Choose a Business Degree for a New Future
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Making a Business of Information
by Ed Castro
ed.castro@hqpublications.com
Business-Programs Columnist
As business technology improves, connecting with consumers becomes easier and more complicated at the same time. The future for computer-related workers is bright, especially for anyone pursuing an information technology career.
As our society moves toward a digital existence, the need for qualified professionals to develop, design, monitor and maintain our complex computer systems grows exponentially.
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E-businesses know that success begins with having a staff that knows how to take advantage of the latest business and information technologies. How do you prepare for an information technology career?
Preparing for the Digital Frontier
Depending on who is making the delineation, "information technology" can be defined in various ways. As it applies to business technology and an information technology career, it means "applied computer science." For an information technology career in a Web-based business, the degree program should expose you to:
- The practical application of technology within an area of specialization, for instance, e-commerce or e-business.
- Broad understanding of technology from within the specific area of your interest.
- The application of technology in a particular discipline.
What is an Information Technology Career?
Information technology is a career is focused on the acquisition, deployment and management of information technology resources and services, as well as the development and evolution of technology infrastructures and systems for use in organizational processes.
To function in an information technology career with the competencies, skills, and attitudes necessary for success in the workplace, you will also need a broad range of skills, including:
- Business Skills. Many successful professionals in information technology careers have a minor in business.
- Management Skills. Managing personnel, hardware, and network resources is a primary function of an information technology career.
- Interpersonal, Communication, and Leadership Skills. Information and business technology professionals are often asked to interact with their staff as well as other people inside and outside their organization.
Positions in the Digital Age
With the right training, experience, and education an information technology career can also lead to positions such as:
- Computer & Information Systems Managers. Planning, coordination, research, and design of an organizations computer activities.
- Manager Information Systems (MIS). Manage information systems and computing resources for an entire organization.
- Project Manager. Developing requirements, budgets, and schedules for information technology projects.
- Chief Technology Officer. Research, evaluation, and determination of technologies and their potential uses within an organizational plan.
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Risk and Reward
An information technology career is one filled with risk and reward. The explosive growth of e-commerce and the Internets reputation for building relationships with customers means that information and business technology professionals can look forward to continued opportunities.
Of course, a responsibility to stay ahead of technology is the only way of ensuring relevance in an industry that is constantly changing. Regardless, the role of computer and information technology professionals will become more important to Internet-based companies.
As such, professionals in information technology careers can expect lucrative salaries and continued job prospects well into the future. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, positions in computer and information systems management should grow faster than the average for all jobs through 2012. Clearly, this is one industry worth checking out for anyone looking for long-term potential.
About the Author
Edward A. Castro has extensive experience as a creative media writer. His client portfolio has included such notables as Hewlett-Packard, Sony Computer Entertainment, Shockwave, AtomFilms, GameBlast and Mervyn's California. In his current position, Ed is developing the marketing strategy of an Internet startup company specializing in Japanese trade goods. He is also in the process of writing his first novel.
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