications and programming languages. However, understanding computer hardware is necessary for a programmer to design and analyze software and programs more efficiently (Lane, 1996). Understanding that the code written for an application will be processed by the computer operating system into assembly language and transformed into machine language in the central processing unit can allow the programmer to troubleshoot issues that arise. Writing a bulky program may cause the computer to lag. The central processing unit has limited random access memory, so large programs on devices with a small amount of memory (like a tablet or smartphone) will likely cause issues. This in-depth knowledge of hardware allows the programmer to write more efficient code for the pertaining requirements. Similarly, a technical support specialist should understand how the components of a computer work to assist a customer in troubleshooting. Suppose a customer has issues with a computer running slow. In that case, the specialist should check how much storage is used on the hard drive or if an excessive number of programs are open, causing the processor to lag because the random access memory is overwhelmed with the number of applications. These examples showcase how understanding of hardware prevails in any career path.

            Computer applications are prevalent in all business forms, making them essential to any career. High-level programming has made it possible to have software with a user-friendly interface. Word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation applications are predominantly used. These resources allow employees to carry out daily tasks; even emails are generated by a word processor. A data analyst would require all these applications regularly. An analyst must also know a programming language like SQL or Python to access a database. They may then share their analyzed information in an email or report generated by a word processor. A spreadsheet application may also format the data into charts and graphs for easy explanation. The information may need to be addressed in a meeting with the assistance of a presentation application. Considering applications used in a particular field will help individuals select a career.

            Basic knowledge of network architecture will be vital for any career in information technology. Network architecture is the framework for computers to interact with each other. Although you can make a career out of being a computer network architect, different career choices also require this knowledge. Computer support specialists often assist customers in troubleshooting software and equipment (Vahid & Lysecky, 2019). Troubleshooting usually requires internet connectivity. A support specialist may take control of the user’s computer (with permission) to assist in solving the problem. Understanding how to access the customer’s home network allows the support specialist to help the customer better. If the customer has issues with internet connectivity, the specialist should direct the customer to run a ping or traceroute command to address where the connectivity issue occurs. Furthermore, a basic understanding of network management is critical for cyber security. Individuals must understand the risks of data breaches and their impact on a company. Sensitive information should be kept out of emails, and prospective employees should understand how to protect information from breaches. Network architecture, the communication between computers, is necessary to survive in any information technology career.

            In conclusion, success in information technology requires individuals to understand what their intended career entails. Although a broad knowledge of technology fundamentals will allow a successful career, it will also give an individual insight into what specialization they would prefer to pursue. Individuals should know that technology is constantly evolving and must grow with it. Understanding the progression of computers, programming, and applications will assist individuals in assessing what growth may come in the potential direction of careers. They should obtain a well-rounded education in computer history, hardware, applications, and network architecture to ensure the best chance of success in their career choice. Their education will permit their competencies and adaptability, thus providing prosperity in their career.

 

References

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https://doi.org/10.1108/EJTD-05-2020-0081

Bergin, T. J., & Haigh, T. (2009). The Commercialization of Database Management Systems,

1969-1983. IEEE Annals of the History of Computing, 31(4), 26–41.

https://doi.org/10.1109/MAHC.2009.107

Lane, W. D. (1996). Textbook Principles to Communications Hardware: Making it Work.

 Technology-Based Re-Engineering Engineering Education Proceedings of Frontiers in

Education FIE’96 26th Annual Conference, Frontiers in Education Conference, 1996.

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Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. (2019). Computing technology for all. zyBooks