Careers in Information Technology

Answer

Careers in Information Technology

Introduction 

            The most popular professions in information technology include computer science, computer engineering, information systems, engineering, and information technology. As such, this paper seeks to explore career options in information technology by explaining differences between information systems, computer science, engineering, and information technology. It also describes relationships between scripting and programming and how they are used in the field of information technology.

Major Careers in Information Technology

            Computer Science is the study of programming. It offers a detailed understanding of the functional and technical aspects of technology, and mainly deals with programming and computer theory. The roles role of the discipline is  to help people formulate new ways of using computers. Some of the careers related to computer science encompass software engineer, database administrator, and information security analyst. Some of the tools and technologies that can be applied in computer science include database tools, rubber duck, communication and collaboration, data conversion, data parsing, format checking, file retrieval, website development and testing, coding sandboxes, notetaking, reference and bookmarking among others.

            Engineering is a branch of science that uses mathematics and applications to address real world challenges. It covers a broad area of mechanical, electrical, and computer science. Computer engineers have trained in both hardware and software integration. They also design and build computers, as well as, computer-based systems. The major role of engineering is to solve daily challenges with advanced market technology. To achieve this, it studies the interaction between hardware and software to design effective approaches and devices to solve such challenges. Some of the careers related to engineering include civil engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, and software developer and programmer analysist. Common tools technologies applicable to engineering include Solid works, Fluent, AutoCAD/Inventor, Unigraphics, I-Deas, Ansys, CATIA V4 and V5 among others.

            Information systems, on the other hand, focus on the integration of business processes and information technology solutions to fulfil the information needs of businesses, allowing the information system experts to attain their goals in effective and efficient manner. Information systems play a critical role in pointing out the technological needs of organizations and businesses. Although there are many similarities between information systems and information technology, the former focuses more on the views and information technology as a way of disseminating this information. The careers related to information systems include cyber security analysist, data analysist, database administrator, application analysist and IT consultant among careers. Some of the tools and technologies applicable in information systems include social media, cloud computing, mobile technology, online conferencing systems and enterprise content management.

            As a discipline, Information technology pays more attention to the technological aspect of things as opposed to the information itself as in the case of information systems. It selects the most appropriate software and hardware for organizations or businesses. The role of information technology specialists is to install and maintain these systems. Moreover, they work efficiently at planning, implementing, configuration, as well as, maintenance of the computing structure of an organization. Some of the careers related to information technology include IT project manager, technical support specialist, network engineer and IT consultant among others. Common tools and technologies applicable in information systems include social media, cloud computing, mobile technology, online conferencing systems and enterprise content management.

            Programming and Scripting

A script or scripting language refers to a computer language that has a series of commands within a file that can executed without any compilation, whereas programming refers to a computer language that uses a compiler to change the high level coding languages into a machine language (Bishop-Clark, 2009). What differentiates a script from a program is their execution. A program uses a compiler to convert complex programming languages into computer language that can be interpreted easily. On the other hand, a script uses an interpreter to execute different tasks and make decisions based on specific conditions it finds.

            IT experts such as network administrators are often loaded with numerous tasks, many of which are monotonous. One of the most effective ways to automate such activities is to use programming and scripting. Scripting allows network administrators to automate different network administration activities, particularly those activities that are performed daily. For instance, login scripts run once a user logs in to the network and can execute activities, such as mapping network drives for users, according to some conditions including group membership. The network administrator can also use scripting in situations where he or she intends to have each Windows NT server generate a new Emergency Restore Disk and then transfer the information in the disk to a different network location. Other activities are supposed to be executed only once, making changes to the registry. However, in case such changes are supposed to be done on servers that are located far apart, the network administrator uses scripting in which he or she can develop and use one script to carry of an activity on each server.

            Similarly, network administration, such as Cisco router configuration, requires applications of programming languages, as well as shell commands. In particular, experts experienced in Linux administration can use programming language to achieve efficiency. For instance, in case the administrator desires to have a network service that requires accepting 1000’s of simultaneous connections per second with the least latency to attain near real time performance, then the network administrator will use programming languages, particularly C and assign static memory pool that he or she manages personally to deal with cases of garbage collectors and non-deterministic traits that are likely to occur.

Information Technology Careers

             Junior network administrator is the entry level for the position I seek to achieve. Some of the roles and responsibilities of junior network administrator include designing computer network for the organization, monitoring and updating such networks. The administrator also designs new networks, offers network security and trains employees on the proper ways of using and maintaining or servicing computers. Senior network administrator is the middle level position for the career that I seek to achieve. The roles and responsibilities of senior network administrator entail directing IT professionals and teams to ensure that networks and computer systems of the organization remains secure and steadfast in the entire day. The administrator also manages the use of WANs, LANs, and organization specific networks. Moreover, he conducts high-level assessments of information technology needs while supervising personnel who look over computer networks, monitor network availability and gather information to improve reliability and security.

Chief network administrator is the ultimate position that I would strive to achieve. Roles and responsibilities of chief network administrator include monitoring network integrity and performance, configuring and installing servers, software, routers, as well as, network devices, designing and installing functional networks, and automate activities and keep track of their effectiveness (Bishop-Clark, 2009). Essentially, all the three positions described above are closely related to information technology.

            Regardless of the level, every network administrator requires tools and technologies so that they can execute their roles and responsibilities as required. Some of the hardware devices needed by network administrator include cable certifier, butt set, cable tester, crimper, toner probe, multimeter, OTDR& TDR, loop back plug, and punch down tool. In terms of software, network administrators require such technologies as bandwidth monitor, port scanner, network monitor, system details update, TCP reset and Wake-ON-LAN.

            On the other hand, one requires proper education and certification to become a junior network administrator. Notably, one must attain an undergraduate degree in computer science or information technology. It is also important for one to study network administration or design. Although graduate certifications and degrees are not required for junior network administrators, they are important. Relevant certifications for junior network administrator include Microsoft MCITP, as well as, those concerned with security, networks, and servers.

For senior network administrator, one must attain four years degree in either computer science or information technology to gain operational, technical, and problem-solving skills needed for career progression. Some of the certifications that one requires for this position include Microsoft Certified IT Professional (MCITP), CompTIA (A+, Network+, and Security+) and Microsoft Certified IT Professional. Transferable skills are also necessary and include network performance tuning, network design and implementation, quality focus, problem solving, independent and self-starter, exchange patch management, iSCSI, VM Ware and Windows 2012 Administration Experience among others.

For the position of chief network administrator, one must attain a two-year master degree in computer science or Information technology to gain essential communication skills, technical competencies and critical thinking abilities needed for top positions in information technology. The certifications applicable for senior administrator are also required for chief network administrator as well. Some of the skills transferred within these certifications include malicious software management, authentication and encryption, border security, file security, and topology security management.