Although only a few decades old, the field of information technology or IT is as wide and deep as the industries that have been around for centuries. IT job categories, degrees, and specialties abound, so many that anyone researching IT as a career is likely to be very, very confused. What is the difference between a network engineer and a network support analyst? Between a web developer, a web designer, and a web tech specialist? What does a database administrator do?
While labels and responsibilities tend to vary from employer to employer, here are some common IT job titles and their descriptions. Consider these when looking for an IT career that best suits your interests, talents, and temperament:
Database administrator – A database is any collection of information that a company or organization keeps on file (for example, customer names, addresses, inventory, etc.) The database administrator (DBA) is responsible for organizing, maintaining and updating this database and create systems so that the persons authorized to view, add or delete information can do so as quickly and easily as possible.
Internet Solutions Developer – This is an overview for a person responsible for designing and executing Internet-based projects. The job generally involves working with programs that allow the public to view and interact with a company, organization, or agency website.
IT Project Program Manager – It is a managerial position that requires some years of experience in the information technology field. The IT Project Program Manager is responsible for finding solutions to IT-related problems and then implementing those solutions, often with the help of a team.
Network Administrator – A “network” is any set of computers that are linked to each other or to a central server so that information can be created, shared, and updated. The network administrator is generally responsible for ensuring that an existing network runs smoothly and for adding or removing hardware (computers, printers, etc.) and software (programs, applications) from the system.
Network and security specialist – The Network and Internet Security Specialist is the person responsible for ensuring that people who use a computer network only have access to the information they can see, that the information in the network’s database is protected and duly preserved , and that the network cannot be accessed (or “hacked”) by unauthorized people, wherever they are.
Network engineer – The network engineer is generally responsible for 1) Designing new computer networks, 2) Creating these networks, 3) Installing the computers and software that connect to the networks, and, 4) Ensuring that the network can grow and function accordingly. be necessary.
Network Support Analyst – A network support analyst is a lot like a network administrator in that they are responsible for keeping an existing network running as needed, but they have fewer management responsibilities. The network support analyst may also be responsible for monitoring how people actually use the network, identifying problem areas, and then recommending and implementing solutions.
Software developer / engineer – “Software” is the set of instructions that make a computer do what you want it to do. The Software Developer / Engineer is the person who writes the instructions, also known as “code”, for these computer programs / applications. Software developers / engineers can work “in-house” developing custom programs for a specific employer or customer, or they can work on programs that are then sold commercially.
Technical Support Specialist – Computers and networks always have problems, and it is the technical support specialist’s job to identify these problems and find a way to correct them. Technical support specialists often work at “help desks” where they communicate with company employees or customers by phone, instant message, or email.
Web developer – Web developers create, maintain and update the functional aspects of websites, either on the Internet or on the internal intranet of a company. When designing a new site, they are generally responsible for creating its architecture, navigation, and interactive features. They may also be responsible for creating programs or applications specifically designed for the Web.
Web designer – While the web developer is concerned with the technicalities of a website or web-based application, the web designer is responsible for how the site or application actually looks. This is an artistic position that requires training and experience in graphic design and layout, and perhaps even animation, as well as the technical aspects of web operations.
Web Technology Specialist – This position combines the responsibilities of the web developer and the web designer. The web technology specialist needs not only the technical aspects of websites and applications, but must also frequently handle the design and graphic aspects.
If you are considering training professionally in information technology, you need to understand these (and other) job descriptions in order to pursue the education and training that will qualify you for the type of IT job that suits your talent and personality.