Having a background in information technology will prepare you for further training in the specialized occupations below. If you have the computer savvy and experience to navigate computer science and IT programs, you may want to build on what you know and put yourself in a position for a better paying job and higher job satisfaction.

The nature of technology is change. Many U.S. companies are recruiting workers from a global pool, due to the shortage of highly trained workers in our own country. This is a good time to gain the skills and knowledge that will put you in the position you desire.

Network engineers-

Network engineers, or network administrators, design, install, maintain and computer communication systems within a building or office (LAN) or in a larger system such as traffic control devices in a city (MAN). Network engineers also link across national boundaries (WAN) or combining networks over global areas (GAN). Network administrators make it possible for communication to happen within and between groups, sharing files and resources. Network engineers connect offices with T1 lines, hook them up to the Internet, and configure all internal systems including firewalls and routers. The software engineer needs to be able to convert technical information into lay terms to instruct users.

Network engineers require a broad knowledge of networking, servers and security. Courses in IT are available online and in 2-year and technical institutes. Employers value those who have been through an apprenticeship or have on the job experience. Obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree will enhance chances of moving up into a higher paying position.

Information systems management-

Information systems management is a hybrid career- part productions/operations management and part information systems. The information systems manager problem-solves tech problems in all areas and phases of business operations and production that use technology.

Information systems managers need to stay current with new developments in technology, have top-notch technical skills, and be very familiar with information architecture, network configurations, databases, systems developmental tools and systems integration.

The minimum education is a 4-year degree in an ISM program, or a master’s degree in a computer science specialty along with certification in various software applications. Because this occupation combines business principles with advanced technology, coursework must include both. ISM programs are offered at 4-year colleges and technical institutes, and online.

Software engineering-

Software engineers research, design, develop and test operating systems-level software, network distribution software and compilers. They work with a variety of scientific, military, communications, industrial, business, and medical software applications. Software engineers also set operational specifications as well as analyze and formulate software requirements.

This occupation is currently in high demand. It requires a 4-year degree in a computer science discipline. Most employers require relevant job experience. Certification in several software applications will make an applicant or employee more valuable.

Training programs for software engineering are offered at vocational schools, community and technical colleges and institutes, and online colleges and universities. Extensive job experience is often substituted for a bachelor’s degree.

Computer programming-

The California Occupational Guide provides this description of a computer programmer’s job: “Computer programmers write, test and maintain programs or software that tell the computer what to do. They convert project specifications and statements of problems and procedures to detailed logical flow charts for coding into a computer language. They develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data and information. They may program Websites.” This concise description covers a lot of ground in a few words.

Programmers must be able to deal with people, and are often called upon to problem-solve, train and supervise others. A natural bent for logical thinking, language acquisition and mathematical application is useful. The ability to communicate with others verbally and in writing is important. Programmers need to be able to adapt to change and update skills as new technology is introduced.

Programmers need a bachelor’s degree at the minimum. Many employers are asking for master’s degrees with specialized concentrations. Programmers need to be trained in various programming languages. Training is offered at colleges, universities, technical institutes and online. Professional certification is available after a program of study and testing from such private corporations as CISCO and Microsoft.

IT Network Security-

Network security specialists are called by many names but the job is basically the same. They plan, design, implement, monitor and upgrade information security measures for networks. The security specialist designs measures that allow, limit or restrict access to network users. Some specialists are responsible for a whole company’s or group’s security, or may be responsible for a portion of the security measures. The security specialist must have excellent communication skills and keep up to date with skills and knowledge since new security threats and measures are continually presenting new challenges.

Network security specialists need a college degree plus several years of relevant experience. Training is available at colleges, technical institutes, and online. Continuing education is a must. Certification for various software applications by private firms is helpful.

Students pursuing courses in computer science, computer programming and other information technology (IT) related courses are on the right track. IT careers still have a bright future in the U.S. including Pennsylvania despite the reality that many companies are outsourcing their workload. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has shown that more IT jobs are being created and the rate is faster than they are outsourced to other countries. It also confirmed that computer skills application will increase in areas such as healthcare, retail trade and construction.

Various IT-related courses are available today for high school graduates or even for professionals who want to change their career path or improve their current careers. These include Computer Systems Software Engineering, Computer Applications Software Engineering, Systems Analyst, Database Administration and Network Systems and Data Communication Analyst. These courses can lead to some of the fastest growing jobs through 2014, according to the Labor Statistics Bureau. They are also among the top 10 jobs with computer or programming degree listed by CNN.com and CareerBuilder.com. Employment and wage in the computer science (CS ) field is seen to go up by 68 percent until 2014.

CS deals with the theories of information and computation or the study of algorithmic processes. It has four important areas as identified by the CSAB – theory of computation, algorithms and data structures, programming methodology and languages and computer elements and architecture.

In colleges and universities such as in Pennsylvania, this discipline normally delves into the computation theory, concurrency theory, analysis of algorithms and systems, databases, graphics and programming. A major part of the course usually provides college students hands-on training covering software applications, computer programming, online data and information and computer networking. A Computer Science education can be earned in two ways – either by getting a Bachelor’s degree or an Associate’s degree. One can undergo training online or by going to a traditional school.

An associate degree is a two-year general program that tackles operations, problems and solutions as well as designing computer systems. Students who choose this program are taught about theory, hardware design, applications and programming. The emphasis is more on the basic skills that an individual may need in performing his or her job. This degree program is ideal for people who want to land an entry level job right away and for professionals seeking advanced education in the field of computer programming.

A bachelor’s degree in CS, on the other hand, has a wider and more extensive coverage. This four-year course is also more mathematical in nature. Subjects taught in this program include theories of algorithms, programming languages and database management.

Graduates of Computer Science have excellent job opportunities ahead of them. They can work in different fields such as business, government and the academe. From the present through 2014, a 40 percent growth is seen in the demand for computer scientists with an expected median wage of $81,000.

Vocational computer schools offer a wide curriculum that includes computer science, scientific computing, website building applications, introduction to algorithms and data structures, introduction to software engineering and system programming, introduction to computer graphics, programming languages, and other relevant information technology coursework. Typically, students who are obtaining a vocational computer science education will learn how to build, maintain, troubleshoot, and resolve problems with computers and computer networking systems.

A computer science education imparts diverse educational skills and training in computer technology, including database construction, website development, consumer-based interfaces, and a wide assortment of computer languages. A complete computer science education can lead to a broad variety of professional certifications or degrees.

A thorough computer science education allows students to pursue higher education (e.g., Bachelor, Doctorates degrees, etc.). Graduates are qualified for careers in computer science, database administration, network system and data communication analysis, and other computer specialist employment. A certificate or degree will provide hard evidence to future employers that your computer science education was completed satisfactorily and that you are fully qualified to accept the duties of a computer technician.