The document discusses opportunities in IT careers. It notes that demand for IT workers is higher than the supply as businesses increasingly rely on technology. There are many growing areas of IT like software development, cybersecurity, and data analysis. While some basic IT jobs may move overseas, jobs requiring business knowledge and close collaboration will remain. To succeed in IT, one needs relevant degrees, certifications, experience through internships or projects, and strong technical and business skills. Overall, IT careers offer high growth, pay, and flexibility for creative problem-solvers interested in emerging technologies.

1. IT Careers for
the Future

2. IT Future is Bright
 Nearly every business uses business systems – and
that need is expanding
 All large corporations rely heavily on IT
 Businesses need business systems and people to
design, develop and manage them
 Becoming more fundamental to many careers
 Very broad in scope and applicability

3. Demand is higher than supply
 The college “pipeline” is a trickle
 Baby boomers are retiring
 Businesses need HELP!
 Salaries are rising
 Promotions are becoming more frequent
 Companies need both Administrative &
Technical support:
– People who understand how business and systems interact
– People who understand how to develop business programs
and systems

4. IT Trends
 Shared services
 Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
– Integrate business functionalities, including
Finance / Accounting, Sales / Marketing, HR /
Payroll, Purchasing, Manufacturing, etc.
 E-business (e.g., Amazon, online checking)
 Automation of business processes (e.g., direct
deposit, workflow)

5. IT Trends
 Security and bio-technologies (e.g., retinal scans,
fingerprint authentication)
 Emergency management (e.g., disaster planning)
 Wireless initiatives

6. IT Jobs/Roles: Examples
IT Technical Careers
Software Technology
Developer Specialist
Technical VP
Consultant Technology
Designer Chief Tech
Architect Officer

7. IT Jobs/Roles: Examples
IT Admin Careers
Systems QA (Quality)
Analyst Manager
Project IT Manager
Manager
VP Ops. or Chief Info
Apps. Officer

8. IT Jobs/Roles: What do they do?
 Developer: Designs, codes, and tests objects and
programs
 Network engineer: Designs, deploys, and
troubleshoots local area networks
 Systems analyst: Identifies and documents
business requirements; and designs system flow,
functionality, and graphical user interface (GUI)

9. IT Skills
“If you have these skills and traits, I.T. may be for you”
Skill & Trait Corporate / IT Value
Problem-solvers Tech support to project hurdles
Analytical / Abstract Thinkers Business process re-engineering
Leadership Guide others through adversity; Lead projects, teams,
departments, divisions
Planning & Vision Prioritize & fund projects
Practical / Pragmatic Support things that help business; Ensure match between IT
and business needs
Goal-oriented / Focused Manage complex projects
Innovative Create, learn & apply new technologies
Self-motivated / Ambitious Hungry to learn new things
Ability to Communicate Clarify requirements / expectations
Team player Work with teams of specialists

10. IT Skills are the Enablers of Business
Finance & Sales &
Accounting Marketing
IT Systems,
Data &
Manufacturing Infrastructure Human
Resources
Purchasing Accounting

11. IT Future: Video
Did You Know?
(Shift Happens)
 The world is growing and changing
 Information is doubling
 Many jobs, technologies, and problems don’t
exist yet

12. Myths 1 and 2
1. There are no IT jobs
2. IT-Related Educational
Degrees Are Worth Less

13. Reality: IT jobs are HOT!
Percent Median
Growth Salary (May 1. Two of the top 15 fastest
Job Type 2008-2018 2008) growing occupation
Biomedical engineers 72% $77,400
Network systems & data
categories in the United
communications analysts 53 71,100 States are IT-related, with
Home health aides 50 20,460
Personal and home care
Bachelor’s degrees
aides 46 19,180
Financial examiners 41 70,930 2. IT salaries are relatively
Medical scientists, except
epidemiologists 40 72,590 high
Physician assistants 39 81,230 Source: BLS Occupational Handbook, 2010-2011
Skin care specialists 38 28,730
Biochemists & biophysicists 37 82,840
Athletic trainers 37 39,640
Physical therapist aids 36 23,760
Dental hygienists 36 66,570
Veterinary technologists &
technicians 36 28,900
Dental assistants 36 32,380
Computer software
engineers, applications 34 85,430

