in-demand IT jobs

In its IT Careers issue Technology I am about to bring you the list of in-demand IT jobs. While choosing your career path in the large IT field, you will find a lot more than the software engineer or web developer postitions.

Below you can read about the roles of very different specialists in the IT industry.

Database Administrator
Database administrators ensure that business data is accurate, available and secure. The corporate database is the heart of key business systems that drive payroll, manufacturing, sales and more, so database administrators are recognized – and rewarded – for playing a crucial role in an organization’s success. Beyond database administrators’ high salary potential, DBA roles offer the personal satisfaction of solving business problems and seeing (in real-time) how your hard work benefits the firm.

A typical database administration learning plan begins with an undergraduate degree in computer science, database management, computer information systems (CIS) or a related field of study. A balance of technical, business and communication skills is critical to a database administrator’s success and upward mobility, so the next step in a DBA’s education is often a graduate degree with an information systems concentration, such as a MBA in Management Information Systems (MIS) or CIS. Database administrators can continue to learn and advance their career by getting certified in one or more database management systems (DBMS); in-demand DBMS include Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, IBM DB2 & MySQL. Learn more about DBA education requirements and compare the top-rated database administrator training programs.

Mobile Application Developer
The latest mobile devices and applications are changing the way we communicate, do business, and access news and entertainment. Businesses, consumers and programmers have embraced this innovative content, making mobile application developer one of the most demanded and fastest growing IT careers for 2014.
Mobile developers write programs inside of a mobile development environment using the Objective C, C++, C# or Java programming languages. A mobile app developer chooses the operating system (a.k.a. mobile platform) they will develop for, such as Google’s Android or Apple’s iOS, then learns the programming languages and software development environment for that platform.

Web Developer
Web developers build the web pages and web-based applications that comprise the Internet. A basic web development work-flow includes collecting or creating web content (copy, images, videos, etc.), planning web site layout and navigation, coding the actual web pages, then testing and optimizing the website for superior user experience and optimum performance.
Successful web developers are fluent in the programming languages that fuel the World Wide Web. All web developers need a command of HTML, Javascript & CSS. It’s also helpful to know a server-side programming language, such as PHP, Microsoft .Net Visual Basic, or Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) to develop more complex applications. Web developers can further distinguish themselves and increase their earning potential by learning and certifying in one or more of the leading database systems, such as MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, IBM DB2 or Oracle to write web apps that interact with databases. Learn more about web developer education requirements and compare the top-ratedweb development training programs in the U.S. and online below.
Web development projects require frequent revisions and enhancements, so web developers need patience as well as strong communication skills to interact with team members and clients. Creativity and an understanding of color theory and design concepts will also increase your value as a web developer. Web development jobs exist in all settings, including enterprises and government agencies, small to medium businesses or working alone as a freelance web developer.

IT Help Desk Technician
Help desk technicians are vital to the IT workforce, as they keep the technologies that organizations rely on to do business current, and running smoothly.
IT help desk technicians provide technical support and troubleshooting services to end-users who need assistance with their computer hardware or software. There are two chief types of help desk technician: In-house and Remote. Remote help desk technicians support technology customers via phone, online and occasionally on-site. In-house technicians only provide support for internal employees.

Help desk technicians need a deep understanding of computer hardware and software. Strong communication skills are also essential, as help desk specialists must be able to effectively communicate solutions to both technical and non-technical end-users. The IT help desk career path is ideal for methodical problem-solvers with an aptitude for learning and quickly adapting new skills. Patience, resourcefulness and a desire to help others are desirable virtues in technical support and help desk roles.

Many IT pros begin their career as help desk technicians because of the low experience and education requirements, then as they’re exposed to new IT disciplines and technologies they discover their niche and branch out into other IT careers, such asnetwork administrator, DBA or IT security specialist. Other technicians will remain at the help desk and leverage their experience to become a help desk technician manager.

Network Administrator
Network administrators install, support and manage the networks and computer systems that keep information flowing. They implement and maintain network hardware and software, troubleshoot network problems, and ensure network security, availability & performance standards.
In challenging economic times, organizations retain and hire new network administrators to optimize existing systems to reduce costs and increase productivity. In a strong economy, companies implement new networking and communications technologies to spur a competitive advantage, leading to increased demand for trained and certified network administrators to install, secure and optimize the new systems. This consistent demand for network administrators, independent of economic conditions, has led some leading employment experts to dub network administrator a “recession proof career.”

