Computers aren't taking over our lives, they succeeded some time ago. If you drive a car, use a telephone, warm up cold pizza in a microwave, watch TV, listen to music, buy a plane ticket or a movie ticket or for that matter anything else online, if you surf, text, or tweet you are using a computerized device. This article is an attempt to categorize the major professions in the computer field, in an attempt to help people who are interested in finding a career therein.
Computer science. This course of study is the most pervasive in the field because it covers a lot of ground. You'll probably want a bachelor's degree or be working towards one when you go looking for work associated with computer science. It covers the creation of new technology that may be applied to hardware of all types. It also encompasses software in the sense that computer scientists work at improving on or developing new software languages. Computer science is both application of theory to new projects and knowledge to the task of solving existing problems.
Database administration is the management of information stored on computers. People who work in this field may be information systems specialists or engineers, IT specialists, and information system developers. Many specialize in software programs or language such as SQL, Oracle or Sybase.
An important subcategory in this field is information security. People who make careers in this field often take courses and become certified for specific languages or products such those mentioned above along with languages such as Java, C++ and Microsoft products. They will also usually obtain an associate's or bachelor's degree in information systems or a related title.
Network analysts, network systems specialists, network developers, network architects and data communications specialists all focus on the networks of computer stations that share a database. They design networks, scale them, work on security solutions for them, install them, and enlarge them.
They work on in-house local area networks all the way up to multinational systems. For this particular professional area most professionals hold a bachelor's or master's degree in management information systems (MIS), in information science, in IT development or sometimes, an MBA with concentration in information systems.
Software engineers design and build software programs. They work with computer programmers who often write the code meant to accomplish what the engineer is trying to do. Some specialize on computer systems software, others on applications software. Degree choices include a bachelor's in computer information systems, computer science or software engineering.
Computer systems administrators or network administrators are responsible for keeping the system operating properly and for overseeing changes such as expansion or a change in software. Often they are in charge of information security as well, or they may turn to a computer security specialist. Computer support specialists are the repair and replace experts that manage problems with hardware and often with software as well.
This is but a small sampling. If you are interested in obtaining the education for one of these fast-growing occupations, consult a curriculum specialist at one of the colleges or talk to a faculty member in the field if you can catch up to one. You can also call a local computer consulting firm and find a cooperative professional; those firms that install and repair systems have a good perch from which to survey the field.
Bob Hartzell writes about careers for GetDegrees.com. On the website, you'll find comprehensive resources for technology degrees as well as information on educational opportunities for hundreds of other professions.
