Technology is the infrastructure of modern life. Every time you start your car, boot you iPod or take public transportation, sophisticated operating systems are at work.
It’s no surprise then, that information technology is one of the fastest growing career fields. And with IT Managers typically earning six figure salaries, IT jobs are becoming increasingly coveted. Here’s a list of the top information technology jobs based on salary, job growth and excitement:
• Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians
• Mechanical Engineers
• Electronics Engineers
• Game Designer
• Digital Forensics
• IT Consultant
• UI Architect
• Project Manager
• IT Manager
• Web Developer
• Computer Programmer
• Network Administrator
• Database Administrator
• Software Engineer
• Systems Analyst
Web Develope
Job Description
A Web developer is responsible for the behind-the-scenes code and programming of Web sites and Web-based services. While the edges are often blurred in Web positions, Web developers typically have a more technical orientation than Web designers , who focus on a site’s look and feel, and information architects, who focus on sites’ organization. Web developers’ projects vary widely, ranging from bare-bones active Web pages to complex, multilayered Web applications that might power an ecommerce site.
Median Salary
$68,125
Education Requirements
Web developers typically have at least a bachelor’s degree, even if they have gained much of their know-how from on-the-job experience. Web developers need to have broad-based knowledge, encompassing areas such as usability and interface design; basic Web skills, such as HTML, CSS and JavaScript; Web 2.0 skills, including Ajax; server-side technologies, such as ASP, PHP and Ruby on Rails; databases such as MySQL, SQLServer, Oracle or IBM’s DB2.
Job Outlook
Computer science and DBA jobs are expected to grow 37 percent from 2006 to 2016. Web developers should continue to enjoy excellent job prospects as the expanding integration of Internet technologies results in a growing need for specialists who can develop and support Internet and intranet applications.
Database Administrators
Job Description
Database administrators work with database management systems software and determine ways to organize and store data. They identify user needs and set up new computer databases. In many cases, database administrators must integrate data from outdated systems into a new system. They also test and coordinate modifications to the system when needed, and troubleshoot problems when they occur. An organization’s database administrator ensures the performance of the system, understands the platform on which the database runs, and adds new users to the system. Because many databases are connected to the Internet, database administrators also must plan and coordinate security measures with network administrators. With the growing volume of sensitive data and the increasing interconnectedness of computer networks, data integrity, backup systems, and database security have become increasingly important aspects of the job of database administrators.
Median Salary
$91,500
Education Requirements
Most employers seek applicants who have bachelor’s degrees in computer science, information science, or management information systems (MIS).
Job Outlook
Database administrators should continue to enjoy excellent job prospects, with the category expected to grow 29% between 2006 and 2016.
Become an IT Manager
Job Description
Computer and information systems managers direct the work of systems analysts, computer programmers, support specialists, and other computer-related workers. These managers plan and coordinate installation and upgrading of hardware and software, programming and systems design, development of computer networks, and implementation of Internet and intranet sites. They’re increasingly involved with the upkeep, maintenance, and security of networks. They analyze the computer and information needs of their organizations and determine immediate and long-range personnel and equipment requirements. They assign and review the work of their subordinates and stay abreast of the latest technology to ensure the organization doesn’t lag behind competitors.
Median Salary
$104,000
Education Requirements
Many managers possess advanced technical knowledge gained from working in a computer occupation.Job opportunities will be best for applicants with computer-related work experience; a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with technology as a core component, or a management information systems degree; and strong communication and administrative skills.
Job Outlook
Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow by 16% from 2006 to 2016.
User Interface Architect
Job Description
Any company that’s building a new application, Web site, or video game faces some important decisions about how users will navigate and interact with their product. That’s where User Interface (or UI) Architects come in. UI Architects think about the way users will flow through an application, create flowcharts and wireframes mapping out interactions, and work with designers to create the look and feel of an interface. often, they work with focus groups and researchers to gather feedback from users and tweak interfaces for more efficiency.
Median Salary
$79,000
Education Requirements
UI Architects come from a variety of fields. Most hold at least a BA or BS in design, human computer interaction, psychology, or library science, and an advanced degree in one of those fields is preferable.