14. Reality: IT jobs are HOT!
Mean Annual
Salary
Job Type (May 2008)
Computer and Mathematical Science $74,500
Computer and Information Scientists, Research 100,900
Computer Programmers 73,470
Computer Software Engineers, Applications 87,900
Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software 94,520
Computer Support Specialists 46,370
Computer System Analysts 78,830
Database Administrators 72,900
Network and Computer Systems Administrators 69,570
Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts 73,830
Computer Specialists, All Other 76,000
Source: BLS, May 2008 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, United States

15. And…
Salaries May Go Even Higher
• If current trends continue (i.e., decreased
enrollment, significant job growth), there will
soon be a shortfall of adequately skilled IT
labor.
• Demand for labor will outstrip supply, putting
further upward pressure on salaries. This is
the same thing that happened during the dot-
com boom when we saw a significant increase
to salaries for critically skilled IT labor.

16. Myth 3
3. All IT-Related Jobs Are
Getting Sourced Offshore

17. Some Jobs Will Go Overseas
• Some basic jobs (e.g., some programming,
help desk) will go overseas. While some
programming is going offshore, integration and
testing functions remain onshore.
• Highly skilled jobs and jobs that relate to a
company’s core competencies or products will
stay
• Global companies may outsource to the U.S.

18. Some Jobs Will Go Overseas
• Jobs that require close contact with the
business will also stay. (CIO Magazine)
• Companies Outsource for Price but Pay for
Value

19. So What Can You Do?
How can you increase your
odds for getting those high-
paying, in-demand IT-
related jobs when you
graduate?

20. Research Relevant Degrees
• Research degrees that match your interests (Need an
Associate or Bachelor’s degree)
• Experience, continuous education, and certifications
provide a competitive advantage
• Technical Skills:
• Operating Systems (e.g., Windows, Unix)
• Databases (e.g., Oracle, SQL)
• Programming Languages (e.g., ASP, C++, Java)
• Enterprise Systems (e.g., Oracle, PeopleSoft, SAP)

21. Research Relevant Degrees
• Business Skills:
• “Since the one and only purpose of IT is to support
and enable the business … everyone in IT… must
know the business better than ever before.”
(Computerworld, 5/04)

22. Develop Skills
• Certifications include:
Network engineering Development
Certified Network Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
Administrator, CAN
Certified Netware Engineer, Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer
CNE (MCSD)
Microsoft Certified System Microsoft Certified Database Administrator
Engineer, MCSE (MCDBA)
Cisco Certified Network Oracle Certified Professional (OCP)
Engineer, CCNE

23. Develop Skills
• Learn business software and skills
• Microsoft Office Software (e.g., Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, Project, Visio, etc.)
• Project management methodology
• Flow charting
• Requirements analysis

24. Get Some Experience
• The highest paying jobs are for those with
experience:
• Co-ops / Internships
• Part-Time Jobs
• Volunteering
• Student groups / Hobbies
• The best experiences will expose you to the type
of work that you would like to do after
graduation.

25. Recent Grad Experiences
 Current Job Title
 Personal Decisions
 Personal Lessons
 Internships / Co-ops
 Experiences To-Date / Career Path

26. Summary
1. IT career offers tremendous opportunity
– Excitement & satisfaction
– High pay and rapid advancement
– Flexibility in career path
– New technology every day – never gets old!
– The world is changing
– Jobs, technologies, problems don’t exist yet
2. Business needs IT workers
– Business and technology are inseparable
– Business impact (value) – Make a difference
– Advantage to understand data and how collected (what it
means)
– Demand is high and will remain high
3. IT careers can retain appeal over a lifetime

27. Do what you love and
you’ll never work a
What to do next? day in your life!
 If this is interesting, find out more
– You owe it to yourself
– You owe it to your future employers
 Decide what your “passion” is and why
 Decide the best path to live in that passion
 Take the first step

28. Thank You!
Questions?
Regional Information Technology Engagement (RITE) Board