Guide to IT Careers

The information age has ushered in advances in computer and communication technology, advances that have sparked what has been termed the “information revolution.” At the heart of this revolution is the exponential demand for access to, management of, and transformation of information. Information technology drives the dynamic information infrastructure that has become integrated on a global scale socially, culturally, and economically. Databases. Apps. Computer software. Websites. Mobile data. Servers. Voice networks. Each part of the larger, interconnected informational ecosystem.

Broadly, information technology can be defined as the use of computing via various components (e.g. hardware, services, software) to develop, manage, transform, share and store information in different forms. Example components of information technology include the following:

Services Systems deployment, support, repair

Software Mobile applications, network security, desktop applications

Infrastructure Cloud computing, Internet, telecommunications

Hardware Servers, mobile devices, network systems, computers


Careers in information technology deal with the design, creation, management and maintenance of the varied components of the system, including software, hardware, networks, systems integration and multimedia. Broadly, information technology can be divided into four central pathways: network systems, information support and services, programming and software development, and Web and digital communication. Down each career avenue exist myriad occupational opportunities, ranging from database administrator to computer systems engineer, digital media specialist to systems analyst.

Network Systems.

Careers in this field are responsible for designing, analyzing, developing and implementing network systems.

Information Support and Services

Careers in this field are responsible for deploying and managing computer systems and software, providing technical support and maintaining information systems.

Programming and Software Development.

Careers in this field are responsible for planning, designing, updating and managing computer software and systems through software programming and development.

Web & Digital Communications.

Careers in this field are responsible for the creation and production of interactive media, including digital and multimedia products.