A General Information Systems and Technology Management degree, or as it is also known, a Bachelor of Information Technology Degree is an undergraduate credential that is obtain through a minimum of three to five years of academic study in the specific disciplines and skill requirements to operate and manage computers and informational technology. A degree in information technology differs from a computer science degree in that the mathematical requirements are not as stringent, but the student must also study information science and management.
Expansive
The specific areas of focus with an IT degree can be quite broad covering everything from Data storage and management, information security and recovery and so much more. At the entry level the responsibilities are normally generic and broad which tends to mimic the generic nature of the courses associated with the degree. This is not generic in the sense of expertise, but in the sense of specificity. Below are some of the areas of expertise that is covered during the academic process of obtaining an information and technology degree.
- Desktop and laptop support
- Productivity and software management
- Server maintenance
- Telecommunications equipment (installation and maintenance, especially voice over IP)
- Data system updates
- Data security
- Mobile systems management
These are simply a few of the areas of expertise that are addressed in the academic curriculum during the process of obtaining an IT degree.
Career Options
IT technicians are in high demand. The rapid advancement of communications and data technology has magnified the need for qualified data and information specialists that can assist companies in properly maintaining their data and communications systems. Individuals with a degree in information and technology are prepared to help companies address a multiplicity of issues.
According to Data Masters, There are some exceptional opportunities for IT specialists right now. There are openings for specialists that specialize in the following areas:
- Java
- .net
- SQL
- SAP
- Oracle
With Jobs such as IT Business Analyst – CTH, Senior Data Architect (specializing in data governance), software developers, Senior Oracle PL/SQL and Unix Developer, just to name a few. The degree programs of most reputable universities will provide, at least, the foundation for their degreed students to excel in these areas.
Compensation
Depending on the level of the degree (i.e. Bachelors or Masters), the salaries for IT specialists can range from decent to exceptional. The pay of an IT technician range from an hourly wage of $15.00 per hour to a salaried position of more than six figures. There are a number of variables that determine where you may land within this great disparity, such as experience, company size, scope of responsibility, etc.
Issues Managed by IT Specialists
- Big Data
- Cloud Computing
- Security
According to Tech republic, Big Data, Cloud Computing and Security are major issues that IT technicians help companies address on a regular basis.
Big Data
Big data is a term that is used in the computer science world to express the presence of data sets that have grown so large that they have become cumbersome and difficult to manage. Some of the challenges that are associated with big data are storage, sharing, capture, analytics, and visualizing.
Big data has great value in that it provides all of the information necessary to generate analytical assessments on numerous topics and aspects of business. IT technicians work with big data firms to help facilitate the massive endeavor of managing over-sized data sets.
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is rapidly becoming an IT solution in of itself. Many concerns about security have been answered through dedicated servers. In one way, cloud computing minimizing the number of IT technicians that are required in house, but it still demands very competent individuals to facilitate the computing programs that will be cloud based.
Cloud computing has the potential to save businesses money by lowering the amount of onsite equipment and the costs associated with it. There is no need for onsite servers, major software programs, etc. Even updates can be down through the cloud service provider. This still does not eliminate the need for a competent IT specialist to work directly with the cloud provider.
Security
Security is always a major computing issues for companies. Companies amass all types of data that is considered private and confidential. The company also has a legal responsibility to protect that data from unwanted intrusion. Whether the company is using an onsite hard data system or is working through a cloud computing program, one of the primary responsibilities of the IT specialist is to insure that there is an effective security protocol in place and to monitor all devices to insure that the protocol is being followed.
The new BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) has created some serious security issues for IT specialists and the companies they work for. This is why highly qualified technicians are in high demand. The IT tech is the first line of defense against any type of data compromise or breach.
The possession of a degree in any field presents the potential for a substantial increase in earning potential and career opportunities. The IT industry is no different; a Bachelor of Information and Technology Degree will open doors to numerous employment opportunities with room for exponential growth. A graduate degree in the same field expands that potential.
It cannot be overemphasized as to the importance of pursuing a degree in general information and technology. The industry is growing, expanding and evolving at a rate that it has never experienced before. Based on the massive and rapid expanse of the mobile app industry alone, companies will need qualified individuals that are capable of maximizing all of the potential associated with the revolution taking place in the computing world. This is the time to pursue advanced studies in this arena.
