Computers Are Your Future

1. Computers Are Your Future Chapter 1 Careers and Certification

2. Traditional Information Technology (IT) Career Paths Learn about computers. • Stay abreast of job trends. • http://www.stats.bls.gov A Bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for the best jobs.

3. Traditional Information Technology (IT) Career Paths Information technology (IT) professionals • Work with IT in all its various forms • Are needed by both small and large companies • Keep up with fast-changing technology

4. Typical Job Titles and Responsibilities in a Corporate IS Department

5. Typical Job Titles and Responsibilities in a Corporate IS Department

6. Typical Job Titles and Responsibilities in a Software Development Firm

7. Traditional Information Technology (IT) Career Paths U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics • Fastest growing industries in US economy: • Network systems and data communications analysts (#1) • Computer software engineers (#4) • Computer systems analyst • Database administrators

8. Traditional Information Technology (IT) Career Paths Offshoring • Transfer of jobs from workers in one country to workers in other countries Outsourcing • Transfer of labor from the firm to outside entities

9. Education for Traditional IT Careers • Computer Science (CS) • Information Systems (IS) • Systems and Software Engineering • Electrical Engineering

10. Computer Science (CS) • Computer science uses the principles of science and engineering to improve computing. • Theory rather than the practical applications of computing is emphasized. • Training is technical and involves higher mathematics (calculus).

11. Computer Science (CS) Training also involves • Programming languages • Programming language structure • Advanced computer graphics • Artificial intelligence • Relational database design Graduates find jobs in software development firms and information systems departments.

12. Information Systems (IS) • Information system departments are usually located within business schools. (ISDS) • IS focuses on the practical applications of computing. • The skills needed by businesses are emphasized.

13. Information Systems (IS) Graduates find jobs in corporate information systems departments as well as software development companies.

14. Systems Engineering • Systems engineering uses the scientific method to create and maintain systems in business and industry. • Systems engineering emphasizes looking at the whole picture. • Students learn project management skills. • Graduates are in high demand in the areas of software development, systems analysis, and program development.

15. Electrical Engineering • Electrical engineering focuses on digital circuit design and communication technologies • Jobs are in hardware development.

16. Training Seminars Computer-related Last from one day to one week Presented by hardware or software developers or companies specializing in training for new technology Traditional Methods of Continuing Education

17. Computer Magazines, Newspapers, and Journals Indispensable resources for IT professionals Either cover the entire world of computer issues or are aimed at a specific part Professional Organizations Provide a way to keep up with a particular area of interest Traditional Methods of Continuing Education

18. Conferences and Shows Are a way of keeping in touch with the profession Trade shows – Annual meetings in which manufacturers, designers, and dealers showcase their products Traditional Methods of Continuing Education

19. Professional Organizations • Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) • Association for Women in Computing (AWC) • Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) • Network Professional Association (NPA) • Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)

20. New Career Paths forInformation Technology (IT) • New technologies and the nature of businesses are changing IT careers. • A four-year college degree is insufficient for some employers. • Employees need skills in communication, business, and technology.

21. New Career Paths forInformation Technology (IT) • Corporate downsizing or mergers may affect IT careers. • IT workers must manage their own careers.

22. Sought-After Business Skills • Teamwork– Ability of an individual to work effectively in a team environment • Project management – Ability to plan and manage a project • Communication–Writing and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to give presentations • Business acumen – Some knowledge of business

23. Sought-After Technology Skills Networking – Skills related to Ethernet, TCP/IP, and LAN administration • Microsoft Windows XP – Integration of .NET Passport with Windows XP UNIX – Strong demand for UNIX system configuration, maintenance, networking, and programming TCP/IP – Knowledge of Internet protocols

24. Sought-After Technology Skills • Oracle– Experience in working with Oracle database and client/server applications • C++– Language of choice for software development • Microsoft Visual Basic– Rapid application development and code reusability

25. New Jobs in Information Technology

26. Certification Certification is a skills and knowledge assessment organized by computer industry vendors. • Certifications need to be renewed periodically. • Selected certification programs

27. Certification • To obtain a certificate you: • Take courses at a college, training center, or study on your own • Take a comprehensive examination • Certificate is issued when the exam is passed

28. Selected Certification Programs

29. Certification Certification benefits • Enable employers to assess skills from a pool of applicants • Employer may increase salary offers

30. Certification Certification risks • Students focus on a specific vendor’s technology • Vendor’s technology may become obsolete • Having one skill isn’t enough • Hiring people with narrow training may be risky for employers