Ten years ago, the internet was a fuzzy concept that people sort of knew about, but few people were actually using. People were aware of a borderless information supersystem, linked around the globe by computers, but it was accessible to only those in the know.
Today everything has changed. Children today are using the internet to research projects, university classes are being held on-line. The internet is everywhere and nearly everyone has access to it.
The internet isn't the only aspect of technology that is springing up everywhere. Personal computers can do your taxes, email can reconnect you with long-lost friends, and businesses have changed dramatically since the information age began. There are databases, networks, operating systems and applications programs. Disks, monitors, printers, hard drives and software are used on a daily basis by millions of people. The whole business is confusing and complex. That is why information technologies specialists are there to monitor, install, repair, and develop all aspects of the computer age.
Information technologies specialists can be found in small companies and large organizations. They work in a number of capacities, including web design, site administration, network and systems administration, advise users on breakdowns, fix software problems, research the web for various companies and individuals, and maintain sites for companies and individuals. They are experts when it comes to the information superhighway, and can surf effectively, efficiently, and design, develop, and discover just about anything having to do with computers, from knowing which buttons perform which functions to ensuring a system stays active for long periods of time.
Information technologists not only focus on the technical skills that go into computers, but they also understand and appreciate the role of information technology in general, and its impact on society as a whole. The world of computers is huge, unwieldy, and confusing, and can potentially lead those unfamiliar with its complexities astray. It is easy to get lost and tangled up in it, but the specialists are there to guide us along our way.
Interested in becoming an information technologies specialist? Along with a thorough knowledge of PCs, operating systems, and databases, you need to be organized and able to balance a number of pressing projects at once. You need to be calm, patient, and respectful of others, regardless of their circumstances or questions. You should have good listening skills, and be able to ask questions to gather additional information. You should be inquisitive, and enjoy uncovering mysteries. You should also be creative, innovative, and a self-started who works well alone and with others.
Typical Tasks
Consult with other parts of an organization, such as the financial or policy section
Purchase hardware and software
Set up computer networks and operating systems
Ensure networks and systems are running smoothly
Communicate regularly with users
Maintain computer systems for users
Collect information, research solutions, and analyze possible resolutions to issues
Test and implement new solutions
Evaluate resolutions for ways to prevent future problems
Place follow-up calls to users about ongoing issues
Install and maintain security systems on equipment
Troubleshoot users' issues as they arise
Learn new hardware and software to be supported
Care for all computer-related equipment, including workstations and printers
Install new software
Implement virus protections
Back up important files
The typical day for an information technologies specialist will involve a lot of working with both computers and people. The specialist will ask a lot of questions about the problems, and experiment with the computers and the systems to try and find quick, effective solutions. They don't travel much, working from home or an office; however, if they work at a company they travel throughout the building, from computer to computer. They work in small teams of computer specialists, and alongside the workers in the company.
Workplaces, Employers and Industries
Information technologies specialists work for companies, organizations, libraries, government agencies, or any business that uses databases, operating systems, and the internet. They can also work independently on contract to more than one organization at once.
They can work in offices, or from home. Because they work with many computers at once, often large, noisy computers, their work space can be busy, crowded, and hectic. They work in small teams of computer specialists; however, with smaller companies they may perform a number of tasks and work alone. They usually work regular hours, unless there is a computer-related emergency and they have to solve it before heading home.
Long Term Career Potential
Information technologies specialists can go on to become help desk specialists, computer technicians, or PC administrators. They can write programs, software, or systems, or sell programs and computers. They can become IT instructors, or write information books and articles for people learning to use PCs on their own. They can even become communications specialists for corporations and government agencies.
Educational Paths
In order to become an information technologies specialist you should take either a bachelor of computer science, or computer engineering at a university, or college program in PC support. You should also consider some courses in Mechanical engineering, psychology, and communications.
You may also look to becoming a Microsoft Certified Solution Developer. This will prepare you to design and develop business solutions with various Microsoft tools and technologies. The exams are available through Microsoft, so it's a good idea to check their websites for information about the certification process.
