Careers in Information and Communication Technology

Careers in information and communication technology fields include a

variety of roles and tasks associated with planning, researching, installing
and monitoring the performance of IT systems. IT professionals should have
technical expertise in computer systems, hardware and networks. They
need exceptional problem solving and analytical abilities to diagnose and
repair defects or malfunctions. Individuals in the IT field should have natural
interest and capabilities with programs and information computer systems.
They should be able to grasp large amounts of information and be able to
quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and advances in the field.
Software Development and Programming Roles
Analyst Programmer
Write, test, design and develop computer software and programs. This role
often bridges the gap between business needs and technical solutions,
requiring both analytical skills to understand requirements and
programming skills to implement them.
Example Situation: A company needs a new inventory management system.
An Analyst Programmer would analyze the current manual process, design a
software solution, and then write the code to build it.
Programmer
Create and edit programs by converting the requirements of a project into
code. Programmers focus primarily on the coding aspect, translating
designs into functional software.
Example Situation: Given the design for a new mobile app, a Programmer
would write the specific lines of code in a language like Python or Java to
make the app work as intended.
Software and Application Programmer
Develop and test new software as well as tweak and test existing programs.
This role is a broader term encompassing both the creation of new
applications and the maintenance/improvement of existing ones.
These professionals are responsible for the full lifecycle of software, from
initial concept and development to testing, deployment, and maintenance.
Example Situation: A team is developing a new customer relationship
management (CRM) software. A Software and Application Programmer
would be involved in writing new features, fixing bugs, and ensuring the
software runs smoothly.
While all three roles involve writing code,
an Analyst Programmer often has a stronger focus on the design and
analysis phase before coding.
A Programmer is more singularly focused on the coding itself.
A Software and Application Programmer is a more encompassing term that
can include both development of new software and maintenance of existing
applications, often with a strong emphasis on testing.
IT Management and Strategic Roles
Chief Information Officers (CIO)
The Chief Information Officer (CIO) is a senior executive role, focused on the
strategic direction and long-term vision of IT within an entire organization.
Watch over organizations’ IT and telecommunication systems. CIOs are
executive-level positions responsible for the overall technology strategy and
implementation within an organization, aligning IT with business goals.
Example Situation: A company is planning a major digital transformation.
The CIO would lead the strategic planning for all new IT systems, budget
allocation, and technology adoption across the entire organization.
IT Manager
Organize and run IT departments in companies and organizations. IT
Managers oversee the daily operations of an IT department, managing
teams, projects, and resources to ensure smooth technology functioning.
Example Situation: An IT Manager would be responsible for ensuring all
company computers are updated, network issues are resolved, and the IT
support team is adequately staffed and trained.
An IT Manager, while also a leadership role, operates at a more operational
level, managing the day-to-day activities and teams within a specific IT
department. The CIO sets the “what” and “why” of IT, while the IT Manager
focuses on the “how” and “who.”
Data and Systems Administration
Database and Systems Administrators and ICT Security
Maintain and operate databases, computer systems, IT security systems
and networks. This is a combined role that ensures the integrity, availability,
and security of an organization’s data and IT infrastructure.
Example Situation: They would be responsible for backing up company
databases, ensuring servers are running efficiently, and implementing
firewalls to protect against cyber threats.
IT Security Specialist
Develop and maintain secure database management systems for
organizations. This role is highly specialized in protecting IT systems and
data from unauthorized access, breaches, and other cyber threats.
Example Situation: An IT Security Specialist might design and implement
encryption protocols for sensitive customer data or conduct penetration
testing to identify vulnerabilities in a company’s network.
While both roles deal with security, Database and Systems Administrators
and ICT Security have a broader responsibility for the overall operation and
maintenance of systems and databases, with security being one
component. An IT Security Specialist has a dedicated and deeper focus
solely on the security aspects, often designing and implementing advanced
security measures.
IT Support and Quality Assurance
IT Support and Test Engineers
Follow procedures and strategies to support, manage and test technical
quality systems. This role combines the aspects of providing technical
assistance and ensuring the quality and functionality of IT systems.
Example Situation: They might troubleshoot a software issue reported by a
user and then run a series of tests to ensure a new update doesn’t break
existing functionalities.
IT Support Technician
Assist in the planning, installation and performance of computer systems
and technology. This role is primarily focused on direct technical assistance
to end-users and the physical setup and maintenance of IT equipment.
Example Situation: An IT Support Technician would help an employee set up
a new computer, resolve printer issues, or assist with network connectivity
problems.
