What Careers are in Information Technology?

The careers in information technology offer a rich variety of employment options. Below are four potential careers for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in information technology.

IT Desktop Support Specialist

Desktop support specialists provide technical support to end users regarding office laptops, telephones, desktop computers, peripherals and applications. They maintain and troubleshoot all desktop and mobile phone hardware and software by contributing to helpdesk support and ensuring that all incidents and requests are resolved in a timely and accurate manner. They must constantly prioritize support tickets while maintaining a high level of customer service to all end users. They are asked to resolve hardware, software and network access problems in-person, remotely or through the phone. Some desktop support specialists manage system development, configuration, testing and installation. This especially applies to system upgrades, enhancements and bug fixes. They set up new workstations and assist with new hire training.

IT Programmer Analyst

IT programmer analysts perform systems analysis and programming for various software applications. They are assigned applications analysis and programming work for specific systems and target areas. These include website design, system development, application support, enterprise resource planning (ERP) and custom software development, according to Microsoft. IT programmer analysts may handle a variety of duties related to website testing and maintenance, software application usage analysis and computer systems design. They may participate in the development and installation of system upgrades, or they may conduct studies and prepare reports regarding the cost, reliability and effectiveness of current systems. They perform accuracy checks for computer programs and work processes. They may also assist with feasibility studies for data processing applications.

IT Service Manager

IT service managers supervise support teams who provide end users support at multiple sites. They lead the delivery and operation of systems and services across assigned business regions. They closely collaborate with IT service desk and specialist teams. For example, they may supervise teams who deal with incidents and service requests that cannot be resolved remotely resolved. Any problems that are beyond their skill sets must be staffed with the IT service manager and referred to specialists or outsourced to contractors. They provide a single point of communication and accountability to operational staff and management. They ensure effective provisioning of resources and continuity of IT support to end-users. They report service and response functionally to executives and regional support managers.

Data Center Engineer

Data center engineers work with onsite IT staff and other teams to ensure that the data center’s technology environment is properly functioning. They must ensure that data centers do not experience service interruptions because of downtime, technology malfunctions and equipment extractions. Data center engineers document, respond to and report on all incidents. They evaluate and identify risks, operational bottlenecks and new technologies to advance end user experiences. They drive initiatives that will empower end users and increase efficiency and accuracy. Data center engineers enforce the standardization of system configurations, hardware and software updates and the implementation of recommended security patches. They build and maintain vendor relationships and may purchase hardware and software products.

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More careers in information technology are available to graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering and IT security.