Internet Fundamentals/IT Careers

This lesson introduces Information Technology careers.

Work

Objectives and Skills

Objectives and skills for this lesson include:

• Identify job roles in the Information Technology (IT) industry, including the responsibilities, tasks and skills they require.
• Manage career opportunities in the IT industry.

Readings

1. Wikipedia: Career
2. Wikipedia: Job search
3. Wikipedia: Résumé
4. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Computer and Information Technology Careers

Multimedia

1. YouTube: How To Get Started in a Information Technology career
2. YouTube: Career Path in IT
3. YouTube: Career In Tech: How To Find The Right Role For You

Student Presentations

1. YouTube: IT Careers

Activities

1. Career Planning - Complete one or more of the following:
   • Complete the tutorial GCFLearnFree: Career Planning and Salary. Then download and fill out the GCFLearnFree: Career Planning Worksheet.
   • Complete the tutorial GCFLearnFree: Job Search and Networking. Then download and fill out the GCFLearnFree: Personal Branding Worksheet.
2. Job Outlook and Preparation - Complete one or more of the following:
   • Review Creating IT Futures: IT Career videos. For one or more IT career job titles, use the BLS.gov: Occupational Outlook Handbook and Salary.com to research job prospects, education requirements, and current salary ranges for positions that interest you.
   • Review IT Career Finder: IT Certfications. Research preparation requirements and current salary ranges for certifications that interest you.
3. Resume and LinkedIn Profile - Complete one or more of the following:
   • Complete the tutorial GCFLearnFree: Resume Writing. Use a sample resume template and create your own resume. Save the resume in different formats (plain text, PDF, word processor).
   • Complete the tutorial GCFLearnFree: LinkedIn Basics. Create a LinkedIn profile. Add your summary, experience, and education.
   • Connect with people you know (friends, family members, classmates, current and former work colleagues, teachers, professors, etc.) who would be able to recommend you to future employers and employment opportunities.

Lesson Summary

• A career is an individual's metaphorical "journey" through learning, work and other aspects of life.
• Career management describes the active and purposeful management of a career by an individual.
• Career choices are based on natural talents, work style, social interaction, work-life balance, altruism, stress levels, and income needs.
• Career success may be measured by status, earnings, satisfaction, personal achievement, and personal values.
• Job searching is the act of looking for employment, due to unemployment, underemployment, discontent with a current position, or a desire for a better position.
• The immediate goal of job seeking is usually to obtain a job interview with an employer which may lead to getting hired.
• Many job seekers research the employers to which they are applying, and some employers see evidence of this as a positive sign of enthusiasm for the position or the company, or as a mark of thoroughness.
• Job seekers need to pay attention to what potential employers and recruiters find when they do their pre-interview information gathering about applicants.
• Contacting as many people as possible is a highly effective way to find a job. It is estimated that 50% or higher of all jobs are found through personal connections (networking).
• After finding a desirable job, seekers apply for the job by responding to an advertisement, applying through a website, or emailing or mailing in a hard copy of a résumé to a prospective employer.
• Once an employer has received résumés, they will make a list of potential employees to be interviewed based on the résumé and any other information contributed.
• A résumé (also spelled resume), is a document used by a person to present their backgrounds and skills.

Key Terms

computer programmer

Write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly.

computer support specialist

Provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment.

computer systems analyst

Study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures and design information systems solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively.

database administrator

Use specialized software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records.

information security analyst

Plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.

network administrator

Responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks.

network architect

Design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.

software developer

Develop applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device or develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks.

system administrator

Responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer systems.

web designer

Design website front end, user interface, user experience, etc.

web developer

Develop website back end, functionality, database connectivity, etc.

Assessments

• Flashcards: Quizlet: IT Careers
• Quiz: Quizlet: IT Careers

See Also

• Careers and Employment
• LinkedIn: 10 LinkedIn Tips for Students & New Grads
• USA Today: 5 Templates That Will Make Writing the Perfect LinkedIn Summary a Breeze

References

← Project Management

Internet Fundamentals