Test Analyst
Offer support and testing to create and maintain functional systems based
on technology. This role is highly specialized in quality assurance, focusing
on identifying defects and ensuring software meets requirements.
Example Situation: Before a new website launches, a Test Analyst would
rigorously test all its features, links, and forms to ensure everything works
correctly and is user-friendly.
An IT Support Technician is typically the first point of contact for user issues
and hardware/software installation. IT Support and Test Engineers have a
broader scope, combining support with a focus on testing and quality
assurance of systems. A Test Analyst is specifically dedicated to the quality
assurance process, designing and executing tests to ensure system
functionality and performance.
Business and Network Analysis
Business Analyst
Evaluate and develop technology systems to help businesses run at optimal
standards. Business Analysts act as a liaison between business stakeholders
and IT teams, translating business needs into technical requirements.
Example Situation: A company wants to improve its customer service
process. A Business Analyst would interview customer service
representatives, analyze current workflows, and propose technology
solutions like a new CRM system.
Systems Analyst
Plan, implement, modify or coordinate data and information systems, to
meet business needs. Systems Analysts focus on the technical design and
implementation of IT systems, ensuring they align with business objectives.
Example Situation: After a Business Analyst defines the needs for a new
system, a Systems Analyst would design the architecture of that system,
including databases, software components, and network integration.
Network Professional
Analyze network strategies and make recommendations for improvements.
Network Professionals specialize in the design, implementation, and
maintenance of computer networks, ensuring connectivity and performance.
Example Situation: A company is experiencing slow internet speeds. A
Network Professional would analyze the network traffic, identify bottlenecks,
and recommend upgrades or reconfigurations to improve performance.
A Business Analyst focuses on understanding and defining business
problems and opportunities, often proposing high-level technology solutions.
A Systems Analyst takes those high-level solutions and designs the
technical architecture and implementation details of the IT systems. A
Network Professional is specialized in the underlying network infrastructure
that supports all these systems, ensuring reliable and efficient
communication.
Telecommunications and Media Technology
AV Technician
Provide technical support for the production, recording, and broadcasting of
media. AV Technicians manage audio-visual equipment for events,
presentations, and media production.
Example Situation: Setting up microphones, projectors, and sound systems
for a conference, or operating cameras and mixing boards for a live
broadcast.
Motion Graphics Designer
Use software and techniques to create digital or visual graphic images for
web, television and film. These designers specialize in creating animated
visual content.
Example Situation: Creating animated logos for a company’s website,
designing opening titles for a TV show, or producing explainer videos with
animated elements.
Telecommunications Technical Specialist
Problem solve to update and maintain communications devices and
networks. This role involves advanced troubleshooting and system upgrades
for complex telecommunications infrastructure.
Example Situation: Diagnosing and resolving complex issues with a
company’s VoIP phone system or upgrading a fiber optic network to support
higher data speeds.
Telecommunications Technician
Ensure that communications equipment is installed and maintained
properly. This role focuses on the physical installation, repair, and routine
maintenance of telecommunications hardware.
Example Situation: Installing new phone lines in an office building, repairing
damaged network cables, or performing routine checks on cellular towers.
An AV Technician focuses on audio and visual equipment for media
production and events. A Motion Graphics Designer creates animated visual
content. A Telecommunications Technician handles the physical installation
and maintenance of communication equipment, while a Telecommunications
Technical Specialist deals with more complex problem-solving and upgrades
of telecommunications networks and devices.
IT Sales, Training, and Web Development
IT Sales Professionals
Facilitate selling hardware, software and other information and
communications technology. These professionals combine sales skills with
technical knowledge to market and sell IT products and services.
Example Situation: A sales professional would demonstrate new software to
potential clients, explain its benefits, and negotiate contracts for its
purchase.
IT Trainer -Plan and conduct IT training programs, and write user manuals
for clients. IT Trainers educate users on how to effectively use software,
hardware, and IT systems.
Example Situation: Conducting workshops for employees on how to use a
new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system or creating online tutorials
for a new software application.
Web Developer -Specialize in website development, including design,
structure and layout. Web Developers build and maintain websites,
encompassing both the visual and functional aspects.
Example Situation: Creating a new e-commerce website from scratch,
ensuring it is responsive on different devices, and integrating payment
gateways.
These roles represent diverse aspects of the IT field beyond core technical
development and administration. IT Sales Professionals bridge the gap
between technology and business by selling IT solutions. IT Trainers focus on
knowledge transfer and user adoption of technology. A Web Developer is
specialized in creating and maintaining the online presence of businesses
and individuals through websites.