Getting to the Top with an IT Degree

An information technology (IT) degree is your key to unlocking an exciting career in a well-paid, in-demand industry. Jobs are plentiful for IT graduates with all levels of experience and education, with positions at the highest level commanding up to six-figure salaries. With enough time and effort, and the right education, you, too, can hit the top of the career ladder in technology management.

Here are just a few of the jobs you can find once you've earned your IT degree.

Like CIOs, Chief Technology Officers (CTO) are at the top rung of the IT career ladder. While some of the duties of a CIO and CTO overlap, such as hiring, firing and managing of employees, the CTO of a major corporation is normally less concerned about creating policies, and much more focused on the technical side of things. A typical CTO would spend his or her time researching new software, developing better data architecture and making strategic decisions on major projects.

Most CTOs complete a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology or management of information systems, and most employers prefer candidates with an MBA or a master's in IT degree.

Because CTOs must have broad knowledge and experience with many types of computer applications, and stay on top of new developments in the IT industry, they are paid very well. A recent report by Robert Half Technology predicts that CTOs will earn salaries of $111,750 to $174,250 in 2010.

Auditing of IT systems has grown increasingly popular after several major accounting scandals in the late 1990s and early 2000s. With the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act in 2002, many companies were held to much higher standards of accounting and overall technology practices.

IT auditors are brought in to evaluate the strengths and weakness of an organization's information security, operations and business practices, and report on their findings. Good auditors must be experienced with all aspects of IT, including computer systems, network administration, databases and encryption in order to accurately assess a company's IT setup.

Many aspiring IT auditors start out in other IT fields after earning their associate's or bachelor's-level IT degrees. Industry certifications such as the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) and Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) are commonly required by employers who hire IT auditors.

As the demand for IT auditors increases faster than the number of people becoming qualified IT auditors, so do the salaries for IT auditing. Listed as one of Robert Half Technology's 30 Top Paying Jobs in IT, IT auditors earn average salaries of just over $100,000 annually.

Whether you are just starting out or looking to advance your career, there is an IT degree program that's right for you. Browse All Computer Schools' online directory of IT degree schools and programs, and request free information directly from schools that interest you. Earn your IT degree and join the ranks of the many satisfied IT career professionals.

_{Sources: Robert Half Technology 2010; Computerweekly.com}