| But What Is IT? | | | | median earnings were $73,090. |
| Ask the average American what information | | | | 3. Database Administrators: Database administrators |
| technology is, and your reply may be an embarrassed | | | | create and manage data collection systems. |
| smile. An online look at Merriam-Webster tells us | | | | Information security is increasingly becoming an |
| information technology is "the technology involving the | | | | important component of this job. Most employers want |
| development, maintenance, and use of computer | | | | bachelor's degrees in computer science, information |
| systems, software, and networks for the processing | | | | science, or management information systems. Median |
| and distribution of data." | | | | wages in 2007 were $67,250. |
| In layman's terms, it simply means setting up the | | | | 4. Network Systems and Data Communications |
| systems we use to communicate and keeping them | | | | Analysts: Also known as network architects, they |
| running. So, when a journalist blogs or an investment | | | | keep the lines of communication open from intranets |
| banker peruses stocks on the Web, they are relying | | | | and the Internet to email and voice mail. Degree |
| information technology to ply their respective trades. | | | | requirements are the same as database |
| Top to Bottom Tech Jobs | | | | administrators. Salaries are roughly equal, too, at |
| Looking for a little more clarification? Here are five IT | | | | $68,220. |
| jobs that span the spectrum from chief executive to | | | | 5. Computer Support Specialists: Technical support for |
| help-desk technician. | | | | users is essential. Specialists in this area can work for |
| 1. Computer and Information Systems Managers: | | | | a non-IT company in their support department or for a |
| These tech-savvy managers marry their business skills | | | | firm that specializes in supporting other companies in |
| to technical know-how to plan and carry out a | | | | outside industries. Some companies require a |
| company's overall technology strategy. Not surprisingly, | | | | bachelor's degree in computing, others accept |
| many have a master's degree of business | | | | associate's degrees or certificates and relevant work |
| administration that focuses on technology. They make | | | | experience. Median salaries in 2007 were $42,400. |
| decisions regarding everything from the hardware they | | | | Career Training for IT |
| purchase to the security of their intranet. Median | | | | Though not quite in its infancy, IT is still an emerging |
| salaries were $108,070 in 2007. | | | | field. As a result, there is no one single formula to |
| 2. Computer Systems Analysts: Broadly speaking they | | | | gaining entry. But, as you move up, the formula is |
| design and implement a company's technology | | | | education. With intense competition for top jobs, |
| solutions from the systems to the software. And, they | | | | master's degrees are becoming increasingly common. |
| keep all the systems talking to each other. Generally, | | | | Online programs are an attractive alternative, |
| analysts have a bachelor's degree in disciplines such | | | | particularly to professionals looking to advance their |
| as computer science, management information | | | | careers. |
| systems, or information security. In 2007, analysts' | | | | |