Computers Are Your Future

1. Computers Are Your Future © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

2. Computers Are Your Future Chapter 10 Careers and Certification © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

3. What You Will Learn . . . • Traditional information technology (IT) career paths • Computer science (CS) and computer information science (CIS) curricula in colleges and universities • Settings in which most IT workers find employment • The business skills IS managers want in new IT workers • The technical skills currently in high demand • The positive and negative aspects of certification © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

4. Traditional Information Technology (IT) Career Paths Learn about computers. • Stay abreast of job trends. • http://www.stats.bls.gov A Bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for the best jobs. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

5. Traditional Information Technology (IT) Career Paths Information technology (IT) professionals • Work with IT in all its various forms • Are needed by both small and large companies • Keep up with fast-changing technology © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

6. Typical Job Titles and Responsibilities in a Corporate IS Department © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

7. Typical Job Titles and Responsibilities in a Software Development Firm © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

8. Traditional Information Technology (IT) Career Paths U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics • Fastest growing industries in US economy: • Software publishing • Computer system design • Related computer services © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

9. Traditional Information Technology (IT) Career Paths Offshoring • Transfer of jobs from workers in one country to workers in other countries Outsourcing • Transfer of labor from the firm to outside entities © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

10. Education for Traditional IT Careers • Computer Science (CS) • Computer Information Systems (CIS) • Systems and Software Engineering • Electrical Engineering © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

11. Computer Science (CS) • Computer science uses the principles of science and engineering to improve computing. • Theory rather than the practical applications of computing is emphasized. • Training is technical and involves higher mathematics (calculus). © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

12. Computer Science (CS) Training also involves • Programming languages • Programming language structure • Advanced computer graphics • Artificial intelligence • Relational database design Graduates find jobs in software development firms and information systems departments. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

13. Computer Information Systems (CIS) • Computer information system departments are usually located within business schools. • CIS focuses on the practical applications of computing. • The skills needed by businesses are emphasized. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

14. Computer Information Systems (CIS) Training involves • Programming • Systems analysis • Finance and marketing • Communications skills • Interpersonal skills Graduates find jobs in corporate information systems departments as well as software development companies. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

15. Systems Engineering • Systems engineering uses the scientific method to create and maintain systems in business and industry. • Systems engineering emphasizes looking at the whole picture. • Students learn project management skills. • Graduates are in high demand in the areas of software development, systems analysis, and program development. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

16. Electrical Engineering • Electrical engineering focuses on digital circuit design and communication technologies. • Jobs are in hardware development. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

17. Traditional Methods of Continuing Education Training Seminars • Computer-related • Last from one day to one week • Presented by hardware or software developers or companies specializing in training for new technology Computer Magazines, Newspapers, and Journals • Indispensable resources for IT professionals • Either cover the entire world of computer issues or are aimed at a specific part © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

18. Traditional Methods of Continuing Education Conferences and Shows • Are a way of keeping in touch with the profession • Trade shows– Annual meetings in which manufacturers, designers, and dealers showcase their products Professional Organizations • Provide a way to keep up with a particular area of interest © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

19. Professional Organizations • Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) • Association for Women in Computing (AWC) • Association of Internet Professionals (AIP) • Data Processing Management Association (DPMA) • Network Professional Association (NPA) © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

20. New Information Technology (IT) Career Paths • New technologies and the nature of businesses are changing IT careers. • A four-year college degree is insufficient for some employers. • Employees need skills in communication, business, and technology. • Corporate downsizing or mergers may affect IT careers. • IT workers must manage their own careers. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

21. Sought-After Business Skills • Teamwork– Ability of an individual to work effectively in a team environment • Project management– Ability to plan and manage a project • Communication–Writing and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to give presentations • Business acumen– Some knowledge of business © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

22. Sought-After Technology Skills • Networking– Skills related to Ethernet, TCP/IP, and LAN administration • Microsoft Windows XP– Integration of .NET Passport with Windows XP • UNIX– Strong demand for UNIX system configuration, maintenance, networking, and programming • TCP/IP– Knowledge of Internet protocols © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

23. Sought-After Technology Skills • Oracle– Experience in working with Oracle database and client/server applications • C++– Language of choice for software development • Microsoft Visual Basic– Rapid application development and code reusability © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

24. New Jobs in Information Technology © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

25. Certification Certification is a skills and knowledge assessment organized by computer industry vendors. • To obtain a certificate you: • Take courses at a college, training center, or study on your own • Take a comprehensive examination • Certificate is issued when the exam is passed • Certificates need to be renewed periodically. • Selected certification programs © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

26. Selected Certification Programs © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

27. Certification Certification benefits • Enable employers to assess skills from a pool of applicants • Employer may increase salary offers Certification risks • Students focus on a specific vendor’s technology • Vendor’s technology may become obsolete • Having one skill isn’t enough • Hiring people with narrow training may be risky for employers © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

28. Chapter 10 Summary • Information technology (IT) careers require a four-year college degree in computer science (CS) or computer information systems (CIS). • Training in computer science emphasizes the theoretical and cutting-edge aspects of computing. • Training in computer information systems emphasizes more practical aspects of computing in business settings. • IT workers find employment in corporate information systems (IS). • IS managers look for IT workers with teamwork, project management and communication skills, and business savvy. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

29. Chapter 10 Summary (continued) • High demand technical skills include networking, Windows XP, UNIX, C++, and Internet-related technologies. • Certification provides a way of demonstrating your skills to an employer. • Certification can help ensure that an employee has the skills necessary to do the job. © 2008 Prentice-Hall, Inc.