Job Outlook
Job opportunities for User Interface Architects should continue to increase as the software, web, and mobile industries grow.
Computer Software Engineers
Job Description
Software engineers analyze users’ needs and design, construct, test, and maintain computer applications software or systems. They also solve technical problems that arise. Software engineers can be involved in the design and development of many types of software, including software for operating systems and network distribution, and compilers, which convert programs for execution on a computer. Computer applications software engineers build and maintain general computer applications software or specialized utility programs, while computer systems software engineers coordinate the construction and maintenance of a company’s computer systems and plan their future growth.
Median Salary
$88,500
Education Requirements
Most employers prefer applicants who have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering. Graduate degrees are preferred for some of the more complex jobs. In 2006, about 80 percent of workers had a bachelor’s degree or higher. Because of increasing emphasis on computer security, software engineers with advanced degrees in mathematics and systems design will be sought after.
Job Outlook
Employment of computer software engineers is projected to increase by 38 percent over the 2006 to 2016 period, which is one of the largest employment increases of any occupation.
Digital Forensics
Job Description
Digital forensics professionals specialize in collecting evidence from computers and digital storage media. They work to recover recover e-mails, images, and data, often from systems that have been compromised or damaged. They analyze systems that have been broken into by hackers. They help conduct investigations and gather evidence, and they can be called on to testify in court. As more crime is conducted and more information and potential evidence is stored digitally, this profession is growing by leaps and bounds.
Median Salary
$55,000
Education Requirements
Specialized BS degrees are available in computer or digital forensics, and the profession’s unique blend of technical, legal, and law enforcement skills make education a critical part of securing a job.
Job Outlook
Digital forensics is one of the hotter job categories within law enforcement, and it should continue to grow as the country increases funding for homeland security.
Project Manager
No matter how much you hated Bill “Yeah, I’m gonna have to ask you to come in on Saturday” Lumbergh from Office Space, you have to admit that he had a better job than Peter. Why, you ask? Because Bill was a project manager.
If you’d like to go around confiscating your coworkers’ staplers – or more to the point, if you’d like to step up from just working in IT to setting the direction for the projects and products you work on – a job as a project manager might be for you.
Project managers lead teams of coders, network techs, security specialists, database administrators, and other IT workers to create new products, features, or systems. They determine what resources are needed to meet certain goals, map out how much time a project will take, assign team members to different tasks, and ensure that project milestones are met.
It’s a complex role that requires a blend of technical knowledge and experience, communication skills, and business savvy. And while that sounds like a tall order, the position does come with its benefits. Even newly-minted project managers make upwards of $85,000 a year, according to Payscale. Plus, as experienced IT managers, they’re well positioned to eventually move up to the CIO / CSO / CTO level.
If that sounds interesting, consider these requirements as you prepare for a job as a project manager:
Experience. Many project managers grow into the role at the company that currently employs them. A manager with in-depth knowledge of the product they’re developing is invaluable.
Communications and business skills. Project managers are expected to play a larger role in a company’s business, and as such they need stellar communications skills as well as a grasp of budgeting and project planning. Pursuing an MBA is a great way to gain these skills and to demonstrate to employers that you’re serious about making this transition.
Certifications. Some firms require or highly prefer project management certifications, such as PMP (Project Management Professional) or Project +. In gaining such certifications, you’ll learn important project management skills and familiarize yourself with project management software that you’ll need to use to track projects at many large companies.
IT Manager
By: BLS.gov
Job Description
Computer and information systems managers direct the work of systems analysts, computer programmers, support specialists, and other computer-related workers. These managers plan and coordinate installation and upgrading of hardware and software, programming and systems design, development of computer networks, and implementation of Internet and intranet sites. They’re increasingly involved with the upkeep, maintenance, and security of networks. They analyze the computer and information needs of their organizations and determine immediate and long-range personnel and equipment requirements. They assign and review the work of their subordinates and stay abreast of the latest technology to ensure the organization doesn’t lag behind competitors.
