Computers Are Your Future 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc.
Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 Careers and Certification 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 2
What You Will Learn... Traditional information technology (IT) career paths Computer science (CS) and computer information science (CIS) curricula in colleges and universities Settings in which most IT workers find employment The business skills IS managers want in new IT workers The technical skills currently in high demand The positive and negative aspects of certification 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 3
Traditional Information Technology (IT) Career Paths Learn about computers Stay abreast of job trends stats.bls.gov Bachelor s degree is a prerequisite for the best jobs 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 4
Traditional Information Technology (IT) Career Paths Information technology (IT) professionals Work with IT in all its various forms Needed by both small and large companies Keep up with fast-changing technology 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 5
Typical Job Titles and Responsibilities in a Corporate IS Department Job Title Chief Information Officer (CIO) Director of Computer Operations Director of Network Services Network Engineer Systems Programmer/ Administrator Client/Server Manager Systems Analyst Programmer/Analyst Programmer Responsibilities Senior-level management Defines the IS department s mission, objectives, and budgets Middle-management position Emphasizes overall system reliability Middle-management position Emphasizes overall network reliability Installs, maintains, and supports computer networks Installs, maintains, and supports the operating system Installs, maintains, and supports client/server applications Interacts with others to design information systems Designs, codes, and tests software Writes code according to specifications 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 6
Typical Job Titles and Responsibilities in a Software Development Firm Job Title Responsibilities Director of Research and Development Software Architect Software Engineer Systems Engineer Software Developer Customer Support Technician Senior-level management position in charge of all product development activities Computer scientists who are challenged to create new, cutting-edge technologies Manages the details of software development projects Gives technical presentations and supports products on-site Develops new programs under the direction of the software architect Provides assistance to customers who need help with products 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 7
Traditional Information Technology (IT) Career Paths U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Fastest growing industries in US economy: Software publishing Computer system design Related computer services 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 8
Traditional Information Technology (IT) Career Paths Offshoring Transfer of jobs from workers in one country to workers in other countries Outsourcing Transfer of labor from the firm to outside entities 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 9
Education for Traditional IT Careers Computer Science (CS) Computer Information Systems (CIS) Systems and Software Engineering Electrical Engineering 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 10
Computer Science (CS) Computer science uses the principles of science and engineering to improve computing Theory rather than the practical applications of computing is emphasized Training is technical and involves higher mathematics (calculus) 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 11
Computer Science (CS) Training also involves: Programming languages Programming language structure Advanced computer graphics Artificial intelligence Relational database design Graduates find jobs in software development firms and information systems departments 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 12
Computer Information Systems (CIS) Computer information system departments are usually located within business schools CIS focuses on the practical applications of computing The skills needed by businesses are emphasized 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 13
Computer Information Systems (CIS) Training involves: Programming Systems analysis Finance and marketing Communications skills Interpersonal skills Graduates find jobs in corporate information systems departments as well as software development companies 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 14
Systems Engineering Systems engineering uses the scientific method to create and maintain systems in business and industry Systems engineering emphasizes looking at the whole picture Students learn project management skills Graduates are in high demand in the areas of software development, system analysis, and program development 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 15
Electrical Engineering Electrical engineering focuses on digital circuit design and communication technologies Jobs are in hardware development 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 16
Traditional Methods of Continuing Education Training Seminars: Computer-related Last from one day to one week Presented by hardware or software developers or companies specializing in training for new technology Computer Magazines, Newspapers, and Journals: Indispensable resources for IT professionals Either cover the entire world of computer issues or are aimed at a specific part 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 17
Traditional Methods of Continuing Education Conferences and Shows Are a way of keeping in touch with the profession Trade shows Annual meetings in which manufacturers, designers, and dealers showcase their products Professional Organizations Provide a way for one to keep up with his/her area of interest 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 18
Professional Organizations Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) Association for Women in Computing (AWC) Association of Internet Professionals (AIP) Data Processing Management Association (DPMA) Network Professional Association (NPA) 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 19
New Information Technology (IT) Career Paths New technologies and the nature of businesses are changing IT careers A four-year college degree is insufficient for some employers Employees need skills in communication, business savvy, and technology Corporate downsizing or mergers may affect IT careers IT workers must manage their own careers 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 20
Sought-After Business Skills Teamwork Ability of an individual to work effectively in a team environment Project management Ability to plan and manage a project Communication Writing and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to give presentations Business acumen Some knowledge of business 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 21
Sought-After Technology Skills Networking Skills related to Ethernet, TCP/IP, and LAN administration Microsoft Windows XP Integration of.net Passport with Windows XP UNIX Demand for system configuration, maintenance, networking, and programming TCP/IP Knowledge of Internet protocols 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 22
Sought-After Technology Skills Oracle Experience in working with Oracle database and client/server applications C++ Language of choice for software development Microsoft Visual Basic Rapid application development and code reusability 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 23
New Jobs in Information Technology Job Title Interactive digital media specialist Webmaster Web application engineer Web specialist Network/Internet security specialist Responsibilities Creates engaging presentations, including animation and video Designs and maintains a Web server and related database servers Designs, develops, tests, and documents new Web-based services for Web sites Creates high-quality content pages for Web sites Installs and maintains firewalls, antivirus software, and other security software 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 24
Certification Certification is a skills and knowledge assessment organized by computer industry vendors To obtain a certificate you: Take courses at a college, training center, or study on your own Take a comprehensive examination Certificate is issued when the exam is passed Certificates need to be renewed periodically Selected certification programs 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 25
Selected Certification Programs Certification Programs Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) + Internet Microsoft Certified Solution Developer (MCSD) Certified NetWare Engineer (CNE) Certified Java Programmer Certified Java Developer A+ Net+ CISCO 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 26
Certification Certification benefits: Enable employers to assess skills from a pool of applicants Employer may increase salary offers Certification risks: Students focus on a specific vendor s technology Vendor s technology may become obsolete Having one skill isn t enough Hiring people with narrow training may be risky for employers 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 27
Chapter 13 Summary Information technology (IT) careers require a four-year college degree in computer science (CS) or computer information systems (CIS) Training in computer science emphasizes the theoretical and cutting-edge aspects of computing Training in computer information systems emphasizes more practical aspects of computing in business settings IT workers find employment in corporate information systems (IS) IS managers look for IT workers with teamwork, projects management communication skills, and business savvy 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 28
Chapter 13 Summary (continued) High demand technical skills include networking, Windows XP, UNIX, C++, and Internet related technologies Certification provides a way of demonstrating your skills to an employer Certification can help ensure that an employee has the skills necessary to do the job 2006 Prentice-Hall, Inc Slide 29