The U.S. Dept. of Labor forecasts network administrator employment to explode by 28% from 2010 to 2020, much faster than the average for all occupations. With demand at an all-time high, it’s an ideal time to begin or advance your network administration career. Universities, colleges and private computer schools offer a range of network administrator training and degree programs. Compare top-reviewed network administrator courses & degrees in the U.S., Canada and online.

Video Game Designer
Video Game Designers merge creativity, cutting-edge technology and a passion for gaming to create the next generation of video games.
If you love gaming, and have a desire to learn the latest programming, art and media production skills, then video game designer is the career path for you. Depending on your interests and employment goals, the video game design job market offers a wealth of opportunities. According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor, video game designer employment will skyrocket 30% this decade, placing it among the fastest growing careers in America.
Most video game designer jobs fall into one of three disciplines: Game Artist, Game Designer or Game Programmer. The game design career track you choose will determine your daily activities and responsibilities, as well as the skills and education requirements to get hired. Learn about video game designer skills by discipline below.

All video game designers spend a lot of time in the classroom – or virtual classroom for online students – learning new skills to keep up with the gaming industry’s rapidly evolving technologies, trends and emerging platforms. However, with hard work and intense training comes great rewards — most video game designers with 6+ years of experience earn over $100,000 per year, according to Game Developer Magazine’s 2012 Salary Survey.

Graphic Designer
Graphic Designers fuse creativity and technology to create visually engaging graphics that communicate a message.
If you’re creative, have a good eye for color and composition, and love technology, then the graphic designer career path is for you. Graphic designers’ duties vary widely and include designing web pages, laying out catalogs and newsletters, designing logos, marketing collateral and any other web, print and interactive materials your company or clients require.

The demand for well designed graphics – and skilled graphic designers – is at an all time high. From web design and multimedia advertising campaigns, to print publishing and package design, clients expect modern branding initiatives to increase sales and elevate their status. Self-employment opportunities are abundant for talented designers with entrepreneurial spirit. Contributing to graphic designer job growth is the omnipresent need for innovative web and multimedia designs, now that almost every business has a website and social media presence requiring eye-catching graphics.
While graphic design can be a fun job, a graphic designer career should not be taken lightly. To be a successful designer it’s important to carefully construct your learning plan, continually advance your skills to keep pace with the latest digital design technologies, and build on your portfolio of work. Word of mouth and feedback from past employers typically plays into the decision to hire graphic designers, so reputation & quality of service are essential to long-term success.

Graphic design courses can help you unlock your natural talent and prepare you for a job you’ll love. There are numerous graphic designer training programs and specialized college degrees featuring coursework in cutting-edge print and digital design techniques. Compare the top-rated graphic design courses & degrees in the U.S., Canada and online.

Health Information Technician
Health Information Technicians Manage Electronic Medical Records.
There’s never been a better time to become a health information technician. Large-scale federal funding and aggressive legislative deadlines for healthcare practices to adopt electronic medical records have helped make healthcare the fastest growing sector for new tech jobs through 2022, according to U.S. Dept. of Labor.

Health information technicians use specialized computer programs and record-keeping techniques to ensure that patients’ electronic health records (EHRs) are complete, accurate, accessible, and secure. If you’re intrigued by medicine, possess strong organizational skills, and seek to enter a fast-growing field with huge potential for upward mobility, health information technician is the career for you.
Learning a specialty is a great way to advance your health information technician career. Today’s hottest specialties include:Medical Coding: Medical coders translate diagnostic and procedural phrases in health records into alphanumeric codes to ensure record accuracy, simplify the EHR review process, and improve patient care.Medical Billing: Medical billers enter patient and clinical data into specialized bill processing software so the medical practice can get properly reimbursed by insurance companies and government health care agencies.Cancer Registry: Cancer registrars analyze patient records for cancer disease patterns, treatments, and test results, and maintain the aggregated data in national cancer registry databases.

Entry-level health information technician jobs typically require an associate degree in health IT (HIT), health information management (HIM) or health informatics (HI). Bachelor’s programs generally include health IT administrator training, and are designed to prepare graduates for health information technician management roles. Many positions only accept CAHIIMaccredited degrees, while some health IT jobs require specific certifications, like the RHIT from AHIMA. Learn more abouthealth information technician education requirements and compare the top-reviewed health IT training programs in the U.S., Canada and online.