Median Salary
$104,000
Education Requirements
Many managers possess advanced technical knowledge gained from working in a computer occupation.Job opportunities will be best for applicants with computer-related work experience; a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with technology as a core component, or a management information systems degree; and strong communication and administrative skills.
Job Outlook
Employment of computer and information systems managers is expected to grow by 16% from 2006 to 2016.
Computer Programmers
Job Description
Computer programmers write, test, and maintain software applications. Programmers also conceive, design, and test logical structures for solving problems by computer. Job titles and descriptions may vary, depending on the organization, and this group has a wide range of responsibilities and educational backgrounds. Applications programmers write programs to handle a specific job, such as a program to track inventory within an organization. They also may revise existing packaged software or customize generic applications purchased from vendors. Systems programmers write programs to maintain and control computer systems software, such as operating systems, networked systems, and database systems.
Median Salary
$65,510
Education Requirements
Almost 8 out of 10 computer programmers held an associate’s degree or higher in 2006; nearly half held a bachelor’s degree, and 2 out of 10 held a graduate degree. Job prospects will be best for applicants with a bachelor’s degree and experience with a variety of programming languages and tools. Obtaining vendor-specific or language-specific certification also can provide a competitive edge.
Job Outlook
Although employment is projected to decline 4%, numerous job openings will result from the need to replace programmers who leave the labor force or transfer to other occupations.
Network Administrators
Job Description
Network administrators, design, test, and evaluate systems such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), the Internet, intranets, and other data communications systems. Systems are configured in many ways and can range from a connection between two offices in the same building to globally distributed networks, voice mail, and e-mail systems of a multinational organization. Network systems and data communications analysts perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, often requiring both hardware and software solutions. For example, a network may involve the installation of several pieces of hardware, such as routers and hubs, wireless adapters, and cables, while also requiring the installation and configuration of software, such as network drivers. Analysts also may research related products and make necessary hardware and software recommendations.
Median Salary
$79,000
Education Requirements
College graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, information science, or MIS also should enjoy favorable prospects, particularly if they have supplemented their formal education with practical experience.
Job Outlook
Network administrators will be in great demand, with the category of network systems and data communications analysts expected to grow 53% between 2006 and 2016.
Computer Software Engineers
Job Description
Software engineers analyze users’ needs and design, construct, test, and maintain computer applications software or systems. They also solve technical problems that arise. Software engineers can be involved in the design and development of many types of software, including software for operating systems and network distribution, and compilers, which convert programs for execution on a computer. Computer applications software engineers build and maintain general computer applications software or specialized utility programs, while computer systems software engineers coordinate the construction and maintenance of a company’s computer systems and plan their future growth.
Median Salary
$88,500
Education Requirements
Most employers prefer applicants who have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering. Graduate degrees are preferred for some of the more complex jobs. In 2006, about 80 percent of workers had a bachelor’s degree or higher. Because of increasing emphasis on computer security, software engineers with advanced degrees in mathematics and systems design will be sought after.
Job Outlook
Employment of computer software engineers is projected to increase by 38 percent over the 2006 to 2016 period, which is one of the largest employment increases of any occupation.
Computer Systems Analysts
Job Description
Computer systems analysts solve computer problems and apply computer technology to meet the individual needs of an organization. They help an organization to realize the maximum benefit from its investment in equipment, personnel, and business processes. Systems analysts may plan and develop new computer systems or devise ways to apply existing systems resources to additional operations. They may design new systems, including both hardware and software, or add a new software application to harness more of the computers power. Most systems analysts work with specific types of systems—for example, business, accounting, or financial systems, or scientific and engineering systems—that vary with the kind of organization. Some systems analysts also are known as systems developers or systems architects.
Median Salary
$71,000
Education Requirements
Employers generally prefer applicants who have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems (MIS).
Job Outlook
Employment is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations, with an increase of 29% expected between 2006 and 2016.
