Information Technology Careers
IT Opens Doors to Many Industries

Let's face it. Technology touches nearly every facet of modern business. Think of an industry or an organization, and you can bet there is a demand for skilled information technology (IT) workers within it.

That's what enables IT workers to find employment in a wide variety of industries. Of course, many graduates do begin their careers with IT companies. (An IT company is in business that develops and sell computer solutions to other organizations.) Nevertheless, a great number also go to work for hospitals and insurance companies; schools, colleges and universities; nonprofits; telecommunications firms; banks and financial institutions; public utilities and transit agencies; city, state and federal government offices … the list is practically endless!

Yes, I want a career in IT. Now what?
Perhaps some of your friends are going off to a four-year school soon. You might think you also need to go to college in order to get a good job. While a number of careers do require a four-year degree, this isn't the case for many IT jobs, especially entry-level positions!

According to the U.S. Department of Education, special career training—like that provided by private technical institutes and some two-year colleges—is enough to begin many careers in computers and IT. Most private technical institutes offer short-term certificate programs in a wide variety of technology disciplines. Some even offer associate's degree programs that might give you an extra advantage in the job market.

Skills, Skills, Skills
So, what should you look for in a technical school? First and foremost, don't settle for anything other than hands-on training. If the majority of your time isn't spent in computer labs working on programming assignments, setting up and managing networks, or assembling and disassembling computer hardware, you're wasting your time and money. Employers want experience. So, look for training programs that are big on real-world, practical instruction supPORT 10,1,10,144,130,184 ve writing, oral communications, and business dynamics belong only at a university, then you'd be wrong! Gone are the days when IT professionals sat in front of a computer monitor all day long, locked away in some back office. Employers want to hire team players who understand how business is done and who can communicate effectively. As part of your new IT career, on a regular basis you will have to explain technical issues to people who don't have a clue about computers. Plus, you will need to be a savvy communicator to "wow" a hiring manager in your job interviews. Your soft skills complete the package that you present to employers. Knowing this, the best training institutes incorporate some type of soft skills development into their curriculum. Soft skills count!

The Extras
Your training experience should be challenging, yet enjoyable. So, take time to tour all of the schools you're considering. Talk to faculty, staff, current students, even graduates when possible. Get a good sense of what the school's culture is like. It's worth it in the long run.

Equally as important, make sure that the school you choose has the right support services in place to complement your educational experience. Ask about the career placement support offered by the school. After all, getting the right job is the reason you're there, right? Make sure the school provides meaningful placement activities. At the very least, the placement department should help you write your resume, practice your interviewing skills, and target potential employers. It's also a good idea to find out where and in what positions graduates are currently working. You should be impressed by the list of employers who have hired graduates from your school over the past year or so. Chances are, your future employer might be included on that list!

Finally, see what kinds of student support services are available. There should be staff members available not only to provide academic advising but also to help you cope with any difficult personal issues that might arise while you are enrolled. Financial aid officers should also be on hand to help you navigate the often-confusing financial aid application processes. Tutoring services and other educational resources are a plus.

Just Do IT!
You should take great pride in the IT career that lies before you. You will have a skill set that very few others even understand, let alone have. You will be in-demand and commanding respect from your boss and your coworkers, your family, and your friends. You will be adequately prepared for the jobs of tomorrow. And your earning potential will be strong. Clearly, IT training is a wise investment in your future!

Editorial provided by Dennis Keiser, Admissions Director at MCC Computer Technology Institute in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.