IT Security Specialist
IT Security Specialists Defend an Organization’s Information Systems.

In today’s era of rapidly escalating threats and sophisticated cyber warfare, organizations need to be vigilant in combating attackers and protecting information assets. IT security specialists leverage an in-depth understanding of cyber security threats, technologies, and countermeasures to design and implement secure computer systems.

IT security specialists install, configure and upgrade security software to prevent cyber-attacks, educate [technical and non-technical] employees on computer security, monitor networks for security breaches, and inevitably respond to successful attacks with the appropriate countermeasures. Some IT security professionals specialize in computer crime investigation; these highly trained security pros use cutting-edge forensics hardware and software to gather evidence for use in prosecuting cyber crimes.

Workforce demand for computer security specialists is high across all organizational structures and verticals, including corporations, schools, medical practices, as well as public enterprises and government agencies. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, IT security specialist employment will explode by 37% from 2012 to 2022, over 3x faster than the 11% average for all occupations, placing it among the nation’s fastest growing career paths.
Accredited universities and private computer schools offer college degrees, courses, and certificates in modern information security tools and technologies. Compare top-reviewed IT security training programs in the U.S., Canada and online.

AutoCAD Drafter
AutoCAD Drafters design technical schematics for products & structures.

AutoCAD drafters use AutoCAD – Autodesk’s industry-leading drafting and design software – to prepare 2D and 3D technical drawings. These drawings are used as blueprints to construct products and structures, such as buildings, machinery, toys, microchips, plumbing & electrical systems, vehicles and a host of other manufactured goods. AutoCAD drafting professionals hold a range of job titles, including engineer, drafter, estimator, designer, modeler, architect or illustrator.

The best AutoCAD drafters combine “right-brain” attributes, such as creativity & spatial relationships, with “left-brain” traits, like mathematics & analytical thinking, to produce captivating and innovative designs. Whether your CADD career path lies in civil engineering, architecture, electrical, or entertainment (CADD software such as Autodesk’s Maya can render stunning 3D animation & special effects), AutoCAD gives you the power to bring your ideas to life.
AutoCAD is the most popular CADD software with the highest overall job-market demand. There are also specialized versions of AutoCAD and other Autodesk products designed for drafters in specific job-roles and industries.

Software Engineer
Software Engineers develop computer systems and applications.
Software engineers design, develop, test and optimize the computer programs we use every day, e.g., business apps, operating systems, video games, network control systems and social networks. Software engineers can be divided into two classifications: Applications Software Engineers &

Systems Software Engineers.
Applications software engineers analyze an end-user’s computing needs and develop a custom program to meet those needs. They use a range of programming languages depending on the application’s parameters and the platform on which the program runs. Modern languages used by applications software engineers include Java, C, C++, PHP, Objective-C, Perl and Python. Mobile app developers are specialized applications software engineers who develop apps for smartphones and tablets.

Systems software engineers coordinate the creation, maintenance and expansion of an organization’s internal computer systems. They organize the computing needs of each department, e.g., sales, inventory, billing & payroll, and control the technical direction of the computer system’s development. Systems software engineers may also be responsible for developing an organization’s intranet and ensuring system security.

IT Manager
Technology Managers plan, direct and support IT initiatives.
IT managers ensure that their team or department operates efficiently, effectively and inline with organizational goals. These professionals work closely with senior executives and department heads to identify, develop and support new technology solutions. IT managers are also responsible for creating and ensuring adherence to organizational IT policy, procedures and best practices.
Rapid growth in a range of IT job markets, including networking, cloud computing, software development, data storage and virtualization, plus the proliferation of mobile and wireless technologies, is driving demand for IT workers across the board, which in turn is fueling job growth for the managers who lead and supervise IT personnel. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts IT manager employment to grow by 15% from 2012 to 2022, over two times the 7% growth rate of non-IT management jobs.