Game Designer
Job Description
Game designers work to create console, PC, and mobile games on a number of different platforms. Many different positions are available in game design, tailored to a variety of skill sets and experience levels. Level Designers work with tools created by the game company to design and populate levels of a game. Systems Designers write code that governs gameplay. Lead or Senior Designers manage team members and often maintain design documents that cover everything from the game’s plot and art direction, to the code used to create it. Game design teams also include more traditional positions, such as Art Directors, Software Engineers, and Release Managers.
Median Salary
$73,600
Education Requirements
Successful game designers often hold degrees in computer science, 3D Animation, or art, depending on their area of expertise.
Job Outlook
Video gaming is expected to remain one of the fastest growing businesses over the next ten years. As games continue to grow more complex, and production costs continue to rise, positions in game design should grow by leaps and bounds.
Hot Tech Careers for the 21st Century
“Manager,” “CEO” and “administrative assistant” are old-school. In the networked economy, there’s a whole new class of job titles coming to an HR department near you. Here are some of the technology-related jobs that will be in demand in the 21st century and beyond.
Network Experts
According to a recent study by IT placement agency Robert Half International Consulting, networking is the most in-demand IT specialty. Thirty-two percent of the 1,400 chief information officers surveyed cited networking as the highest growth area within their IT departments.
Gary LaFave, president of InfoTech Contract Services, says, “With telecommuting on the rise and the high demand for sharing and accessibility to data, the person who understands the connection on both the local and global fronts will be in most demand.”
These global network architects need to comprehend communication and information at a much higher and more complex level, explains LaFave. They will need to be knowledgeable in Internet, voice, data and cable capabilities as they come together in the next few years.
Information Architect
Part builder and part librarian, an information architect clarifies the mission and vision of a document, balancing the needs of an organization and its audiences. An IA is responsible for learning how users find information in a site by defining the organization, navigation and labeling systems.
Web Site/Database Integrator
Web site/database integrators will need to know standard Web site languages (HTML,PERL, C, JAVA, etc.), database languages (DB2, Oracle, SQL, etc.) and, in the case of legacy systems, some back-end knowledge of accounting packages, financial systems and inventory systems. This job also requires the ability to hook the database(s) to an Internet site or an intranet.
Web Programmers and Developers
As the Internet continues to grow, so will the demand for Web programmers and developers. To land these jobs, you’ll need to be well versed in a variety of programming languages including Java, Cold Fusion, C++ and PERL.
Infomediary
Made popular in the new book Net Worth by John Hagel and Marc Singer, an infomediary’s primary role will be to act as a third-party agent that brokers client information to vendors in exchange for goods and services for the consumer.
Skip the IT Degree? Not So Fast
Remember the dotcom days, when tech-savvy teens went straight to work for Internet startups, skipping or dropping out of college in the process? Their reasoning was that if they stayed in school, their skills would become stale and the opportunity to make it big off a hot IPO would vanish.
That was then, this is now.
While technical skills and work experience matter, employers today generally do not advise anyone who wants to pursue a technology career to shun college – at least not before giving serious thought to the repercussions. Since IT workers are now expected to possess a more well-rounded skills portfolio – one that includes business and communication skills as well as technical proficiency – employers often view a college degree as a requirement for anyone who wants to move up the ranks.
“To get in, you don’t need a degree,” says Jim Lanzalotto, a vice president at staffing firm Yoh who notes that entry-level help-desk and technical-support positions often do not require a bachelor’s degree in IT. “It’s as you move through your career where [the degree] will become critical.”
School Daze
Techies posting to Monster’s Technology Careers message board often ask whether they need a degree to break into IT. They note that plenty of successful IT professionals – Bill Gates chief among them – are not college graduates. Wouldn’t it be better, they ask, simply to get experience rather than waste time on college classes?
Bill Gates aside, today’s techies can better position themselves for advancement – and for surviving the vagaries of offshoring and economic downturns – if they have a college degree. Instead of the techies who’ve acquired a hodgepodge of technical skills on the job, employers are seeking individuals who are creative and possess strong critical-thinking and communication skills. Fair or not, employers often see a college degree as evidence of those traits.
