Careers in ICT

1. Careers in ICT By Davon Baker IT Manager Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs Footer Text

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3. What Sucks About ICT • #5 - You get a lot of fingers pointed at you • #4 - People assume you’re an expert in all things tech • #3 - You have to continually re-train, on your own dime • #2 - The hours are long and irregular • #1 - The job market is tumultuous and in transition http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/hiner/sanity-check-five-things-that-suck-about-working-in-it/822

4. But There’s Good News… • #5 - You’re the hero when you solve problems • #4 - You get to play with cool stuff • #3 - You help make people more efficient • #2 - Your job is rarely dull or stagnant • #1 - You get to be a revolutionary http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/hiner/sanity-check-five-things-that-make-it-great-to-work-in-it/823

5. ICT is Everywhere • Banks • Transport Sector • Hospitals • Schools • Telecommunications • Engineering • Manufacturing • Retail • Offices • Entertainment Footer Text

6. Common Everyday Uses • Computer Software Applications • Hardware Controllers • Internet • Cell Phones • ATMs Footer Text

7. Keep in Mind… • ICT is an extremely broad field • The range of jobs are vast • The skills required differ from area to area • It could be extremely challenging • ICT professionals focus on improving usability and efficiency of tech systems and processes Footer Text

8. Broad ICT Career Paths • Programmer, Developer (Application, Game) • Administrator (Systems, Network, Database) • Managers (Information, IT, Project, Security) • Data Modeler • Analyst (Software Implementation, Computer System) • Engineer (Computer, Software, Software Support, RFID Systems, QA) • Technicians (Tech Support) • Consultant • Designer (Web, Graphic) Footer Text

9. Software Developer • Java Developer – for servers and desktops, Web browsers and mobile devices. • .NET Developer – mostly targets enterprises and is built around several Microsoft languages (Visual C++, Visual Basic, C#, etc) • Apple Developer – using Obective-C, applications for Apple based products, iPhone, iPad,etc. • Others – C/C++, Perl, Python, Eiffel, Assembly Footer Text

10. Web Developer • Web Designer/Master – does a little bit of everything, including marketing • Web Developer – more specialized • Expected to know HTML, XHTML, Coldfusion, CSS, PHP, Ruby, Javascript, Java, Flash, Photoshop, XML, databases (mySQL, SQL, etc) • Web hosts & servers – Apache, IIS • Web 2.0 & Ajax • Added assests: Adobe Air, Microsoft Silver, Flex, Lazslo Footer Text

11. Database Administrator • Designs, develops and maintains databases • Usually responsible to back-up, and recover information (in the event of a disaster) • Would also plan and implement data security measures Footer Text

12. IT Training Consultant • In large companies (especially) installing new hardware and software is a introduces new challenges to the staff • Clients are trained to use the new systems • Requires familiarity (specialized training) with the hardware or software being introduced Footer Text

13. Management Information Systems • Designing and handling hardware, software, and networks (systems) for companies • Aimed at helping companies run efficiently • Somewhat jack-of-all-trades • Requires a wide skill set Footer Text

14. Information Security Specialist • Data security is very important and a very lucrative area • Responsible for securing data, devices and networks from unauthorized access • Both internal and external • Also involved with designing & implementing clear security policy Footer Text

15. Systems Administrator • Design, test, evaluate data communications systems • Local area networks, for example • Research and recommend network hardware and software Footer Text

16. Networking • Network Administrator • Network (Systems) Engineer • Network (Service) Technician • Network Programmer/Analyst • Network/Information Systems Manager • Generally, configure and manage networks (LANs and WANs) Footer Text

17. Tech Support • Treated as entry-level, frontline job • Deals directly with customers • Requires working knowledge of product • Patience and good communication skills • Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose problems Footer Text

18. Salaries • Don’t pick an ICT job first for money. • Pick it for your passion. • Remember it could be challenging, and you could be the first one to be blamed. • Compensation depends on skills and varies by area. Footer Text

19. Salaries •  Application programmer or analyst: $67,000 to $80,000•  Database administrator: $71,000 to $94,000•  Management information systems: $86,000 to $120,000•  Quality assurance analyst/engineer, entry-level: $47,000 to $60,000•  Software engineer, entry-level: $48,000 to $60,000•  System administrator: $60,000 to $80,000•  Technical support, entry-level: $42,000 to $60,000•  Technical producer: $41,000 to $60,000•  Training consultant: $42,000 to $60,000•  Web developer, front end, entry-level: $40,000 to $60,000•  Webmaster: $50,000 to $80,000 http://www.wetfeet.com/Careers-and-Industries/Careers/Information-Technology.aspx

20. How to Get Started • Consider whether you have the aptitude • Look for educational opportunities online • Self-teach, where you can • Degrees (BA, BS, other specialized training) • Professional Certifications (MCSE, A+) • Look for internships and hands-on training • A well written resume • Do not refuse entry-level jobs Footer Text

21. Questions Footer Text

22. Thank You! Footer Text