Information Technology

- the study or use of systems (especially computers and telecommunications) for storing,
retrieving, and sending information:
Information and communications technology (ICT)
is an extensional term for information technology (IT) that stresses the role of unified
communications[1] and the integration of telecommunications (telephone lines and wireless
signals) and computers, as well as necessary enterprise software, middleware, storage and
audiovisual, that enable users to access, store, transmit, understand and manipulate
information.
ICT is also used to refer to the convergence of audiovisuals and telephone
networks with computer networks through a single cabling or link system. There are large
economic incentives to merge the telephone networks with the computer network system
using a single unified system of cabling, signal distribution, and management. ICT is an umbrella
term that includes any communication device, encompassing radio, television, cell phones,
computer and network hardware, satellite systems and so on, as well as the various services
and appliances with them such as video conferencing and distance learning. ICT also includes
analog technology, such as paper communication, and any mode that transmits
communication.[2]

21 Different Types of IT Careers To Explore

Birt, 2023
Updated August 3, 2023
Show Transcript

Video: Top Jobs in Tech

Are you interested in a career in tech, but are not sure which job is best for you, or how to start
preparing for it? We have you covered!

Information technology (IT) professionals are responsible for helping organizations maintain
their digital infrastructure and providing troubleshooting assistance to technology consumers.
IT employees are in demand to help others keep up with technological advances and security
procedures.

If you are interested in developing skills in programming and problem-solving, you may
consider a career in IT. In this article, we provide examples of IT jobs to help you find the right
career
Types of information technology jobs

Here are several different types of IT jobs—including their average salaries, typical duties and
requirements—to consider if you're interested in working in this field:

. IT technician

National average salary: $51,569 per year

Primary duties: An IT technician collaborates with support specialists to analyze and diagnose
computer issues. They also monitor processing functions, install relevant software and perform
tests on computer equipment and applications when necessary. They may also train a
company's employees, clients and other users on a new program or function as well.

Requirements: IT technicians must earn an associate degree in IT or a bachelor's degree in

computer science or networking. Technicians render services for IT companies depending on
the industry they choose to work in and may need to learn more about database programming
to give themselves an advantage in an entry-level role.

2. Support specialist

National average salary: $58,536 per year

Primary duties: Support specialists are responsible for reviewing and solving computer network
and hardware problems for a business. They can work in a variety of industries to provide
general support to a company's employees or at a technology or software-as-a-service (SaaS)
company to provide technical support on user experience issues that require technical
assistance.

Requirements: Support specialists typically obtain a bachelor's degree in IT or computer

science. Having a certificate or an associate degree paired with relevant professional experience
may also be acceptable.

3. Quality assurance tester

National average salary: $65,518 per year

Primary duties: Quality assurance testers are technicians or engineers who check software
products to see if they're up to industry standards and free of any issues. This role is common
for gaming systems, mobile applications and other technology that needs further testing and
maintenance when recommended.
Requirements: Many quality assurance testers have a bachelor's degree in software design,
engineering or computer science. Testers can work on different software for IT companies,
which may influence what degree or specialization they pursue. These professionals should also
have excellent time management and communication skills to help document test cases.

4. Web developer

National average salary: $67,854 per year

Primary duties: Web developers design the appearance, navigation and content organization of
a website. They use coding languages such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript to manage graphics,
applications and content that address a client's needs.

Requirements: Many web developers earn an associate degree in web development or another
relevant IT field. Some may pursue a bachelor's degree in IT or another business field. Others
may develop their web design skills through certificate programs or self-paced learning. To
secure employment, previous experience and a portfolio of work are often required.

5. IT security specialist

National average salary: $71,818 per year

Primary duties: IT security specialists work in various industries to build and maintain digital
protective measures on intellectual property and data that belong to an organization. They help
companies create contingency plans in case information gets hacked from their networks and
servers. These professionals also create strategies to troubleshoot problems as they arise.

Requirements: A bachelor's degree or professional certification is often required. Courses may

involve math, programming and operating systems and certifications offered by the Information
Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2).

6. Computer programmer

National average salary: $73,218 per year

Primary duties: A computer programmer is someone who writes new computer software using
coding languages like HTML, JavaScript and CSS. Video game software can be updated to
improve online gameplay, which is an opportunity for programmers to troubleshoot problems
experienced by gamers after the game is released to the general public.

Requirements: A programmer typically completes a bachelor's degree in computer science and

an internship to build their skills. Certifications are also strongly encouraged, and there are
many coding academies to choose from.
7. Systems analyst

National average salary: $82,373 per year

Primary duties: A systems analyst reviews design components and uses their knowledge of
information technology to solve business problems. They identify ways that infrastructure
needs to change to streamline business and IT operations. They can also assist technicians in
training staff to implement the changes they propose.

Requirements: A bachelor's degree in computer science or a related IT field is often required.

Coursework in business administration, management and finance may help these professionals
better apply their IT knowledge to improving business practices.

8. Network engineer

National average salary: $89,326 per year

Primary duties: Network engineers work on the day-to-day maintenance and development of a
company's computer network, utilizing their skills to make the network available and efficient
for all employees within an organization.

Requirements: These professionals typically need a bachelor's degree in computer science or

information systems to understand the functions of a network and become familiar with
potential solutions needed to maintain one. Some employers may also require a Master of
Business Administration (MBA) degree for those who work with other internal stakeholders of
the organization to determine the best technology practices.