Making the Cut – or Not?
Furthermore, the lack of a degree can be a quick way for employers to eliminate job candidates. That means aspiring degree-less techies will have a tougher time getting into the field.
Even if you do manage to get your foot in the door without a degree, your future options may be limited. “The barrier to entry may not be big,” Lanzalotto says. “The barrier to success is significant.”
To be sure, companies may be willing to overlook the lack of a degree if it suits their needs. “If a person’s technical skills and accomplishments are specific to what the company is looking for, some companies will sometimes overlook the lack of a degree,” says Carly Drum, manager director of recruitment firm Drum Associates. “Certain IT skills are hard to come by.”
But candidates relying too heavily on their technical expertise could end up in trouble anyway. If their IT skills become out of date, their lack of a college degree can be a stumbling block to future employment. You don’t want to provide employers with any reasons to toss your resume, and the lack of a degree can be one such reason, even for an experienced professional.
Beyond the Degree
Of course, earning your degree is one thing, but proving you have the skills and experience needed to succeed in the IT workforce is another. For that, you’ll need the practice that comes with internships, volunteer experiences and self-directed projects.
Helen Campbell, chief technology officer of Daata Group, emphasizes that it is essential for college students to focus on their own IT-related projects outside the classroom. College can give you a foundation, but it won’t necessarily develop your real-world expertise. “The practice is up to you,” she says.
Education, after all, is a lifelong endeavor that requires more than classroom learning.
“A college degree is not a be-all and end-all, but it is a key component of what employers are looking for,” Lanzalotto says.
Tech Career Snapshots: CIO to Help Desk
Perhaps the first step in applying for a job is understanding the position itself. In the information technology field, that’s a more complicated task than you might expect, as technology job titles are constantly in flux (like the technology itself). Even the hodgepodge of “standard” titles requires some explanation beyond what’s offered in job descriptions.
For those new to the industry, this is especially confusing. You’re thinking about entering the IT world, and suddenly you’re confronted with names of positions you never even knew existed. A $60,000 salary for a quality assurance engineer? Not bad, but what is QA? Is this a position you aspire to? You’ll never know unless you know what a person in that position actually does.
To help you make sense of all this, here is another installment in our series of straightforward, no nonsense descriptions of technology job titles. Salaries are approximate and vary by region. Once you know the titles, expect to see lots of variations, often with a “senior” or “junior” appended to it, or with a qualifier related to the type of technology or computing system.
Chief Information Officer (CIO)
What they do: The CIO serves as a company’s technology guru, overseeing everything from the purchase of computer systems to overarching plans to use technology to gain a competitive edge. With technology often viewed as central to a company’s mission – and not simply as serving “back office” functions, like accounting – the role of the CIO is increasingly strategic; that is, geared toward finding ways to utilize technology in new and creative ways.
Skills: The CIO needs to know the technology, but he also needs to have the savvy – and confidence – to walk into the CEO’s office with ideas to help the company thrive and grow. The CIO is often an expert in a particular industry, whether it’s toy retailing or database software. A CIO must have demonstrated skills in management, team-building and budgeting. A CIO is typically an individual who has already held a top technology post, such as IS director.
Salary: $140,000
Project Manager
What they do: The project manager develops requirements, budgets and schedules for IT projects. Project managers may coordinate multiple projects, from development through implementation, working with both clients and project leaders. Project managers report on the project’s status to clients, manage project resources and timelines, and write proposals and other project documentation.
Skills: Project managers must know the technology, but they also need to be able to communicate with personnel unfamiliar with the demands of IT projects. Knowledge of a specific area of technology, such as e-commerce or database design, is considered crucial by many organizations, although some emphasize more generic project management skills. Database analysts, senior software engineers and others may take on project management tasks, providing them with the experience needed to become full-fledged project managers. Knowledge of planning tools, such as Microsoft Project or Visio, is often required.
Salary: $76,000
Quality Assurance Engineer
What they do: Complex technology projects require testing – lots of it – in order to avoid gaffes (and outright disaster). QA engineers work to execute testing plans and goals to ensure systems work properly. Tasks include the design and implementation of testing procedures, interaction with support staff, categorizing bug fixes and enhancement requests, and reviewing bug reports.
