CAREERS IN THE

COMPUTER INDUSTRY
1. The IT Department
2. General Business and Government
Organizations
3. Hardware Field
4. Software Field
5. Service and Repair
6. Sales
7. Education and Training
8. Consulting
9. Computer-related courses in College
10. Computer graduates starting salary
comparison
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The IT Department
The IT Department is responsible for :
 Meeting information requirements of the
organization.
 Responsible for keeping computer
operations and networks running
smoothly.
 Determine when and if the company
requires hardware and software
 Provides career opportunities for
graduates of IT-related courses
2
The IT Department
Six major areas for career opportunities in
the IT Department
1. Management
2. Systems development and Programming
3. Technical Services
4. Operations
5. Training
6. Security

3
The IT Department
1. Management – directs the planning, research,
development, evaluation and integration of
technology
2. Systems Development and Programming –
analyzes, designs, develops and implements
new information technology.
Maintains and improves existing systems.
3. Technical Services – evaluates and integrates
new technologies.
Administers the data resources of the
organization.
Supports the centralized computer operating
system and servers
4
The IT Department
4. Operations – takes charge of the centralized
computer equipment and administration of
the network including both data and voice
communications
5. Training – teaches employees on how to use
the components of the information system
and answers specific user questions.
6. Security – develops and enforces policies
designed to safeguard the organization’s data
and information from unauthorized access.

5
General Business and Government
Organizations
Businesses and government organizations
use computers in:
1. Preparing basic documents require Documentation
and Online help System Designer or technical writers at $35,000
to $92,000 annually.
2. Management of Finances
3. Smooth communication between the company
employees, suppliers and customers
4. For public to access their facilities

6
Hardware Field
Careers are available with companies that design,
manufacture and produce devices like input,
output, communications and networking
devices.
Jobs consists of:
1. Designing and fabricating chips
2. Testing internal components
3. Assembling computers and devices
4. Packing computers and peripherals
5. Not to forget their IT department
Network Administrator annual salary between
$38,000 to $158,000.
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Hardware Field
Computer manufacturers:
1. AMD 8. Apple Computer
2. Cisco Systems 9. Dell
3. HP 10. IBM
4. Intel 11. Lenovo
5. Logitech 12. Lucent technologies
6. Motorola 13. Nokia
7. Qualcomm 14. Sun Microsystems
IBM is one of the larger companies with more than 386,000
employees and annual revenue of $98+ billion.
Spawns start-up companies that take advantage of rapid
changes in technology like wireless communications,
networking, multimedia, fiber optics, recycling and green
computing. They often offer incentives to fresh graduates to
join their firms 8
Software Field
Involves designing and developing software like:
OS, utilityprograms, business, graphics,
multimedia, home, personal, educational and
entertainment software.
Also networking software, software development
tools, Internet and Web page authoring
software.
Some specialize in a particular types, others like
Microsoft, produce and sell many types of
software

9
Software Field
Job titles consists of:
1. Project Leader or Project manager
2. Programmer or Developer
3. Technical Lead
4. Software Engineer
5. Computer Scientist

10
 Software Field
Responsibilities and Earnings
1. Project Leader or Project manager – analyzes software
requirements, designs software solutions and oversees
software development. Annual earnings from $73,000 to
$140,000.
2. Programmer or Developer – writes and tests computer
programs. The later refers to Web and Internet
programmers. Annual earnings in between $41,000 to
$120,000.

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 Software Field
Responsibilities and Earnings
3. Technical Lead – guides the design, development and
maintenance tasks and is the interface between
programmer and management. Between $ 57,000 to
$99,000.
4. Software Engineer – designs and develops software.
Between $44,000 to $129,000
5. Computer Scientist – uses their theoretical educational
background to research, invent, develop innovative
solutions to complex software requirements or problems

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Software Field
Other careers:
Database administrators –determine ways
to organize and store data, also
implement system security. Annual salary
between $61,000 to $105,000.

13
Software Field
Leading Software Companies
1. Adobe Systems 8. Apple
2. BMC 9. Computer Associates
3. IBM 10. Intuit
4. McAfee 11. Microsoft
5. Novell 12. Oracle
6. RealNetworks 13. Red Hat
7. Sybase 14. Symantec

The largest software company is Microsoft with

91,000 employees and annual revenue of $60
billion.

