Computer and information technology (IT) specialists coordinate all the computer-related activities of a business. They work with management to implement the goals of the organization. They supervise the work of systems analysts, programmers, and other computer support people. They upgrade hardware and software so that the organization stays on the cutting edge of the latest technology, and they see that the network runs smoothly and is free from attack by hackers and viruses. These are the folks who will save you when your computer suddenly crashes.

Chief technology officers report to the organization's chief information officer. The technology officer's job is to be aware of the latest technology and evaluate whether it is valuable, usable, and cost-effective for the company. These men and women must be ahead of the curve when it comes to technology.

Directors of management information systems also report to the chief information officer. They do things like oversee the organization's help desk. They supervise the tech staff that comes to your cubicle or office when you call about a problem with your office desktop or laptop computer. They also make recommendations about upgrading the network and the individual computers in the workplace.

Project managers oversee budgets and schedules for their companies. They coordinate technology projects. This entails working with clients and consultants, vendors, and staff.

IT people spend their days in an office environment. Any traveling is to another office. They are subject to being “on call” since computer crises can arise any time of the day or night. On the positive side, these men and women are well paid for their efforts.

Prerequisites

You need to learn all about computers, with a solid educational background, and have some hands-on experience before anyone will hire you. You also need to develop the ability to “dumb down” advice for computer fixes. Laymen will not understand you unless you convey what needs to be done in the simplest possible terms.

Many colleges offer degrees that combine business and technology classes. It is rare though not unheard of to be hired with only an associate's degree, but such candidates must have extensive job experience to offset their lack of an advanced degree. In general, a bachelor's degree in computer science is the bare minimum requirement, and some organizations require a graduate degree. Some people go for an MBA with an emphasis on technology.

The Job Market

The government is one of the largest employers of IT specialists, if only because the government is large and getting larger. IT people work in every realm of the public and private sectors. Everyone has computers and computer networks large and small, and everyone needs them maintained, upgraded, and serviced. Employment is anticipated to grow faster than other areas of the economy. The never-ending advances in technology will assure the need for qualified individuals to work in the field.

The security of the government's computerized infrastructure is now a subject of great importance. Terrorism can take many forms, and a blow to the right computer systems could do serious damage to government and military operations. Cyber security is a growing field, and these men and women will be on the front lines in a war against hackers, virus-spreaders, and other evildoers intent on destroying government networks and computer systems. The growth of e-commerce and Internet stores also will create a high demand for computer whiz kids.

The money is not bad, either. Computer and information systems managers vary by specialty and level of responsibility, but even those on the low end of the spectrum can make in the high five figures, while the top tier takes in a nice six-figure salary. The government will have to stay competitive with the private sector in order to attract the best and the brightest.