Skills: QA engineers must have problem-solving and organizational skills, along with knowledge of the underlying technology of the systems being tested. A position with an Internet company, for instance, might require knowledge of HTML, CGI, Internet protocols and Java. QA engineers should have experience with bug-tracking software and automated testing procedures.
Salary: $63,000
LAN Manager
What they do: The LAN manager provides assorted services, from design to administration, of an organization’s local area network, which connects staff within an organization.
Skills: A LAN manager needs to know the intricacies of the specific systems being used by a company: Windows NT, Novell, Unix and so forth. Knowledge of networked applications, virus-protection schemes, system diagnostic utilities, and experience with routers, hubs and bridges is also necessary.
Salary: $57,000
PC Tech Support Specialist
What they do: You need the latest version of Internet Explorer on your PC? Call tech support. Tech support specialists are responsible for the maintenance and support of a company’s PCs. Tasks include troubleshooting, responding to technical problems, and performing maintenance, upgrades and configurations.
Skills: Tech support specialists should have knowledge of assorted operating systems, such as Windows 95 and 98, Windows NT and Macintosh, along with familiarity with frequently used applications, from Web browsers to Microsoft Office.
Salary: $38,000
Computer Operator
What they do: A computer operator is responsible for tasks related to the daily operations of a company’s computing systems. Tasks include performing backups, executing batch print jobs and maintaining logs of operations.
Skills: A computer operator must be able to follow precise instructions, evaluate problems and plan a course of action to remedy situations. An associate’s degree, or comparable experience, is often required, with training in the specific system being operated.
Salary: $35,000
Help Desk
What they do: Help-desk workers answer support questions, from the silly to the serious. They may handle questions from a company’s own computer users, or they may respond to queries, via phone or email, from individuals using a product produced by the company.
Skills: Help-desk staff must have a comprehensive understanding of specific systems and applications, with the ability to provide clear answers to common (and not-so-common) questions.
Salary: $35,000
Technology Career Trends
While there are more IT job titles and positions than ever before, there are also more companies across every industry relying on tech expertise to propel the business.
Yet while all the current indicators—economic forecasts, hiring predictions and labor market statistics—combine for a rosy IT career picture you do have to keep in mind that all those numbers are just numbers. Things change rapidly in business and those changes quickly impact careers.
Labor market forecasts, whatever their source, aren’t crystal balls. But if you study them thoroughly and critically, they can be among the best tools you have as you contemplate which tech career path best suits your needs and what the future holds for tomorrow’s tech experts.
Trends in 2007
This year hasn’t boded too well for tech compensation despite the demand for more tech labor. In the information technology field, starting salaries rose about 2.8 percent in 2007, according to staffing firm Robert Half Technology.
Indeed, there has been substantial variation in 2007 pay increases across IT occupations, according to Robert Half’s projections. While Web developers were seeing an average hike of 4.2 percent, starting help-desk workers only saw their pay rise just 0.8 percent, or an average $250, to $37,000.
In Salary.com’s survey of salary budget increases, professionals working in computer and electronics manufacturing, computer systems design, and scientific and technical services all are expected to see raises of 4 percent to 5 percent.
Yet pundits are bullish about the IT career path.
It’s great to see demand up, and it’s a great time to be in IT right now,” says Brian Gabrielson, national practice director at staffing firm Robert Half Technology.
Also be aware that business trends, specifically the push to offshore tech work, is still a significant career issue. Another factor is that IT hiring managers are way past wanting only tech skills.
What Hiring Managers Want Today
Candidates must demonstrate business knowledge.
“It’s almost as if the technology is assumed nowadays,” says Gabrielson, noting that techies who understand return on investment and other business concepts have the strongest prospects in today’s hiring environment. “Clients are looking for that business acumen in their hires.”
That perspective is echoed in an October 2006 report from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), which states that in IT, the “battle for talent is about to become even fiercer as companies search for the hybrid employee: Workers who excel at collaboration, innovation and managing change.”
