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According to expert labor analysts, there is a talent shortage of professionals in the science and technology services industries, and the careers available in information technology (IT) promise intellectually stimulating work that is abundant and well compensated. While many IT jobs require at least undergraduate degrees in computer science, computer engineering, network engineering or another related technical discipline, some jobs can be obtained when the right professional certifications are earned. The IT certification process levels the playing field to a certain extent as it allows people with different academic backgrounds to train, gain competence and verify their knowledge for the purpose of positioning themselves for greater job opportunities in IT like the ones described below.
Business Intelligence Analyst
Today’s businesses produce massive amounts of data; some data groups are structured for easy analysis, and some are not. However, companies are increasingly finding that nearly all types of their data can be used to help improve customer satisfaction, quality and operational efficiencies. These organizations simply need the right experts to lead their data analysis projects. While these types of projects are far from simple in most cases, business intelligence analysts can help their organizations to define data analysis criteria, extract the right data from various computing sources and apply the appropriate data modeling techniques to identify market opportunities as well as threats. The IT professional publication called Computer World did a survey of employers operating in the technology field in 2015, and 24 percent of those who responded said that they would be hiring business intelligence talent in the next year.
Information Security Analyst
It seems that there are frequent reports of hackers attacking the computer systems of large companies and public sector agencies to gain the public’s valuable personal and financial data. These cyber crimes have put large and small organizations on notice to be vigilant about information security. Information security analysts are at the front lines when it comes to defending computer systems. They help organizations to identify vulnerabilities within their computer networks, and they make suggestions that support the creation of stronger, more secure computer systems. Some professional certification programs that test the knowledge of information security analysts and prepare them for careers with increasing responsibility are CompTIA Security plus, Certified Ethical Hacker and the Certified Information Systems Security Professional.
Software Developer
As long as computers are at the heart of the business IT infrastructure, there will always be a need for those who can develop, test, produce and modify software applications. While traditional computer systems require new software development and updates, it is the demand for mobile applications that have caused modern software developers to experience the most job growth in the industry lately. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that through 2022 job growth within the software development field will continue at a rate that is much faster than the average for other jobs surveyed, and the median annual salary earned by software developers in 2012 was $93,350.
Project Manager
The role of project manager requires a combination of leadership abilities, business acumen and technical expertise. These IT professionals are responsible for meeting customer expectations by delivering projects to them that are on time, within budget and built to the appropriate specifications. There are many obstacles that can hinder project teams from reaching these goals, but successful project managers use the industry standard methods to achieve success. Many of these managers have earned project management certifications from the Project Management Institute or through various university programs.
Conclusion
The IT professional services industry is one of the most dynamic in the domestic and global markets. Leadership, creativity and solid problem solving abilities are the characteristics of those who thrive in careers available in information technology today.