Systems Analyst
Computer Systems Analysts champion IT solutions to drive business goals.
Computer systems analysts are the “big picture” thinkers in IT. Armed with an understanding of both business and technology, these professionals analyze an organization’s current computer systems & procedures, and recommend strategic changes to increase productivity, reduce costs and accomplish other organizational objectives. Most systems analysts are skilled developers who design and program computer systems updates personally or lead the development team in a hands-on capacity, while other analysts without a programming background will liaise with the software development department to implement changes.
The computer systems analyst’s prime directive is to maximize the return on investment (ROI) of an organization’s IT budget. Mission-critical activities include monitoring computer system performance, finding and procuring new technologies based on comprehensive cost-benefit analyses, designing and developing new computer systems, and working closely with end-users to optimize performance and troubleshoot problems post-implementation.
With a growth projection of 25% from 2012 to 2022 (over 125K new jobs) computer systems analysts have earned thier spot among the nation’s fastest growing IT occupations. Universities and private computer schools offer a range of systems analyst training and degree programs.

IT Project Manager
IT Project Managers oversee large-scale technology projects.
IT project managers ensure that complex technical projects, such as systems upgrades, are completed on time, under budget and to specifications. These professionals plan and coordinate the efforts of the internal project team, 3rd party contractors and consultants to bring IT projects to successful completion.
IT project management is one of the most in-demand skills for 2013, as an increasing number of companies are utilizing specialists and project-based methods to get work done right, the first time. Opportunity for advancement and earning potential in this field are excellent; the average salary for IT project managers in the U.S. is $121,250, and this career can be a springboard to CIO and CTO positions, where salaries can surpass $250,000.
Colleges and universities offer undegrad and graduate degrees in business and IT project management. Private training centers also offer specialized courses and certificate programs in the latest PM tools and techniques, including prep for industry certifications, such as PMI’s Project Management Professional (PMP), the preeminent globally-recognized credential for project managers.

Computer Programmer
omputer Programmers write the code that fuels computer operation.
Computer programmers translate project specifications from software and systems engineers into a script of logical instructions that computers can understand and interpret into functioning programs. Essentially, computer programmers make computer systems and applications work.
Successful computer programmers are fluent in a range of programming languages, as each language has a specific set of strengths, limitations and real-world applications, and multiple languages are used in tandem to create powerful multifaceted programs. For example, Facebook is coded using PHP, JavaScript, CSS & XHP for the frontend; C, C++, Python & Java for the backend; Erlang for Facebook chat; and Objective-C & Java for Facebook’s iPhone & Android apps respectively.
Sought-after programming languages in today’s job market include Java, C#, C++, Objective-C, PHP, Python, Perl, Ruby and ASP.Net. HTML, CSS & JavaScript are the building blocks of the World Wide Web, so while not technically programming languages, these are indispensable and highly marketable skills for any programmer.

Data Scientist
Data Scientists analyze business data for actionable intelligence.
Data scientists analyze and mine data from a range of sources, including click streams, sensors, social media posts, transactions, log files and GPS plots. Their mission is to unlock valuable and predictive insights that will influence business decisions and spur a competitive advantage.
The data explosion – fueled by increased bandwidth and processing power, innovative data analysis tools, and the proliferation of inexpensive cloud-based storage solutions – has placed Data Scientist among the most demanded and lucrative IT careers. Data scientists’ salary and demand may be well-deserved, as their findings have the potential to make or break the business; to illustrate this point, a 2011 study from the McKinsey Global Institute indicates retailers that maximize data analysis capabilities could increase profits by 60%, while the health care industry can reduce operational expenses by 8% – that’s $200 billion per year.
The most successful – and sought after – data scientists are those rare individuals with the combination of analytical skills, technical prowess and business acumen needed to effectively process & analyze massive data sets, while thinking critically and shifting assumptions on the go, ultimately transforming raw intelligence into concise insights that tell a story.

User Interface Developer
UI developers shape the way we interact with the digital world.
User interface (UI) developers combine programming, psychology and creative design to craft intuitive controls for software and hardware. The UI developer’s mission is to create an interface that behaves as users would it expect it to, facilitating a seamless and efficient user experience.
In the decade leading up to 2020, a record number of businesses will launch new computer systems and applications to gain a competitive advantage in the increasingly cloud-based digital world. Demand for talented user interface developers will flourish in all programming-centric domains, including web, software and mobile application development.
There is a range of UI development classes and accredited degrees featuring coursework in the skills needed to become an user interface developer. Compare UI development training programs in the U.S., Canada and online below.

