IT School

Some fields perform well even in economic downturns. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), shows that there is a demand for IT professionals despite the high level of unemployment in certain fields due to the COVID-19 pandemic. BLS projects a 11% growth rate in computer and information technology occupations from 2019 to 2029. This is much higher than the 4% projected for all occupations.

Employers’ need for IT workers is a major factor in this demand. According to the BLS, information security analyst jobs are expected to increase by 31% between 2019-2029.

Many students begin their IT school with a two year associate degree. Senior colleges often allow students to transfer their associate degrees seamlessly to a bachelor’s degree in IT. Many learners start their education at the bachelor’s level. There are many specialty options in IT, such as web development, database administration and information security. Learning online is easy and affordable, especially in times of pandemics.

The data shows that workers in information technology and computer-related occupations have a high earning potential. According to the BLS, Web developers earned a median annual salary in 2019 of $73,760. Database administrators, and Computer network architects earned a median annual salary of $86,550, and $112,690 respectively, according to the BLS.

Continue reading to find out more about IT school programs and the education requirements for IT careers.

IT VS Computer Science

Although IT and computer science degrees have many similarities, there are significant differences. Computer science students learn the programming and coding skills required to create complex technologies and systems. IT degrees allow students to use these systems to solve current business problems.

IT professionals solve business problems by using existing infrastructure to reach organizational technology goals. They manage, update, and integrate systems. They also analyze the cost and efficiency of new products and processes. Additionally, they ensure that organizations are up-to-date with product licensing.

Computer scientists have advanced skills in programming code and can create applications for mobile devices as well as other innovations. They are proficient in programming languages like C++, C# and Python and have a good understanding of complex math concepts as well as data analytics. Before deploying their systems, computer scientists configure, test, and install them. They make adjustments to adapt to a constantly changing technological landscape.

While IT professionals require less programming knowledge, they must still have a good understanding of how complex systems interact. IT professionals often work in teams, so they must have good interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills. These distinctions are important to help students find the right fit between their interests and those of the field.

Professional Organizations

Joining a professional organization is a great way to advance your career, whether you are a recent graduate, a student, or an IT professional. It’s worth it for the networking opportunities, especially in an industry like information technology that is constantly changing and evolving. Many professional organizations will advertise jobs internally before the news about the openings reaches the regular hiring channels.

They keep members informed about the industry’s state and offer opportunities to advance. Students have mentorship opportunities and sometimes scholarships. At conferences, you can hear from top-flight speakers in your field.

The best thing about being a member is perhaps the reputation and credibility it can give you. It shows that you are serious about your profession and can be trusted to act ethically. These are five IT professional organizations that you might want to include on your resume.

• Association of Information Technology Professionals: AITP was founded in 1951 as a group of machine accounting professionals trying to keep up with the latest technology. Their members cover every aspect of information technology from micro systems to mainframes. They award the Distinguished Information Sciences Award each year for outstanding contributions to information processing.
• Association for Women in Computing: Many of the technological advances today would not have been possible without women like Ada Lovelace or Hedy Lamar. AWC was established to support women in information technology by providing networking and support. Many chapters hold monthly dinners or meetings that feature presentations from industry leaders. Members can also apply for scholarships.
• BDPA Since 1980, BDPA has brought together African Americans working in information technology for over 40 years. They offer scholarships and hold regular conferences to evaluate the industry’s state. They encourage members to get involved in philanthropy as well as their local communities.
• Association of Software Professionals: There are many software programs and apps that are available for free these days. This has resulted in widespread piracy. The ASP is a group of professionals who work together to create new software in a safe and secure environment.
• Computer Professionals for Social Responsibility: Technology’s use is becoming more common in our daily lives. CPSR focuses on making sure the impact is as positive as possible for humanity. The latest book is liberating voices: A pattern language for communication revolution.

IT Internships and Externships

Internships are a great way to maximize your potential. Internships allow students to get to know the work environment and give them the skills they need to succeed. Internships can involve working with existing technologies to gain a better understanding of their daily operation, as well as partnering with new technologies to bring them to market. Internships allow you to put the knowledge you have gained in tech school into practice. These are some tips that will help you make the most of your internship.

• Ask your counselors and advisors for their advice. Future employers will know that college graduates are eager to work. Make it a point of asking anyone you know about internship opportunities. There is a good chance that people you meet have been in your situation and are willing to help.
• Your friend is professional organizations. Professional organizations offer many networking opportunities. Many times, they coordinate internship opportunities. To make these connections, you should consider joining at least one of them.
• Ask a mentor. They’re there because they are successful in their industry. Start by visiting your school’s career or learning centers if you don’t have one or don’t know where else to look.
• It is always a good idea to attend job fairs. Although IT may seem like an antisocial field, going out and meeting people can have a positive effect on your career options. Job fairs are a great way to meet decision-makers one-on-one. Job fairs are a great way to meet with hiring managers looking to hire bright students.
• Glassdoor, Monster and Looksharp are all good places to look for job opportunities. Many companies list all their internship opportunities on major job search websites. It is a good idea to keep your LinkedIn profile updated, since hiring managers might be able to find qualified candidates through the social network.