Career Options in IT

We are living in the Information Age where computer technology provides a viable template for global development and prosperity. This in turn generates career options for job seekers

Information technology (IT) offers numerous career options for people who have acquired proficiency in utilising the potential of computers. It doesn’t matter how the said knowledge is obtained. In fact, there are a number of entry points into this high-tech sector. You may acquire a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science engineering. You could also pick up computer skills on your own or by attending various on-the-job programmes. Whichever route you may take to get into the IT domain, you have the advantage to select an appropriate career path for yourself from the plethora of available choices.

Numerous opportunities

The use of computers has automated numerous processes that were earlier done manually. Computer systems can be found everywhere. From schools to advanced scientific research establishments and from railway ticket counters to nuclear power plants, the role of computers and IT professionals has become omnipresent. Even the utility bills we get, the maintenance of our bank accounts, purchase of products from the Internet, are some common day-to-day examples of IT applications.

IT professionals have to deal with different aspects of computers such as its hardware, software, maintenance, networking, and so on. In doing so they have to undertake different activities such as install, troubleshoot, repair, develop, design, test, and manage computers and computer based systems. The particular activity a computer professional is proficient in determines their roles and responsibilities in the IT industry.

Hardware engineer

These engineers look after the physical upkeep of computers. They make sure that all the computers within a given facility are running smoothly. Hardware engineers are qualified to test the performance of computers and to rectify any hardware related issues they encounter.

Systems analyst

These experts analyse the technical and business requirements of a project from the client’s perspective and provide suitable solutions. Once feasible options for developing an application are found these professionals document them in the form of technical specifications. These documents provide guidelines for software engineers during the process of software development.

Application architect

The role of an application architect comes into focus once system analysts have defined the blueprint for developing an application. Application architects keep a track of the ongoing software development activities and assist software engineers to do their job. They also provide valuable inputs in designing different functions of an application.

Network administrator

The primary role of a network administrator is to set up and maintain the interconnectivity of computers within an organisation. The network they administer could be a local area network or a wide area network. These professionals also have to monitor various activities associated with the Internet such as mailing, chatting, file upload and download, and so on. They have to ensure the security of the entire network from different types of internal as well as external threats. Network administrators thus guarantee the smooth and error free functioning of a computer network.

Database administrator

These professionals are expert in overseeing the operations associated with the databases of a company. Databases generally hold critical business related information pertaining to a company or a project. The role of a database administrator assumes a critical status in the hierarchy of a company and its operations. Further, they have to define and implement strategies for safe storage, backup, and retrieval of information from various databases. 

Software engineer

These engineers form the backbone of the IT industry. They are the ones who develop new software applications and modify existing ones as required. Software engineers have to follow the software development strategies defined by system analysts and application architects. Apart from writing code, these professionals have to test the software during different phases of its development.

Project manager

The primary role of a project manager is to monitor the development of a software application from its inception all the way up until its completion and implementation. They have to undertake many tasks simultaneously. Their primary focus is on project planning, client management, project scheduling, budgeting and costing, team management, problem resolution, and so on. Project managers also have to maintain a proper balance between different functional teams for a hassle free completion of projects.

Due to its immense scope and utility, IT sector offers innumerable career opportunities. In spite of the setback received by this sector at the hands of the current economic crisis, this industry is on its way to regain old glory. Furthermore, countless businesses and processes are directly and indirectly dependent on the IT industry. This is enough to ensure a continuous demand for qualified manpower in this sector.