Computer Technology Careers

As companies become more and more dependent upon their computer systems for daily operations, the demand for trained and experienced Information Technology (IT) professionals has grown proportionately. The search for qualified IT professionals has often been difficult. The problem has been a significant skills gap created by the swift technological advances in hardware and software and the inability of traditional educational programs to keep pace. As software companies continue to produce more powerful versions of their operating systems, clients, who depend upon those operating systems, often find themselves with staff who do not have the knowledge necessary to effectively troubleshoot the network when problems arise.

As companies searched for qualified people, the need for some kind of a benchmark became apparent. Hiring managers must always ask the question, "How do I measure a candidate's abilities?" It was in this environment, that certification programs were developed. It is important to note that a person becomes certified not by attending classes, but by passing exams published by the vendors themselves. For example, in order to become a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer, the candidate must pass seven exams. While the candidate does not have to attend classes, it is almost impossible, except for those with considerable experience, to pass the exams without some type of formal training. Also, for those wishing to become certified who have little, if any, hands-on experience, the classes have labs that can provide the student with basic experience, crucial in the IT industry.

Certification programs are generally offered either by IT training companies, which specialize in certification training, or colleges and universities through the Department of Continuing Education or Workforce Development. Classes are usually not available for college credit, although some exceptions apply, but generally qualify for CEUs (Continuing Education Units). Most certification programs take from 6 to 12 months. They are usually a mix between traditional class format (lecture, question and answer) and some type of lab experience. The goal is for the students to gain the knowledge they need to pass the certification exams.

There are several certification paths that the student can pursue. These paths test the student's knowledge in one of the following areas: web design, programming, hardware technician, networking, and database administration.

Web designers are responsible for designing and maintaining websites as part of a company's marketing and sales strategy. Web designers need to have a strong working knowledge of the web languages used to develop a site and principles of e-commerce and marketing. A basic understanding of networking is also important.

Programmers are responsible for designing and developing custom business solutions by devising and expanding multi-user applications. In doing so, the programmer assists the company in the task of increasing employee productivity by developing applications which better fit the company's needs. A strong knowledge of programming languages, such as Visual Basic or C++, is necessary.

Technicians install and troubleshoot the computer hardware. They set up workstations and install components, such as video cards and hard drives. Technicians need a working knowledge of the components that make up the computer, as well as the operating system, such as Windows 2000, for proper hardware installation and troubleshooting.

Network administrators spend their days maintaining a company's infrastructure. They must constantly monitor the network in order to prevent service interruption. Network administrators set up user workstations, making sure the employees have access to email and the network, with the appropriate security level. Troubleshooting is a significant part of the administrator's job. Anything in the network that interrupts a company's connectivity falls to the network administrator for correction.

Database administration is quickly becoming a field of demand. A company's database contains information vital to the operation and growth of the business. The database administrator is responsible for building and maintaining that information storage system. Database administrators organize information into a system of both storage and retrieval, focusing on efficiency as a key element. Security is also an important issue.

Salaries vary depending on the demand and the candidate's training and experience. Median salaries for IT professionals average approximately $55,000 in the Cleveland area. While many IT professionals have been laid off during 2001, there is still a shortage of qualified workers. According to the Information Technology Association of America (ITAA), approximately 580,000 positions will go unfilled in the year 2002 due to a skills gap.

Provided by Matthew H. Bevere, Education Consultant at New Horizons Computer Learning Center of Cleveland.