Chief Information Officer
The CIO is responsible for the company’s technical direction.
The CIO sets forth the technology goals of the business, then plans and oversees key IT projects – such as budgeting, personnel and equipment procurement – to achieve those goals. As technology becomes more vital to enterprise success, demand is soaring for forward-thinking CIOs who can interpret the company’s business needs, then find and implement cutting-edge IT solutions to fill them.
While the experience and education requirements for the Chief Information Officer role vary, universal traits of effective CIOs include an agile strategic mind, strong leadership ability, superior communication skills, and high acumen in both technology and business. While some of these talents are innate, many can be learned and honed with proper training. Compare some of the top-reviewed CIO training programs in the U.S. and online below.
Chief Information Officers come from a range of careers – and not always from IT – so regardless of your current position you can put your name the running. Wherever you get your start, it will take years of hard work, a stellar track record, and maybe even some luck to fulfill your C-Suite aspirations.

Computer Hardware Engineer
Computer hardware engineers design and build computer systems.
As technology continues to play a vital and ever-increasing role in our everyday lives, those professionals with the skills to develop the next generation of computer systems will remain in high demand. With hot and emerging hardware trends like sensors and 3D printing, and the continued advancement and proliferation of mobile devices, now is an exciting time to be a computer hardware engineer.
Computer hardware engineers combine expertise in technology, electronics and engineering to design and build computers. They also develop individual components for computer systems, including microchips, processors and circuit boards, as well as computing peripherals, such as routers, keyboards and printers.
Technical training providers and accredited schools offer a range of programs designed to prepare you for the computer hardware engineer career path. Compare some of the top-reviewed hardware engineering programs online and in your area.

Computer Scientist
Computer scientists research and develop new technologies.
These high-level technologists are a driving force behind the advancement of modern computing. Merging deep technical acumen, creativity and scientific research skills, computer scientists invent new information systems and improve upon existing ones. Computer scientists work in a variety of industries, notably hardware and software design companies, the federal government (especially in the defense sector), IT research firms and academia.
For a better idea of what computer scientists can do, here are some CS superstars and their key accomplishments:Alan Turing – “The Father of Computer Science” formalized the concepts of “algorithm” and “computation” with his Turing Machine, and developed the British Bombe machine which helped crack Germany’s Enigma code in WW2 (1936, 1939)Shaun Fanning – Invented P2P (peer-to-peer) file sharing and brought it to the mainstream with Napster (1999)James Gosling – Led the team that invented Java, one of today’s most prolific and powerful coding languages (1995)Steve Jobs – Co-Founded Apple, and revolutionized the way we perceive personal and mobile computing (1976, 2007)Grace Hopper – Invented the compiler, coined the phrase “debugging,” and created Cobol – one of the first (and still widely used) programming languages (1940s – 50s)
While most computer scientists’ accomplishments aren’t widely known, their valuable contribution is recognized by those in-the-know, and rewarded in kind — the average salary for computer scientists is over $102,000, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. For the truly gifted in this field the sky’s the limit.
Technical training providers and accredited universities offer a range programs to prepare you for the computer scientist career path. Compare the top-reviewed computer science programs online and in your area below.

Computer Animator
Computer animators create motion graphics and visual effects.
These creative professionals design visually stunning animations for a range of mediums, including film, television, video games, mobile apps and websites. As the title suggests, computer animators use computer software and hardware to ply their trade (as opposed to the hand-drawn designs of traditional animators). Recent advances in animation technology, along with the increased popularity and diversity of devices used to access entertainment have made computer animator one of the most exciting and lucrative career paths for technically-inclined artists. This career path is also ideal for those who want to be their own boss; 57% of multimedia animators are self-employed, according to the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Specializing in one of the aforementioned mediums – or better yet a specific skill set within that medium – is one of the best ways to advance your career in computer animation. For example, an animator who works solely on video game animation (and concentrates on the software and techniques used therein) can raise his or her proficiency faster than one who works across multiple platforms, and by focusing on 3D level design in video games he will improve and advance even quicker – and find himself that much closer to reaping the rewards that come with being a true expert in his niche. Discovering your ideal niche (where your passion and talent meet industry demand) will likely occur during the computer animation training process, or at least upon joining the workforce and gaining exposure to different types of animation.

Accredited colleges and private design schools offer a range of training programs that will prepare you for a career in computer animation. Compare some of the top-reviewed computer animation courses and degrees online and in your area.