Planning is Critical when Choosing a Career

 

Abraham Lincoln said, "If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I'd spend six hours sharpening my axe."

 

Many don't take the time to "prepare" for their career.  Do your research!  The Lincoln reference above indicates the amount of time you should spend on planning and preparation.  Think about not only what you would do, but how you should prepare.  Select a career you are interested in and one that would give you abundant job opportunities across a wide-range of industries.

No matter what industry you like, from Hollywood to Health Care, they all have one thing in common.  They use computers, software and networks. And they all need qualified technicians to support and operate these IT systems.  That's why, with the proper IT training, there are plenty of IT jobs available.  The following is from the recent Bureau of Labor Statistics study:

• Computer specialists accounted for 55 percent of the jobs in this industry in 2008, reflecting an emphasis on technical skills.
• Because of the high proportion of workers in professional occupations, the education level of workers in this industry is higher than average. (That is why IT certifications are so important)
• Computer systems design and related services is expected to be among the fastest growing industries in the economy.
• Job opportunities should be excellent for most workers, with the best opportunities occurring for computer specialists.

 

The Nature of the Computer/IT Industry

Virtually all organizations rely on computer and information technology to conduct business and operate efficiently. Many institutions, however, do not have the internal resources to effectively design, implement, or manage the products and systems that they need. When faced with such limitations, organizations often turn to the computer systems design and related services industry.

Goods and Services

Establishments in this industry design computer and information systems, develop custom software programs, and provide computer facilities management services. They also may perform various other functions, such as software installation and disaster recovery services. They generally work on a contract basis, assisting an organization with a particular project or problem, such as setting up a secure Web site or establishing a marketplace online, or for ongoing activities, such as the management of an onsite data center or help-desk.

Industry organization

In 2008, there were 180,100 establishments in the computer systems design and related services industry. Custom programming establishments write, modify, test, and support software to meet the needs of a particular customer. These service firms may be hired to code large programs, or to install a software package on a user's system and customize it to the user's specific needs. Programming service firms also may update or reengineer existing systems, or design customized Web sites.

Systems design services firms plan and design computer systems that integrate computer hardware, software, and communications technologies. They help clients select the right hardware and software products for a particular project, and then develop, install, and implement the system. In addition, they often train and support the system's users. Some firms in this industry also consult on security issues. The system's hardware and software components may be provided by the design firm as part of integrated services, or may be provided by a third party or vendor.

Computer facilities management services usually are offered at the customer's site. Establishments offering these services provide onsite management and operation of the client's computer systems and facilities, as well as facilities support services.

Establishments that provide disaster recovery services help organizations prepare for a major malfunction of their computer systems. They back up data and create strategies for business operation during and after a shut-down. They also help organizations recover lost data after a disaster has occurred.

Recent developments

The widespread use of the Internet and intranets has resulted in an increased focus on information security. Security threats range from damaging computer viruses to online credit card fraud and identity theft. The expansive use of e-commerce highlights this concern, as firms use the Internet to exchange sensitive information with clients. In order to mitigate this threat, many organizations are employing the services of security consulting firms, which specialize in all aspects of information technology (IT) security. These firms assess computer systems for areas of vulnerability, manage firewalls, and provide protection against intrusion and software "viruses."*

 

 

 

For information the latest Colorado labor statistics go to the State of Colorado Department of Labor and Employment site.

 

For more information look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-2011 Edition.

* Article from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.