Here’s a look at findings from a variety of recent reports on IT employment: Software developers will see the biggest increases in starting salaries in 2007, with base compensation expected to rise 5.1 percent to range from $60,250 to $94,750 annually, according to the Robert Half Technology 2007 Salary Guide.
Industries expecting strong demand for IT professionals in 2007 include financial and business services, insurance, technology, healthcare and manufacturing.
According to Computerworld’s 2006 salary survey, IT workers saw their pay increase an average of 3.1 percent in 2006, with a number of positions-namely network architects, Web developers and e-commerce directors – seeing increases of 4.8 percent or more. Median base salaries varied widely, depending on the position and level of experience. For senior management, the median base salary was $115,000, while middle managers earned $85,000 and staff/technical positions paid $68,000.
Hot IT job titles in 2007 include project manager, business analyst, program manager and security analyst, according to staffing firm Vedior North America’s 2007 Employment Forecast.
Companies expect IT talent to become even more difficult to find in the next three years. Of the technology executives surveyed by PricewaterhouseCoopers, 71 percent believe competition for industry talent is more challenging in IT than in other industries, while 83 percent say “engineering knowledge with collaborative and creative thinking is in short supply.”
The Hudson Employment Index reflects an increase in worker confidence from a year earlier, edging up to 115.8 points in November 2006 from 101 points in Novem
Certifications
Oracle’s certification program might entertain a new motto: “Not just for database pros anymore.”
The company offers certifications for a variety of job roles, matching the wide-ranging offerings of the company itself, from application software to development tools. Founded on the concept of relational database technology, Oracle now bills itself as “the world’s largest enterprise software company.” It now offers data warehouse design and application servers, as well as enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) solutions, aided by Oracle’s recent merger with PeopleSoft.
For IT professionals working with Oracle products, the company’s multifaceted technology translates into a broad spectrum of certifications for database administrators, software developers, analysts, Web administrators and others.
ORACLE PRIMARY CERTIFICATIONS
Oracle Certified Associate (OCA): The associate credential is designed for IT professionals beginning to work with Oracle. Typically, OCAs will already have acquired the foundation of knowledge for their work as Web administrators, database administrators and developers. Oracle views the OCA credential as an appropriate starting point for techies early in their careers. By earning an OCA certification, you can have increased entry-level job opportunities, says Oracle’s OCA candidates guide. “It is the stepping-stone to starting a successful career as an Oracle professional. Oracle Certified Professional (OCP): OCPs generally have achieved a degree of experience and success in their careers. For example, developers may have demonstrated their expertise by managing a large-scale Oracle database or developing applications used throughout a company. This credential is seen as a way to move on to senior-level positions.
Oracle Certified Master (OCM): The OCM credential can be summed up in a single word: Guru. OCMs, whether database pros or developers, are crucial members of IT departments who handle mission-critical projects and tasks. The OCM credential significantly raises the bar for certification with its hands-on testing, according to an article in Oracle Magazine, a company publication. The OCM is Oracle University’s response to the industry’s need to effectively test candidates on their ability to perform in a real-world, live application environment and is a test of both knowledge and experience, the article notes.
CREDENTIALS FOR SPECIFIC ORACLE PRODUCTS AND RELEASES
Oracle’s certifications are typically tied to specific products and releases. Deciding which certification path to choose depends largely upon what Oracle technology you will be working with, whether Oracle Database 10g, Oracle9i Forms Developer, Oracle Application Server 10g, Oracle9i Database, Oracle Forms 6i Developer or Oracle9i Application Server. An Oracle-produced Guide offers advice on the steps to becoming certified by Oracle. Oracle Certification Resources
These training and information resources are useful for techies interested in Oracle certification:
Oracle University offers instructor-led, self-paced learning courses. Self Test Software provides practice tests endorsed by Oracle. The tests are designed to help those pursuing certification target areas where they need practice and additional knowledge. Oracle Magazine regularly includes articles geared towards IT pros seeking Oracle certification. DBAzine.com is an online community for database issues. SearchOracle.com is a clearinghouse for Oracle articles. OraBlogs aggregates Oracle blogs. Oracle FAQ is for Oracle products and includes links to books, message boards and other resources. Oracle Headline News provides the latest from the Oracle world. Database Journal contains a special Oracle section.
