What about a Career in Technology?
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Technology is evident in more than just the Internet or computers – it is utilized in everything from making cars more fuel efficient to ensuring packages are shipped on time. Similarly, taking the information technology (IT) path after high school will give you more than just a job, it can open the doors to a long-term, rewarding career in a variety of fields.
Despite the downturn in the economy, the quantity of jobs in the IT field is continuing to grow. The increased use of digital technologies has created tremendous demand for workers that are highly skilled in the development and use of IT. In a recent report from the Michigan Department of Career Development, the top 6 jobs with the "hottest growth” were in the IT field.
It’s clear that jobs in the technical career field are available, but gaining the necessary skills and expertise can seem to be an intimidating process. How do you get these skills? What are your choices? Where to start? Here are a few guidelines to look at if you’re thinking about a career in technology:
What specifically interests you?
If you haven’t already looked into taking a career aptitude
test, take one. People are more likely to excel in their career
if their work is connected in some way to something they like to
do, like. Are you the type who would build a website for a family
reunion? Then perhaps you should look into a web design or programming
career. If you like troubleshooting computer problems or if you’re
not afraid to take apart your PC, then a career in network administration
or computer support might be right up your alley.
What are your work values?
We all have certain expectations about what we would like to get
out of work besides a salary. Do you prefer working on projects
in groups or individually? Does being "on call” or working
weekends fit into your view of what your career will be? The extent
to which your work values match your work reality can have a very
substantial effect on how happy you are with your career path.
What can you offer an employer?
This process begins with you drafting a list of pertinent information
about your high school education and training, previous job history,
personal achievements, volunteer or community service, and your
hobbies and activities. Once you have all the information about
your experience and achievements on paper, compare what you have
to offer with what a potential employer in your desired field is
likely to want.
What are your education options?
Are you interested in pursuing an education at a university, community
college or through a local IT training center? Have you looked into
IT certification, through something like Microsoft’s MCSE (Microsoft
Certified Systems Engineer) or MSCA (Microsoft Certified Systems
Administrator) tracks? What about e-learning programs? Do you need
financing to attend classes? Understanding what you want, where
you are and what it takes to get there are key in answering these
questions. A website like www.yourit future.com might be a good
place to look to find out how to start an education in the IT field.
What type of salary you expect?
Though the hourly wage for newly placed IT professionals varies,
it generally ranges from $20–35/hour. Though certain jobs at
every company require similar skills, the benefits, job responsibilities
and of course, salary, also varies. Information on some job titles
and skill requirements can be found at: www.michlmi.org/LMI/crit_occ/crit_occ.htm
A career in information technology is certainly attainable. Think through these points, do some research, make informed choices, set goals for your educational path and get motivated to achieve them. No matter which IT path you take, it’s important to remember that the choices you make right now are an investment in your future. A career you pick now, might not be the career you stay with forever, but the skills you learn along the way can benefit any job search in the IT field.
Editorial provided by Mark McManus Jr., President and CEO, New Horizons Computer Learning Centers of Michigan.
