Information Technology:
Skills & Job Outlook for this Career Cluster
On The Job:
- Most information technology employees work in an office setting. Forty-hour workweeks are fairly standard, but some evening and weekend work can be required to meet deadlines. Some experienced workers can telecommute or work from remote locations, thanks to jump drives and high-speed Internet connections.
- Someone who is a computer consultant may work for more than one company at a time.
- Technology changes constantly. As a result, those who work in information technology must continually re-educate themselves about the latest hardware, software and programming changes.
- Workers are expected to explain complicated technical issues in simple ways to co-workers and clients.
- Employers prefer job seekers with internships, hands-on experience or hobbies that demonstrate their computer knowledge.
What Skills Do You Need?
- Cooperation skills to work with co-workers on projects.
- Customer-service skills to relate to clients and meet their needs.
- Detail orientation to pay attention to specific aspects of systems, programs or machines.
- Instructional skills to teach others about computers or explain programs.
- Manual dexterity for technicians who take machines apart and fix them.
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills to identify solutions to tough problems.
- Writing skills to create reports and documentation.
Job Outlook: VERY GOOD
There are high-growth rates for information technology occupations that help businesses remain competitive, develop new technology or help consumers with technical support.
Concerns over "cyber security" have resulted in increased data privacy and security software that protect networks and infrastructures from viruses or worm attacks.
New growth is also occurring as a result of evolving technologies, like wireless Internet and nanotechnology. Workers will be needed to integrate current computer systems with new technologies.
Computer workers must continually strive to keep their skills updated in order to remain competitive. Experts report high employment rates for those graduating with a bachelor's degree and those with hands-on work experience. Specialized certifications are also valued.
Outsourcing, or using contract workers or services, is a permanent part of the information technology industry. But not all outsourced jobs go overseas. Many outsourced positions are well-paying, long-term contract positions with Minnesota companies.
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