Bone Up Business Skills: The MBA Decision
IT professionals who think only tech skills are needed to move up need to think again. Even if you’re not looking to advance up the career ladder most companies now expect tech experts to know the business and understand the business model. They want an IT leader who knows technology and can also use technology to boost and bolster the business goals.
For those looking to advance that means getting some solid business knowledge and skill sets under the belt.
One approach is achieving the MBA degree.
According to the schools that educate them, and employers that hire them, MBAprofessionals are sought after for their ability to think critically, deal with ambiguity and solve complex problems. In the broadest sense, the master of business administration degree represents a way of thinking, not just a set of financial skills and business knowledge.
An MBA teaches IT leaders to think critically though critical thinking is not a course per se. It’s a skillset woven throughout a MBA curriculum, which relies heavily on the case-study approach. This requires students to evaluate business dilemmas and formulate the best plan of action.
At Basking Ridge, New Jersey-based Avaya, which sells enterprise telephony systems,MBA hires are part of the company’s strategy to build a leadership pipeline, says Rob LeFever, senior manager of university leadership programs. Avaya likes MBAs for their ability to deal with ambiguity and create changes that help the company compete in its on campus recruiting trips. Avaya looks for candidates who demonstrate the ability to maximize talent, enroll others, champion change, look at the big picture and optimize Avaya’s interests.
THE MBA OPTIONS
But keep in mind that going for the MBA can be a costly educational undertaking. The financial cost depends upon many variables, including which school you attend, your prior experience and whether you enroll in a full-time or part-time program.
Options for part-time MBA candidates are expanding, as evening, weekend, online, executive and on-site programs at work gain popularity. In fact, 72 percent of full-time MBAprograms experienced a decline in applications in 2005, as more people opted to keep their jobs and go the alternative MBA route, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), a nonprofit educational association.
The core MBA curriculum is essentially the same across programs and schools. Candidates take courses in accounting, economics, finance, law, marketing and organizational behavior, with some programs providing opportunities to specialize once students master the basics. But the various program types cater to MBA seekers whose schedules, finances and other commitments don’t permit them to give up their jobs.
Executive MBA programs are aimed at older students, many of whom are already senior-level execs. These executive offerings typically takes about 26 months to complete and requires students to spend one long weekend per month on campus, completing their remaining coursework on the Web.
The most flexible option for prospective MBA students, online-only programs promote their ability to cater to any student’s schedule or time frame for earning a degree. But online-only MBA offerings, which deliver course syllabuses, study guides, reading lists and exams over the Web, may be missing some of the face-to-face camaraderie.
Beyond online and executive programs, part-time MBA offerings for working professionals of any age and experience level are widely available. Babson, among many other institutions, offers evening programs that allow students to take one or two courses a semester. Students typically complete the degree in three or four years.
The part-time approach is popular among professionals who want to expand their career horizons.
Less popular, but not uncommon, are programs that don’t require part-time MBA students to leave the office. Pfeiffer is among the schools that offer what the university calls “cohort experiences,” targeted to a single organization’s employees and delivered where they work. The university has developed such offerings for local organizations, including medical insurer Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and Northeast Medical Center, a nonprofit hospital. Employees earn the same degree as those who complete their MBAcoursework on campus.
Most alternatives to the two-year, full-time MBA are part-time. But a few other schools across the country offer a one-year intensive program. This full-time program takes just 12 months to complete and requires an undergraduate degree in business.
No matter which MBA program or option you decide to undertake, experts say working professionals also have to factor in the required academic time outside a classroom and balance that with work and personal commitments. It’s also a very good idea to talk to others in your IT field that are in business-tech roles and investigate how they pursued boosting their business skills and ask for advice and insight on the MBA route.
