Technology in Action 2006 PrenticeHall Inc 1 Technology

Technology in Action © 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 1

Technology in Action Technology in Focus: Careers in IT © 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 2

Job Outlook • The Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting growth in computer occupations – Network systems and data communications analysts – Computer applications software engineers – Computer systems software engineers – Database administrators – Computer systems analysts © 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 3

Common Myths About IT Careers • Myth #1: A degree in computer science means you’re going to be rich. © 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 4

Common Myths About IT Careers • Myth #2: All the jobs are going offshore © 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 5

Common Myths About IT Careers • Myth #3: You’ve got three professional certifications. . . you’re ready to work. © 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 6

Common Myths About IT Careers Myth #4: Women are at a disadvantage in an IT career. © 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 7

Common Myths About IT Careers • Myth #5: People skills don’t matter in IT jobs. © 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 8

Common Myths About IT Careers • Myth #6: Mathematically impaired people need not apply. © 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 9

Common Myths About IT Careers Myth #7: Working in IT means working for a computer company or in an IT department. © 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 10

Is an IT Career Right for You? • Considerations – Salary range – Possibility of gender bias – Location – A changing workplace – Stress © 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 11

What Realm of IT Should You Work In? © 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 12

Development and Integration Web Development • • Web programmers Graphics designers Interfaces designers Web content creators • Customer interaction technicians © 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc. Systems Development • Computer programmers • Systems analysts • Project managers • Technical writers • Database developers 13

Technical Services Information Systems • • Network administrators Database administrators Web server administrators Telecommunications Technician Support Services • Help-desk analysts • Computer support technicians © 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 14

Preparing for a Job in IT • Education – College and university degrees • Computer science • MIS • Computer engineering – Technical schools • Build skills rapidly © 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 15

Preparing for a Job in IT • Professional certifications – Measure base level of skill – Software and hardware manufacturers establish standards • Experience – Internship • Do research – Know the companies offering jobs © 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 16

Finding a Job in IT • School placement office • Online employment sites – Monster. com – Career. Builder. com • Networking – People networks – Word of mouth – Professional organizations • Corporate Web sites © 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 17

Negotiating the Terms • Most new hires don’t negotiate because: – Fear of employer perception – Fear of the employer’s superior power – Fear of losing the offer • Negotiating Tips – Don’t start talking about compensation too early in the interview process – Consider the entire compensation package when negotiating – Don’t reveal your salary expectations at the start of a negotiation – Never negotiate issues one at a time © 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc. 18