Information Technology Professionals Career Outlook
Information technology professionals design computer systems and programs, give recommendations for improvements, maintain and repair computer systems and provide support to computer users. Overall, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 38.3 percent growth in the field of information science through 2016. The specific career outlook for an information technology professional varies based on her specific job type.
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Computer Engineers
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Computer software engineers utilize principles of mathematics and engineering to design sets of instructions that computers use to perform tasks. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 38 percent increase in software engineering jobs through 2016, or 226,000 new jobs for engineers who create computer applications and 99,000 new jobs for those who design computer operating systems. Computer hardware engineers develop the parts of a computer that can be seen or touched, such as monitors and internal parts like processors and chips. The field of hardware engineering will grow more slowly at 4 percent, or 3,600 new jobs, due to the increasing amount of overseas computer production.
Programmers
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Computer programmers translate the numerical plans of software engineers into one of a number of computer languages. Increasingly, computer engineers perform the duties of programmers, eliminating the need for professionals to solely program. Because of this, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 4 percent shrinkage in the field through 2016; however, the Bureau notes that programmer job openings due to promotions and retirements are still possible, especially for candidates with a bachelor's degree and certification in several programming languages.
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IT Researchers and Database Administrators
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IT researchers develop new computer-based technologies, such as robotics and virtual reality. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 22 percent growth in the field of IT research, creating of 5,400 jobs through 2016. The Bureau reports that a graduate degree in computer science or master's of business administration degree are likely to become minimum education requirements for the field. Database administration typically requires only a bachelor's degree and involves the upkeep of computer-based lists that store important business information, such as inventory levels or customer contact information. Through 2016, the demand for such professionals is predicted to grow by 29 percent, creating 34,000 new jobs.
Computer Support Specialists and Administrators
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Computer support specialists and administrators provide technical support to users with questions and troubleshoot problems that occur with computers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an 18 percent growth rate for such professionals, resulting in 155,000 new jobs. While bachelor's degrees are usually preferred for computer support specialists, a high school graduate or associate degree holder has the opportunity for employment if he possesses strong computer skills.
Information Systems Managers
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Information systems managers oversee the development of a company's network of computers. This involves monitoring computer performance and routinely analyzing the company's needs to ensure the network is performing optimally. When improvements are necessary, information systems managers recommend steps to take while adhering to budgetary constraints. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that 43,000 new jobs will be created for information systems managers through 2016 due to an expected 16 percent growth.
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