Set Your Sights on Careers in Information Technology

Once you're finished your IT training, there are a lot of exciting job options. Let's take a look at a few of the many IT jobs available to trained computer specialists.

IT Support Specialist

Humans aren't nearly as perfect as our computers are supposed to be, and we need a little help using them properly from time to time. This is where computer support specialists step in to resolve problems with software, hardware, Internet and other computer-related parts or programs. IT job opportunities include IT support specialist, help-desk technician, and other variations of "tech support." These IT support positions are often the first step for people starting careers in information technology.

• Required Education: Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Information Technology

• Average Salary: $39,512 – $50,307

Network Administrator

In the Information Age, it's important for businesses to be able to share information not only with their employees, but also with clients and the general public. Network administration professionals work behind the scenes, making sure that network connections between computers are secure, upgrading systems as they age, maintaining and installing personal computers and associated hardware, installing firewalls, and managing email systems and users accounts.

• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Science or Management Information Systems.

• Average Salary: $43,381 – $55,354

Database Administrator

"Safety" is the name of the game for database administrators (DBAs). DBAs act as security guards for a company's database of business-sensitive information. They set up and maintain access to databases, verifying that only authorized people are accessing company information. DBAs also keep database information safe by creating and maintaining back-up files should something happen to the main database. Although many DBA jobs are considered entry-level, some employers ask for two to four years of career experience in information technology.

• Required Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Information Science.

• Average Salary: $74,013 – $96,759

Webmaster

If you read the news but have never bought a newspaper, talk with friends on Facebook rather than meeting them at Starbucks, and only go to places with free Wi-Fi, a career as a webmaster might appeal to you. Webmasters keep websites up to date and running properly. Although a Webmaster may sometimes perform web design and content writing duties, the primary job is to maintain the backend of the website, such as servers and browsers, so that the website runs quickly and smoothly.

• Required Education: Certification, associate's or bachelor's degree in Web Design, Web Development or Computer Science

• Average Salary: $55,113 – $78,063

Careers in information technology are a safe bet if you are looking for a field with lots of career opportunities at every level. According to recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were roughly 961,200 IT and computer-related jobs in the U.S. in 2008, and this number is expected to increase by 30 percent, creating an additional 286,600 jobs within the next 10 years.



Begin working toward careers in information technology today by browsing All Computers Schools' extensive directory of IT schools to find the degree or certificate that matches your career goals. Search for IT programs available in the U.S. and Canada as well as online IT degrees.

_{Sources: Salary information from salary.com 2009}