Information Technology Career Report
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Institution
Introduction
Understanding the different occupations within the computing field is one of the essential tools an individual should have if they are considering changing careers or get engaged with jobs with technology incorporated. Therefore, my paper intends to elaborate on the distinct critical disciplines related to the computing field as well as some of the careers that one can pursue in these disciplines. According to the Association for computing machinery, these disciplines include information technology, computer engineering, computer science, information systems, and software engineering. Even though they all fall under one computing category, their market requirements are very different, considering that most of them offer a distinct skill set.
Information Technology
The growth and spread of information technology (IT) paved a new pathway for the information era and ushered in a digital revolution that led to the development of societies that possessed more knowledge powered by technical advancement of the world’s economy (Tohidi, 2011). The information technology field is a broad family that utilizes any form of computer, networking, storage, together with all types of physical processes, infrastructure, and devices to generate, store and protect every kind of electronic data. As much as information technology and information systems seem to correspond, the core feature that distinguishes an information technology expert is their focus to satisfy the business’s needs that depend significantly on information by utilizing different technology and hardware techniques.
Computer Engineering
This is one of the specialized disciplines of IT that is offered to students who choose to pursue the field as they have an opportunity to explore the industry more. Computer Engineering is a technical domain that allows the students to acquire skills and knowledge to create and design hardware of a computer. Some of this computer hardware that is developed include laptops, personal computers, networking devices, storage equipment, and many more hardware facilities. To be able to achieve this, students in these disciplines learn how to create computer chips and transistors and their specific roles based on quantum mechanics.
Computer Science
The discipline highly overlaps with software engineering, but it involves the study of computers and systems in computation, and it often focuses more on software and software systems, which consists of designing, developing, and applying (Froyd et al. 2013). Human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, programming language, bioinformatics, computer systems and networks, vision and graphics, and database systems are some of the critical areas of study under this discipline. Designing and analyzing algorithms are the central focus of computer scientists to evaluate computer hardware and software performance as well as provide solutions for programs.
Information systems
This computing field has been a significant player in businesses and other firms that depend on skills related to information systems. The discipline is composed of an integrated set of components used to collect, store, and process information as well as offering data, statistics, and modernized goods and services. Many companies rely on information systems because it allows firms to assess and control their activities, promote their competitiveness in the marketplace, and enhance their interaction with suppliers and customers (Franceschet, 2011). For instance, firms utilize information systems to have effective management of human resources, manage their financial statements, and reach their target audience using online often.
Software Engineering
Software engineering refers to the procedure of examining the requirements of a particular user before developing, building, and evaluating software applications that serve to meet the requirements (Tohidi, 2011). Individuals with skills in software engineering have comprehensive information about the language used in programming, developing software, and operating computer systems.
Programming and Scripting
To achieve a particular computing outcome, computer programming is the crucial procedure that entails designing and creating an executable computer program through different duties such as performing an analysis, building algorithms, profiling the accuracy and the resource preference of the algorithm, and many more. Using the central processing unit instead of machine code, programmers can interchange the source code of a particular program in many different languages (Foster et al. 2011). The ultimate objective of programming is to identify a series of guidelines, which aid in automating the computers’ performance task that enhances problem-solving. On the other hand, computer scripting is another programming language that automates the delivery of duties for a unique run-time setting. Instead of being compiled, scripting languages are interpreted because a decrease in performance is experienced if they get compiled.
Information Technology Careers
Information technology offers an individual with all sorts of vital skills required in businesses. Some of the careers that I am interested in are IT manager, information technology consultant, and information technology specialist. An IT manager is tasked with the duty of managing the firm’s entire electronic systems as well as supervise and lead the whole department in achieving the company’s information systems requirements (Wu et al. 2015). Some of the requirements needed in an individual to qualify as an IT manager include a degree in information technology, computer science, information systems and other related fields, working experience of 2-5 years, has experience in managing and supervising large IT projects, and strong critical thinking skills.
An information technology consultant operates with companies in collaboration, educating them about whether to leverage computer systems to achieve their corporate targets or solve issues. They work in various organizations to improve the structure and efficiency of the IT systems (Franceschet, 2011). The necessary qualification of an IT consultant is a bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science and other related fields with at least one-year work experience, in-depth understanding of computer systems, and should be able to operate both in a team and individually. An IT specialist is defined as a technical individual responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining the information technology systems. Besides, they also perform network analysis specialization, information technology audits, database administration, and operations administration. An individual qualifies as an IT specialist by having a bachelor’s degree in engineering, information technology, computer science, and other related fields, technical courses in hardware and software installation. And some of the IT specialist skills needed include comprehensive information and knowledge on IT and systems and capable of coordinating multiple levels as well as offer quality customer service.
References
Foster, N., Harrison, R., Freedman, M. J., Monsanto, C., Rexford, J., Story, A., & Walker, D. (2011). Frenetic: A network programming language. ACM Sigplan Notices, 46(9), 279-291.
Franceschet, M. (2011). Collaboration in computer science: A network science approach. Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology, 62(10), 1992-2012.
Froyd, J. E., Borrego, M., Cutler, S., Henderson, C., & Prince, M. J. (2013). Estimates of the use of research-based instructional strategies in core electrical or computer engineering courses. IEEE Transactions on Education, 56(4), 393-399.
Tohidi, H. (2011). Review the benefits of using value engineering in information technology project management. Procedia Computer Science, 3, 917-924.
Wu, S. P. J., Straub, D. W., & Liang, T. P. (2015). How information technology governance mechanisms and strategic alignment influence organizational performance: Insights from a matched survey of business and IT managers. Mis Quarterly, 39(2), 497-518.