If you are studying in IT, or intend to pursue higher studies in IT, a day will come when you need to decide which area of specialization to choose. This is quite important as IT itself is a wide area and knowing little things here and there about IT (in other words, being a ‘general IT practitioner’) won’t take your career too far. Followings are 10 job specializations in IT you can choose from, bearing in mind that they are not not only applicable to the corporate and employment world but also useful if you decide to be an entrepreneur, or simply going freelance.
1. Programming
Proficient computer programmers write codes for software and applications using those available programming languages e.g. Java, C (and the derivatives), ASP, Cobol, PHP, SAP, a combination of those, or others. They also test, debug, implement and maintain computer system and programs. Depending on the organization, the programmers carry different job titles or designations such as Software Engineer, Java Programmer, Software QA, Analyst Programmer, System Analyst and so on. A programmer may work and render his service directly to the organization, or attached to a software house (a vendor or contractor) which provides IT services to other organizations (clients).
2. Hardware
Hardware Engineers or Technicians build, configure, test and troubleshoot hardware, components and peripherals. The hardware does not only refer to computer or PC but also covers other elements like Point of Sales (POS), servers, kiosk system, ATMs and more.
Together with the application, research and business development teams, they also help to conceptualize new system and the hardware needs for a particular computer product or machinery by analyzing the market needs, while at the same time forecast new specifications, technology and approach in developing new architecture or system. A Hardware Engineer also tests the newly developed prototypes to determine the functionality and reliability of new hardware before it can be manufactured in volume and marketed commercially.
3. Network & Security
Network refers to interconnected group or system, or a cluster of devices and peripherals. In general, a Network Engineer installs, maintains and support the interconnecting network within an organization or between organizations. However, the real job specification will depend on the system and the requirements and this always means much more than that. A Network Engineer may also be involved in other designated tasks such as networking protocols, performance analysis, traffic monitoring and so on.
Network specialization also allows you to elevate your expertise through a series of certifications. For example, in Cisco network, there are Cisco Certified Network Analyst (CCNA), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) and a few more. Granted, the more specialized and the more difficult the certification, your pay will be much higher. I used to recruit a CCIE certified Network Engineer from Indonesia to work in Malaysia with a pay of RM12,000 per month. That’s a lot of money for a young, 27 years old chap.
Some really, really talented programmers have tendency to become hackers and sneak into other people’s system either for suka suka or through provision with other parties. For organizations running very critical operation such as banks, the need for a really tight security is imperative. An IT security personnel needs to be well verse with with the technical aspect of security e.g. authentication, firewall, anti-virus, encryption, SSL and many more to prevent the system being exposed naked to hacking activity.
4. Database
Database is a series of records structured according to assigned categories. A good database management and recording system is critical especially when it involves a large number of users or parameters. Database is used in wide range of applications, spanning across multitude of industries. Some examples of distinguished database systems include MS Access, SQL, Oracle, Sybase, FoxPro, DB2 and many more. A Database System Administrator may be responsible to review and optimize the SQL query, perform data migration as well as maintenance of the database system including backup and recovery, indexing and so on.
5. Web design/Webmaster
A webmaster or designer spearhead the building, development and maintenance of new or existing websites. Today, compared to programmers or Software Engineers, a web designer may or may not know about programming languages. He or she may not even know how to design good graphics. Rather, he possesses the expertise to develop a full web package through his outsourcing network, and work customization based on other applications developed by other people. For example, you want to develop an online store. Practically, there are many applications or scripts produced by developers that are readily available commercially. However, you are not well versed with them, you don’t how good they are and you need someone who knows which application work best for you, and how they can customize the online store according to your need. This is where a resourceful webmaster can help you.
6. Support
This includes field support, remote or call center support. Field support refers to technical problems that needs your physical presence. As such, expect to be on standby and be prepared to leave whatever work that you are doing (even on weekends or at nights) and attend to the reported problem immediately as certain technical issues related to critical operation (e.g. the banking system which needs to be running 24/7) cannot just be left dysfunctional even for a minute. Otherwise come back to office the next morning and expect a warning or even termination letter.
Normally, remote and call center support comes together. As a call center support, you need to have good skills in customer service (conversational), together with the associated technical skills related to your support unit. Sometimes, using the remote access software, you solve your customer’s problem from your workstation. You level of technical skills will define which level of team you will grouped. Multinational call center operation often classify the teams into hierarchy like Level 1 (easiest), Level 2, Level 3 and so on. Higher level often refers to more difficult technical problems, and more pay too.
If you are interested how much you can earn working in a call center, read here.
7. Recruitment
If you don’t know a thing or two about some specific hiring requirements for IT position, then you life as an IT recruiter will be difficult. More often then not, IT recruiters come from the IT industry itself. It’s not surprising to meet a recruiter specializing in IT who comes from a company like HP, IBM or Dell. If you know your way, recruitment field can give you handsome rewards (Not only in IT recruitment but in others as well). Usually, as a recruiter or recruitment consultant, your pay will be in the form of basic salary plus commission, which is structured and agreed between you and your boss. The more you close your assignments, the higher the reward is.
8. Sales, Marketing & Business Development
As described in one of my previous postings, sales is the highest paid hard job, and lowest paid easy job. You strive and work hard, and the result is inevitable. You will live healthy financially and emotionally. In contrast, you work 2 hours per day, and you get anything next to nothing. Hewlett Packard and Dell become the world’s largest and second largest computer makers with the help of strong sales channels. Same goes to IBM; no one will use their award winning solutions without the help from the sales and marketing team.
9. Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
As Wiki describes it, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a process of improving the quantity and quality of traffic for a particular website. In laymen terms, it refers to technical and non technical strategies to make your website popular, gain more visitors and eventually make more money and flourish your business. SEO has become a somewhat celebrated industry in developing nations, but the reality is otherwise in Malaysia. We can take this either as a disadvantage or an opportunity.
Popular and successful internet entrepreneurs become who they are by mastering the SEO techniques. This country itself is rich with its SEO talents whose advice are highly sought after by the global market. Most SEO experts pick up and master the techniques by themselves, as the skill is not taught as part of the school and college curriculum.
10. Technical writing
A technical writer composes or writes technical information to be documented in product manuals, user guides, white papers, design applications, technical reviews and so on. A person in this area not only need to be good in writing and knowledgeable in his field of expertise, but also must be an avid researcher, reader and possess ability to work in a fast pace environment and meeting deadlines. Today, technical writing has expanded into an even further territory - and that includes blogging. Many individuals or companies set up technical blogs and require people with IT technical knowledge and expertise as the authors or contributors. Your pay could be in the form of pay-per-article, a flat fee, or other payment structure as agreed between you and the paymaster.
Matahari Digital says choose the right one..
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