9. Software engineer

National average salary: $93,817 per year

Primary duties: Software engineers apply their knowledge of mathematics and computer
science to create and improve new software. They may work on enterprise applications,
operating systems and network control systems, which are all examples of software that can be
used to help businesses scale their IT infrastructure.

Requirements: Most computer scientists need both a bachelor's and a master's degree to
become experts in software development and maintenance. They learn and practice skills in
technical problem-solving, diagnosis, troubleshooting and programming languages.

10. User experience designer

National average salary: $94,954 per year

Primary duties: A user experience (UX) designer is involved with all facets of product
development regarding its purchasing, branding, usability and functionality. They collect and
review user feedback to determine what a product needs to be efficient, functional and
successful. They apply this feedback to the design, organization and usability. These
professionals then monitor the process of testing and revising products until they meet their
consumers' high-quality standards.

Requirements: UX designers may pursue an associate or bachelor's degree program in an IT

field and pursue additional coursework or training in design, business, web development and
programming. Others may be self-taught in programming, design and development. Many
employers do seek previous experience so an internship or portfolio may help these
professionals secure employment.

11. Database administrator

National average salary: $98,860 per year

Primary duties: Database administrators employ specialized software to organize and keep
track of data. The software can be associated with software configuration, security and
performance when applicable. These professionals frequently diagnose and solve complex IT
issues related to the data infrastructure to ensure an organization's data is safe, accessible and
easy to navigate.

Requirements: Database administrators typically need to earn a bachelor's degree in computer

science or management information systems. They often start as a database analyst or a
developer before moving into this role so they can obtain experience in data collection and
working within a network's databases.

12. Data scientist

National average salary: $102,312 per year

Primary duties: A data scientist analyzes and organizes data to determine trends that can
influence business decisions. Their methods and IT tools use statistics and machine learning to
help collect and process a company's data such as financial records, sales, prospects and lead
generation. Some duties vary for specific industries. For example, data scientists in the
healthcare industry keep electronic health records (EHRs) intact for hospitals to have access to
confidential medical information. They may also use data to help healthcare organizations
make sound business decisions.

Requirements: Many of these professionals choose to pursue both a bachelor's and a master's
degree in IT or other business fields. Some pursue additional degrees, coursework and
certifications that relate to their specific industry, such as health care.
13. Computer scientist

National average salary: $108,521 per year

Primary duties: A computer scientist applies their technological skills and resources to solve IT
problems for businesses. They write new software to complete tasks in a quick and efficient
period as well as develop new functions that can be of use for employees or clients.

Some computer scientists may also be application developers who help program software to
serve users. IT companies heavily rely on computer scientists to create new programming
languages and bolster the efficiency of hardware and software programs.

Requirements: Most computer scientists need to have a bachelor's degree but employers may
require a master's degree as well. Previous work experience may also be valuable to
prospective employers.

14. IT director

National average salary: $111,971 per year

Primary duties: An IT director oversees the strategy and execution of IT operations for an
organization. They ensure that department tasks align with the company's goals and
development. These professionals may also collaborate with other internal IT professionals as
well as executive management to generate contingency plans, budgets and development goals.

Requirements: This position may require a graduate degree and relevant industry certifications,
such as in certain programs or applicable management courses. Entry and mid-level roles in IT
support and database architecture can provide these professionals with the well-rounded
experience to help them advance to this management position.

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7 other IT jobs

Here are other related positions to explore in the IT industry:

 Applications engineer: An application engineer is a liaison between engineers and

customers. They review customer sales data and assist in producing and testing complex
software programs. They also present engineers' findings to the public to render
feedback on changes that need to be made.
 Cloud system engineer: A cloud system engineer estimates the amount of database
storage a company has and measures the availability of programs for the user. They also
 evaluate if data is being processed correctly within an organization's cloud
infrastructure.
 Data quality manager: A data quality manager manifests data practices for an
organization. For example, they can establish processes with a customer relationship
management (CRM) system to keep the operational quality high for its users.
 Help desk technician: A help desk technician renders technical support to address issues
with a company's hardware or software equipment. They can serve as in-house or
remote employees and must convey issues to employees clearly and understandably.
 IT coordinator: An IT coordinator completes administrative tasks to help maintain an
organization's computer networks. Some tasks include giving IT advice to users,
providing training to new employees and applying new IT practices to computer
hardware or software.
 Management information systems director: A management information systems
director spearheads the implementation of software, equipment installation and other
projects to improve the quality of a company's information systems.
 Web administrator: A web administrator sets up an organization's web host, grants
access to specific users, creates mail servers and helps users understand the basic
functions of the system they're using.

A code of ethics for IT professionals is a set of principles and guidelines that aim to promote
ethical conduct and behavior in the field of information technology 12.Some examples of code
of ethics for IT professionals are12:
 Treat everyone fairly and avoid discrimination12
 Respect the privacy and confidentiality of others and access private information only when
necessary12
 Be honest, trustworthy, and responsible for your actions and decisions 12
 Respect the work and intellectual property of others and avoid plagiarism and unauthorized
use12
 Contribute to society and human well-being and avoid harm 2
 Co-operate and communicate with others in a professional and respectful manner 1
 Maintain and improve your skills and knowledge and educate others 1
 Be aware of the social and environmental impacts of your work and act accordingly 12

ICT Applications in society…