Career & Certifications in IT

1. Career & Certifications in IT Lecture 10

2. Computers & IT • We are living in the Information Age where computer technology provides a way for global development and prosperity. • This in turn generates career options for job seekers • Information technology (IT) offers numerous career options for people who have acquired proficiency in computers • There are a number of entry points into this high-tech sector.

3. Career Paths • You may acquire a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science engineering. • You could also pick up computer skills on your own or by attending various programmes. • Whichever route you may take to get into the IT domain, you have the advantage to select an appropriate career path for yourself from the available choices.

4. Numerous opportunities • The use of computers has automated numerous processes that were earlier done manually. • Computer systems can be found everywhere. From schools to advanced scientific research establishments and from railway ticket counters to nuclear power plants. • Role of computers and IT professionals has become very important. • Utility bills we get, maintenance of our bank accounts, purchase of products from the Internet, are some common day-to-day examples of IT applications.

5. IT Professionals • IT professionals have to deal with different aspects of computers such as its hardware, software, maintenance, networking, and so on. • In doing so they have to undertake different activities such as install, troubleshoot, repair, develop, design, test, and manage computers and computer based systems. • The particular activity a computer professional is proficient, determines their roles and responsibilities in the IT industry.

6. Hardware Engineer • These engineers look after the physical upkeep of computers. • They make sure that all the computers within a given facility are running smoothly. • Hardware engineers are qualified to test the performance of computers and to rectify any hardware related issues they encounter.

7. Software Engineer • These engineers form the backbone of the IT industry. • They are the ones who develop new software applications and modify existing ones as required. • Software engineers have to follow the software development strategies defined by system analysts and application architects. • Apart from writing code, these professionals have to test the software during different phases of its development.

8. Project Manager • The primary role of a project manager is to monitor the development of a software application from its inception all the way up until its completion and implementation. • They have to undertake many tasks simultaneously. • Their primary focus is on project planning, client management, project scheduling, budgeting and costing, team management, problem resolution, and so on. • Project managers also have to maintain a proper balance between different functional teams for a hassle free completion of projects.

9. System Analyst • These experts analyze the technical and business requirements of a project from the client’s perspective and provide suitable solutions. • Once feasible options for developing an application are found these professionals document them in the form of technical specifications. • These documents provide guidelines for software engineers during the process of software development.

10. Network Administrator • The primary role of a network administrator is to set up and maintain the interconnectivity of computers within an organisation. • The network they administer could be a local area network or a wide area network. • These professionals also have to monitor various activities associated with the Internet such as mailing, chatting, file upload and download, and so on. • They have to ensure the security of the entire network from different types of internal as well as external threats. • Network administrators thus guarantee the smooth and error free functioning of a computer network.

11. Database Administrator • These professionals are expert in overseeing the operations associated with the databases of a company. • Databases generally hold critical business related information pertaining to a company or a project. • The role of a database administrator assumes a critical status in the hierarchy of a company and its operations. • Further, they have to define and implement strategies for safe storage, backup, and retrieval of information from various databases. 

12. IT Certifications • To succeed in today's competitive job market, whether looking for new opportunities or advancing in your current position, you need to build and demonstrate your technology expertise and skills. • When evaluating new candidates or considering the competencies of existing staff, employers recognize the value of Certification. • These certifications provide the recognition you need to excel in your career and provides employers with validation of your skills. • Certifications are available for most of the IT technologies and skill levels from business workers to IT professionals, developers, technology trainers, and system architects. • Pursuing a certification, provides you with up-to-date, relevant skills that can not only lead to a more fulfilling career.

13. Some Popular Certifications • Microsoft Certification • Cisco Certification • Oracle Certification

14. Microsoft Certification •  Software Engineer • As a MCSD (Microsoft Certified Solution Developer) you would know how to design and develop using Microsoft development tools, technologies, and platforms. • Database Analyst • The obvious choice is the MCDBA (Microsoft Certified Database Administrator). It is for those who are responsible for the implementation and administration of Microsoft SQL Server databases. • Network Administrator • The MSCE (Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer) is targeted to any Network Administrator who uses Microsoft Windows and back office applications.

15. Cisco Certification • CCNA • Among the most popular certifications in the industry, the basic Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) covers installing and managing medium-size networks, certification lasts for three years. • CCNP • CCNA accreditation is a prerequisite for the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)

16. CCNA Paths • CCNA Security • Validates knowledge of security infrastructure, threats and vulnerabilities to networks. Skills include installation, troubleshooting and monitoring of network devices • CCNA Voice • Validates skills in VoIP technologies such as voicemail solutions. • CCNA Wireless • Validates candidate's skills in the configuration, implementation and support of wireless networks • CCNA Routing and Switching • Covers variety of network concepts and protocols • CCNA (SP Operations) • Validates basic knowledge and skills in troubleshooting core network infrastructure.

17. Oracle Certifications • Oracle Certified Associate (OCA) • Enables one to act as a junior team member working with database administrators or application developers. • Oracle Certified Professional (OCP) • For managing a large scale database or developing robust applications that are deployed enterprise-wide. • Oracle Certified Master (OCM) • The highest level credential. These people are senior level members of IT departments and are responsible for handling mission critical database systems and applications. • Oracle Java Developer (JDEV) • Developers using the Java platform.