Choosing an IT Career Path

According to a recent article published by Certification Magazine, there are tremendous opportunities for growth and advancement in the IT industry. In fact, 450,000 IT-related jobs went unfilled in 2001 alone. And, this number is expected to increase to at least 606,000 by 2004.  A surplus of open IT positions exists in todays job market, especially for certified professionals. TechWeb.com says that the need for skilled IT workers continues to drive up salaries worldwide, making the IT industry a popular career choice.

The first step to a successful IT career is deciding which type of technical job you would like to pursue. From networking to database administration to programming, a variety of opportunities are available in the IT industry depending on your skills and interests. The following information should help you decide on a general IT career path.

> Networking Careers
> Database Administration Careers
> Programming Careers
> Internet/e-Commerce Careers
> PC Repair and Support Careers

Networking

All over the world the demand for professionals who can maintain network information systems is growing. To help address the need for qualified networking professionals in the IT industry, many computer software vendors like Microsoft, Cisco, Novell and Linux among others, have initiated networking certification programs. Attaining a networking certification, such as Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) or Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), will help prove your ability to work efficiently as a networking professional.

Networking professionals are some of the most respected workers in the IT industry. And, they are also some of the highest paid. According to Certification Magazine, MCSEs and CCNPs are among the 10 highest paid professionals in the IT industry. In fact, the average salary reported by MCSEs reached $63,047, while CCNPs reported an average salary of $75,423 in the survey. Achieving a networking certification, such as Microsofts MCSE title, and then adding a certification from a different vendor can garner an even higher income.

Successful employment choices for networking professionals may include positions such as computer hardware repair technician, network technician, network administrator, network support administrator, network engineer, LAN/WAN technicians, network operations analyst, troubleshooting technician and more.

Database Administrators (DBAs)

Database Administrators (DBAs) have never had a problem finding employment.  According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, over the past few years database administration has become one of the fastest growing technical occupations.  In fact, Information Week research found that 58 percent of IT managers find it most difficult to recruit qualified database administrators.  Companies across all industries seek professionals with database administration skills, and most prefer professionals who can back up those skills with a certification title, such as Oracle Certified Professional (OCP), Certified Lotus Professional (CLP) or Microsoft Certified Database Administrator (MCDBA).

Achieving a DBA certification has many advantages, besides the ease of finding job opportunities in almost every area of the world.  DBAs are some of the highest paid IT professionals because their skills are in short supply.  In fact, according to a salary survey conducted by Earthweb.com, Oracle DBAs make an average $87,000 per year.  And, MCP Magazine reported that MCDBAs average $75,600 per year.

Successful employment choices for database administrators may include positions such as data analyst, database developer, database analyst, data architect, data systems manager and more.

Programming

Programmers are some of the most sought after professionals in the IT industry.  Attaining skills that can be applied towards specific programming languages, such as Visual Basic, Visual C++ and Java, will give you a competitive edge in todays IT industry.  Backing up those skills with the Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) certification or the Sun Certified Java Programmer (Java 2) title will help secure your position in the programming field.

According to MCP Magazine, programmers who hold the MCSD title average nearly $79,000 per year.  Plus, Certification Magazine found that 90 percent of professionals who achieved the MCSD title in 2001 received an average 17 percent salary increase after achieving the certification.  And, these high salaries and raises apply for all programming skills - Visual Basic, Visual C++, C++ and Java2. In fact, Whole Root Economic Research estimates that Visual C++ programmers earn an average of $87,000 per year.  Programmers can command these high salaries because their skills are in short supply.

Successful employment choices for programming professionals may include positions such as software engineer, software applications specialist, system analyst, system operator, software technician, software tester and more.

Internet and e-Commerce

The Internet is continuously changing and impacts nearly every industry in the working world. Corporations around the globe depend on individuals who can successfully develop, maintain and protect company web sites. In fact, a new study by Computerworld.com says that Internet security skills will be in most demand over the next five years. Companies want professionals who are already trained and who can immediately start maintaining and protecting company web sites. Achieving an Internet certification, such as Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW, will help prove your skills and credentials as an Internet professional.

Thats why Internet and e-commerce certifications have been developed - to help Internet professionals prove their skills and expertise in Internet security, web design applications, HTML, JavaScript, e-commerce, e-business and other areas pertaining to protecting, developing and maintaining web sites.

And, you will be paid accordingly for your expertise. In fact, the DataMasters 2001 salary survey found that web developers with professional credentials average more than $86,000 per year!
Successful employment choices for Internet and e-commerce professionals may include positions such as web page developer, webmaster, web site developer, web architect, web administrator, web designer and more.

PC Repair and Support

PC repair and support is a vital part of the growing IT enterprise and serves as a starting point for professionals interested in beginning a career in the IT industry.  In fact, according to the Information Technology Association of America, there is a higher demand for technical support professionals than any other IT position.  Gaining an entry-level position as a PC repair and support professional can lead to greater opportunities within a company, especially if you hold the vendor-neutral CompTIA A+ title awarded by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).

According to research conducted by ITWorld.com, qualified professionals who begin in technical support can advance to many different positions within an organization. ITWorld.com also reported that the average salary for help desk managers is nearly $55,000.  Plus, over 70 percent of technical support professionals experience an 11 percent salary increase each year.

Successful employment opportunities for technical support professionals may include positions such as PC technician, customer service representative, technical support representative, help desk technician and more.