If you are the kind of person who always knows about the latest technologies and software programs, maybe you should consider working in software engineering and development. The name may sound intimidating, but there are extensive opportunities in both the software industry and within organizations across business and industry. The areas can range anywhere from insurance to retail, energy to aerospace, and more.

Because the needs of companies and individuals constantly change, the future for engineers of computer software and application systems seems promising. This major will provide its experts a chance to be creative in how they create products and meet their customers’ needs, while still focusing on IT and technology.

This sector in the IT cluster also allows for variation of employment. Most business-related software is created by teams of architects, designers, analysts, integrators, and software programmers or engineers. However, if working in teams isn’t in your best interest, games-development can be done independently. The opportunity for you to choose how and in what type of environment you work is up to you!

General skill requirements include fundamental programming languages like COBOL and programming techniques like open source software. Management and design skills are also important, especially if one is working on an independent project. The ability to develop new security systems is also considered essential in this field, since hackers and viruses are threats to business systems daily. Including a passion for development, credentials are an important part of getting the job you want within your field. Some software development credentials include:

• Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer
• Sun-Java Developer Certification
• Associate of Science in Computer Programming
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
• Master of Science in Software Engineering

Like most IT sectors, the outlook for development is better than the average national outlook. 30% growth from 2010-2009 due to increased demand for new technologies and computer software forecasts even more growth for the future.

Check back early next week for the next IT Jobs post on Web and Digital Communications!

What comes to mind when you hear the words “information technology?” Nerds? Math? Boredom? These are all common misconceptions about a flexible and diverse sector in the job market that can open many doors for its experts. The IT field not only allows those working in it to go into almost any field they choose, but it also allows for innovation, creativity and problem-solving.

As the global economy and marketplace become more technologically dependent, the jobs for those working in that field will grow exponentially — and it’s not just for web developers or graphic designers. Now that we know there will be jobs available, next is to decide what career path in IT would be a good fit for you. Based on a career system aimed at lowering drop out rates, all South Carolina 8^th graders choose a career cluster from a group of 16 that they are interested in. In 10^th grade students choose a career path within that cluster. In the IT cluster there are five career paths:

1. Information Support and Services
2. Software Engineering and Development
3. Web and Digital Communications
4. Information Systems
5. Networking Systems

If it seems like math and science are the only skills you would need for a job in IT, think again. Though knowledge of technology, science and math are generally desired, skills in business, arts, marketing and multimedia are also important to have. These kinds of skills can lead a person into different sectors of IT that allow for creativity, like human resources, administration, graphic design or web development. If a student’s results point to a career in the Information Technology field, there are tons of different positions in varying sectors. Though they are in the same overall cluster, they are completely different.  Through the career cluster program students can change their general clusters or career paths at any time, which provides an opportunity to learn about many different sectors and jobs. Over the next few weeks we will go over each of these specific categories and detail the knowledge and skills required to excel within them. The different sections can produce numerous types of jobs that have varying needs and requirements.

Keep up with the IT Career posts to find out more, and feel free to ask us any questions!