Information Technology Career Pathways
Although computers as devices have been in existence for less than 100 years, they have changed the framework of our society and created an extensive number of new careers. The information age began in the 1990s and caused a shift from traditional industry to creating, managing, and using computerized information for work, learning, communication, and entertainment (Vahid & Lysecky, 2019). Today, careers in IT address concepts across the board, such as computer hardware, programming, software applications, database management, network architecture, and security.
History of IT and IT Careers
Computers as devices that we think of today were first built in the 1940s although they were rudimentary and very large, taking up entire rooms (Vahid & Lysecky, 2019). However, prior to that, a “computer” was a job title for a person who completed mathematical calculations and dates back to the 1640s (O'Grady, 2017). Throughout the 19th century, inventions such as the Jacquard Loom, which used punched cards to program a loom to weave specified patterns, the Difference Engine, the first automatic mechanical device used to calculate polynomial functions, and a punched card tabulating machine developed by Herman Hollerith to compile U.S. Census statistics, all paved the way for the development of the modern-day computer. Ada Lovelace and Grace Hopper are computer programmers who contributed to the development of some of the first programming languages (Vahid & Lysecky, 2019). The field of information technology evolves quickly, and progress is made by expanding and building upon developments from the past.
IT Careers Relating to Computer Hardware and Systems
Computer hardware is the physical parts of a computer, such as the central processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), keyboard and screen (Vahid & Lysecky, 2019). Some careers that involve computer systems and hardware are:
Computer Hardware Engineer
Hardware engineers create computers; they design and develop the computer systems and the physical components of a computer. In addition to designing, computer hardware engineers also test, modify and maintain the computers (Tobin, 2023).
Computer Hardware Technician
Hardware technicians help customers diagnose and fix issues with their computer systems and hardware. Computer hardware technicians install, maintain, and repair computer systems and often provide IT support to companies or organizations (2023).
IT Careers Involving Programming
Computer programming is the process of writing code, or a set of instructions, to a computer in a language that the computer can understand and execute.
Computer Programmer
A computer programmer is the person who writes the code, or provides the instructions to the computer. There are many programming languages and they all have slightly different functions and purposes. For example, programmers who work for Google or NASA would likely use Python, while Java is the preferred language for Android apps (Computerscience.org Staff, 2022).
IT Careers in Software Applications
We use software applications every day without even thinking about it. Examples of applications for the computer include Microsoft Office, web browsers such as Google Chrome, and communication tools like Skype. Phone applications can be anything from social media like Facebook and Instagram, to apps for ordering food from local restaurants.
Software Developers
A career in software development will enable you to design these apps or software programs. Software developers work as a team to develop the plan for the app and plan the development, and then generally the design will be passed along to a computer programmer to do the coding (Brooks, 2019).
IT Careers in Database Management
Data is a very valuable resource for a company or organization and can be used to inform management of trends and influence important decision making. The accumulation of this data created a need for a database to store and manage this vital resource.
Database Administrator
Database administrators develop and maintain all aspects of an organization’s stored data. Administrators can be tasked with creating a new database or managing an existing one; it their job to ensure that the data is stored properly and accessible by the correct parties (2023).
IT Careers in Network Architecture and Security
Computer networks connect computers or devices, either physically through wires or through wireless technology, for the exchange of data (Amazon Web Services, 2023). Network architecture is the layout of this network.
Computer Network Architects
Network architects design networks and ensure that the exchange of data and communication is uninterrupted. These communication networks can range from local area networks (LAN), to wide area networks (WAN) to a cloud infrastructure (Field Engineer, 2023).
Cyber Security Specialist
The role of a cyber security specialist is to provide security for an organization’s IT infrastructure, including their network, data, hardware and software. Security specialists perform security testing, conduct threat research, develop firewalls, configure anti-virus systems, and grant permissions, among other things (Field Engineer, 2023).
Resources:
Amazon Web Services. (2023). What is Computer Networking. Amazon. Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/computer-networking/#:~:text=Computer%20networking%20refers%20to%20interconnected,over%20physical%20or%20wireless%20technologies
Brooks, A. (2019, February 11). Computer programmer vs. software developer: Decoding the differences. Rasmussen University. Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/technology/blog/computer-programmer-vs-software-developer/
Computerscience.org Staff. (2022, September 19). Guide to Computer Programming & Coding languages. Code a New Career | ComputerScience.org. Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://www.computerscience.org/resources/computer-programming-languages/
Computer Hardware Technician. Field Engineer. (2023). Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://www.fieldengineer.com/skills/computer-hardware-technician
Field Engineer. (2023). Cyber Security Specialist: Job description and salary. Field Engineer. Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://www.fieldengineer.com/skills/cyber-security-specialist
Field Engineer. (2023). What is network architecture? duties of a computer architect. Field Engineer. Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://www.fieldengineer.com/engineers/computer-network-architect
How to become a database adminitrator: Career and salary information. DiscoverDataScience.org. (2023, February 10). Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://www.discoverdatascience.org/career-information/database-administrator/).
O'Grady, J. (2017, May 5). A "computer" was originally a job title: The history of computing timeline. Dewey B Strategic. Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://www.deweybstrategic.com/2012/09/a-computer-was-originally-job-title.html
Tobin, J. M. (2023, March 28). What is a computer hardware engineer?: Skills and career paths. Code a New Career | ComputerScience.org. Retrieved April 4, 2023, from https://www.computerscience.org/careers/computer-hardware-engineer/
Vahid, F., & Lysecky, S. (2019). Computing technology for all. zyBooks.
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