Information Technology Careers

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Information Technology provides • Computer & Information Scientists • Management Analysts • Marketing Managers • Database Administrators • Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software • Multimedia Artists & Animators • Business Operations Specialists • Sales Engineers • Network Systems & Data Communications Analysts • Graphic Designers • Film & Video Editors • Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technicians • Computer Support Specialists • Sound Engineering Technicians • Desktop Publishers • Audio & Video Equipment Technicians • Surveying & Mapping Technicians

Did you know? IT is an industry in itself, but IT jobs are also found in every other industry.

Careers in IT are open to anyone with the proper skills and education.

cutting-edge jobs for those looking for a high-tech career in an exciting field. A job in IT, and the skills and education related to IT, creates opportunities and opens doors to many industries and occupations. If you are interested in doing something different every day, thinking outside the box and working with the latest technology, an IT job might be the career path for you. Technology is evolving everyday – come define where it’s going.

Step 1: Identify your interests

Compare your interests, skills and work values with IT occupations using Labor Market Information’s Career Explorer: Visit www.coworkforce.com/lmigateway

• Click on “Services for Individuals”

• Choose “Career Services” This will take you to “Career Explorer” where you can match your skills to occupations.

Step 2: Explore the IT industry & careers

Learn about high-growth, in-demand careers and what they pay on the LMI Gateway website: www.coworkforce.com/lmigateway For more information on a career in IT, check out www.coloradotechnology.org/education

Step 3: Find education, training & financial aid options Discover the best education or training institutions for your career goals and how to get money for school at www.collegeincolorado.org

Step 4: Find available job openings www.connectingcolorado.com

Thomas Reyes

Senior Forensic Animator, Knott Laboratory in Centennial, CO Depending on the day, Thomas could be playing with his RC helicopter around the office or skipping lunch to make last minute changes to animations. As a forensic animator, he digitally re-creates car accident scenes, structural collapses, electrical fires and electrocutions. Some of his animations are later used in court cases.

Thomas says the best part of his job is putting all of the gathered data and scene evidence (such as tire or gauge marks) on the screen and bringing it to life. He actually gets to “see” and understand how accidents happened or who caused them. While Thomas has a degree in computer animation, he says a degree isn’t required. What you know and how you apply it makes you shine in his industry.

Who do you want to be tomorrow?

Occupation

Average Hourly/Annual Wage

Computer & Information Scientists

$45.45 / $94,531

Management Analysts

$43.06 / $89,567

Marketing Managers

$56.02 / $116,523

Database Administrators

$34.84 / $72,464

Minimum Education/Training

Suggested Programs of Study

Doctoral Degree

Computer Science

Conduct research into fundamental computer & information science as theorists, designers or inventors. Solve problems of computer hardware & software. May include project management.

Work experience + Bachelor's Degree

Engineering & Technology Management, Management

Work experience + Bachelor's Degree

Marketing

Conduct organizational studies/evaluations, design systems/procedures & prepare manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently.

Determine the demand for products/services & identify potential customers. Develop pricing strategies to maximize profits & ensure customer satisfaction.

Bachelor's Degree

Microsoft Database Administrator

Bachelor's Degree

Computer Science

Coordinate, test & implement changes to computer databases. May plan & implement security measures.

Computer Software Engineers, Systems Software

$47.25 / $98,273

Barbara Bauer

Apply the principles of computer science & mathematical analysis to design, develop, test & evaluate software & systems.

Multimedia Artists & Animators

$24.99 / $51,969

Business Operations Specialists

$33.99 / $70,694

Sales Engineers

Bachelor's Degree

Computer Aided Drafting, Communication Media/ Multimedia Technology, 3-D Graphics & Animation, Game Design &/or Motion Graphics & Animation

Bachelor's Degree

Business

$41.99 / $87,329

Bachelor's Degree

Computer Science, Information Technology, Applied Computing Technology

Network Systems & Data Communications Analysts

$37.13 / $77,238

Bachelor's Degree

Applied Computing Technology, Network Specialist in Information Systems

Graphic Designers

$21.64 / $45,007

Bachelor's Degree

Graphic Design, Art & Design, with Graphic Design Emphasis

Film & Video Editors

$30.22 / $62,853

Bachelor's Degree

Communication Media/Multimedia Technology, Broadcast /Video Production, Film/Video Technology &/or Video Production

Electrical & Electronic Engineering Technicians

$27.74 / $57,695

Associate Degree

General Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering

Computer Support Specialists

$24.53 / $51,027

Associate Degree

End User Support Specialist, Computer Service/ Network Technology, Computer Support Technician/ Information Systems

Sound Engineering Technicians

$18.60 / $38,687

Post-secondary vocational training

Communication Media/Multimedia Technology, Video Production

Desktop Publishers

$25.93 / $53,939

Post-secondary vocational training

Information Technology

Create special effects, animation or other visual images using film, video or computers for use in computer games, movies, music videos & other products.

Administer & manage a variety of business operations from human resources to financial services. Project managers are often in this job category.

Sell business goods or services, the selling of which requires a technical background.

Analyze, design, test & evaluate network systems, such as LAN, WAN, Internet & Intranet. Perform network modeling, analysis & planning.

Design or create graphics to meet specific needs, such as packaging, displays or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic effects.

Edit motion picture soundtracks, film & video.

Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair & modify developmental/production electronic components, parts, equipment & systems. Work under engineering staff.

Provide technical assistance to computer system users.

Operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix or reproduce music, voices or sound effects in sport, theater, recording or movie & video environments.

Format typescript & graphic elements using computer software to produce publication-ready material.

Audio & Video Equipment Technicians

$18.24 / $37,935

Surveying & Mapping Technicians

$20.76 / $43,173

At least 1 year of on-the-job training

Set up & operate audio & video equipment for concerts, sports events, presentations & conferences. May also set up & operate custom lighting systems.

Adjust & operate surveying instruments, such as electronic distance-measuring equipment. Compile notes, make sketches & enter data about the earth & various features.

1-12 months on-the-job training

Communication Media/Multimedia Technology, Film/Video Technology &/or Video Production Geography &/or Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Surveying & Mapping

President of Global Sight Partners in Denver, CO Barbara has two main types of workdays: some are spent in Denver and others are spent working on international projects around the world. A Denver day involves meeting with IT leaders about projects involving their international partners. When traveling, she could wake up in India, Vietnam, London or a variety of exciting destinations to meet with client leaders and work with them on improving their projects.

Barbara says that the IT industry needs people with all sorts of life experiences and education levels, but it helps to have a solid academic background. She is living proof that there is no such thing as a typical job and that a range of opportunities can take you around the world.

To learn more about occupations & resources, visit www.MetroDenverCareers.com

www.metrodenver.org/wired www.metrodenver.org/wired

www.doleta.gov/OA/brochure/ Information%20Technology_new. pdf

The Emily Griffith Opportunity School offers a Voice Data Video Technician apprenticeship: www.egos-school.com/ apprenticeships/public/ voicedatavideo

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Apprenticeable IT occupations include: • IT Generalist • Project Management • Networking & Infrastructure • Information Assurance & Security • Help Desk • Database • Application Development For more information, visit:

Aims Com munit y Coll ege

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This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded under the Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration working in partnership with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation, and the City and County of Denver’s Office of Economic Development. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This solution is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.

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