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Career Profile: Networking Technology Careers

Can’t think of the last time you did anything at work or home (and everywhere in-between) without some form of technology? That’s why the computer and information technology field is loaded with opportunity. From laptops, to phones, to games to home appliances, to cars, computer technology is everywhere.
Since the computer technology market has a wide variety of jobs at varying levels of education and experience, it is definitely a field worth exploring. Not to mention, it has high salaries, low unemployment and rapid growth (much higher than the average 11% of all careers) as well as great work-life balance.
Sound too good to be true? Check out our summary of the IT jobs ranked as the top four by U.S. News and World Report  using data from the of Labor Statistics’ 2014-15 Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Software Developer
What would your phone, computer or tablet be without apps and software? Nothing. Software developers are the creative and technical minds behind designing and improving them. And since you just can’t live without either, software developers are in high demand. The career is expected to grow 17 percent between 2014 – 2024, which is a whopping increase of 186,600 jobs. A Bachelor’s degree in computer science will get you in the door and earning a median salary of about $9100,000 a year. That’s more than twice as much as the median $48,320 of all jobs and it requires no work experience to break into the field.
Computer Systems Analyst
With the keyword being ‘systems,’ these analysts are concerned with how a company’s hardware, software and networks all work together. Process-minded and business-minded individuals who know computers may find interest here. In fact, entry-level education is a combination of a bachelor’s degree in computer or information science, business or liberal arts and skills in information technology or programming. Growth between 2014 and 2024 is projected to be 21 percent (118,600jobs) and the median salary is over $85,000 a year.
Information Security Analyst
As cyber attacks, security breaches and other technological risks grow, so does the demand for information security analysts, the fastest growing of the top 4 jobs. At 18 percent projected growth, this job will increase by 14,800 workers by the year 2024. Information security analysts monitor and protect the security of organizations’ computers and networks, and employers value their service to the tune of $90,120 per year with a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field and less than five years work experience.
Web Developer
With an associate’s degree in web design or a related field, knowledge of programming and graphic design, and a love for creating websites you could become a web developer. Web developers create the look of websites and make sure they are fast and able to handle a lot of traffic. In 2014 about one-fourth of web developers were self-employed, which also gives you the potential for having a side gig. The annual median salary without experience can be as high as $64,000. The growth in web developer jobs is predicted to be 27 percent (39,500) from 2014 to 2024.
Other computer and IT jobs worth exploring are:
  • Computer network architects who design and build data communication networks and intranets.
  • Database administrators, who use specialized software to store and organize data; make it accessible to authorized users; and secure it from unauthorized users.
  • Computer support specialists, who provide help and advice to organizations and employees.
You can find information about these jobs and more in the field at the Bureau of Labor Statistics website. To learn more about technology degrees at Bryant & Stratton, click here.

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