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 Service and Repair
Provides preventive maintenance, component installation,
and repair services.
Typical job titles:
1. Service technician
2. Repair person
3. Repair Technician
4. Computer technician
All of them perform the same responsibilities.
Must possess a strong background in electronics.
Annual Salary ranges at entry-level = $20,000 to $25,000
Those with experience = $50,000

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Service and Repair
Some companies like Dell and HP offer training
for certification on behalf of certifying
companies.
Hardware manufacturers include diagnostic
software in their computers to assist
technicians in their work.

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Sales
Computer sales people must possess the ff:
1. General understanding of computers and
specific knowledge on product/s they are
selling.
2. Strong people skills like keen listening abilities
and superior oral communication skills.
3. Able to determine a buyer’s needs and match
these to correct hardware and software.
4. Has a thorough understanding of available
products
5. Able to discuss computers without using
computer jargon.
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Sales
Some computer salesperson work directly for computer
manufacturers and software developers but others
work for resellers and retailers like:
1. Best Buy
2. OfficeMax
3. Office Depot
4. Staples
Retail stores are often entry level jobs of students in the
Computer Science fields
Salespersons are paid based on volume sales and
commission.
More experienced salespersons are among the highly paid
employees in the company. Median annual salary =
$55,740
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Education and Training
Computer educators and corporate trainees teach
students and employees how to:
1. Use software
2. Design and develop systems
3. Write programs
4. Perform other computer-related activities
5. Computer ethics
High demand for qualified instructors has led to a
shortage because most of them have moved to
private industry with the promise of higher pay.
Hourly rates from $25 to $50 or higher.

19
More Careers on Training
 Help Desk Professionals –help other
employees and clients on the usage of
computer systems provided by company.
 Technical Support Specialist – Assists
customers use the products purchased
from a company.
Projected to be the fastest growing
occupation over 2000 to 2010. Annual
earnings are between $34,000 to $55,000.

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 Consulting
 An IT consultant draws upon his or her expertise in
a specialized area of computers and provides
computer services to clients.
 Large enterprises often hire teams of consultants to
offer advice about technology-related concerns
 Areas with high demand on Qualified consultants:
1. Computer selection
2. Information systems Design
3. Communications
4. Hardware and Software Configuration
5. Network design, installation
6. Web development
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Computer-related courses in College
 Three broad disciplines in higher education provides the
entry level to employees to the industry
1. Computer Information Systems(CIS) or Information
Technology(IT) –teaches technical knowledge and
skills and focus on how to apply these skills.
Some schools offer the course as Management
Information Systems or Management Information
Technology – main difference is the ratio of business
courses to computer courses which is greater in MIS
or MIT.
2. Computer Science(CS) – stresses the theoretical side
of programming and operating systems.
3. Computer Engineering(CE) – teaches how to design
and develop the electronic components found in
computers and peripheral devices. 22
Computer-related courses in College
1. CIS or IT additional skills to possess
 Excellent people skills
 Keen understanding of business operations
and organizational behaviour
 Ability to work in teams
 Solid presentation skills
Entry Level job titles for graduates are:
Desktop/mobile application programmer,
Computer/mobile security specialist, Database analyst,
E-commerce director, Graphic designer/illustrator,
IT consultant, Network security administrator,
Storage administrator/analyst, Systems analyst,
Web software developer

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Computer-related courses in College
2. CS students are also required to take:
 Higher level mathematics like Calculus and
Physics
Entry-Level job titles:
Software Engineer
Storage administrator/analyst
Systems programmer
Digital forensics examiner
IT consultant

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Computer-related courses in College
3. Computer Engineering(CE)
Students are also required to take several
higher level mathematics like Calculus, at least
two semesters of Physics and several electrical
engineering subjects.
Entry level job titles:
Software engineer
Network security administrator
Computer hardware designer
New hardware tester
It Consultant

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Computer Discipline Differences
BSIT BSCS BSCE
Practical & Application Theory Oriented Design Oriented
Oriented
Business and Mathematics and Science Mathematics and Science
management oriented oriented oriented
Understand how to Understand the Understand fundamental
design and implement fundamental nature of nature of hardware and
Information Systems hardware and software electronics
Certificates Degrees include: Degrees include:
Degrees include: BS,MS PhD BS,MS PhD
AA,AAS, AS, BS,MS
PhD

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College graduates’ annual starting salary

$60,000.00

$50,000.00

$40,000.00

$30,000.00

$20,000.00

$10,000.00

$-

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IT Department Jobs and Salaries in Management:
Job Title Function Degree Annual Salary
Required Range ($)
Chief Information Directs the company’s BSIT 133,000 to
/Technology information service and 295,000
Officer communication functions
(CIO/CTO)
E-commerce Supervises the BSIT 88,000 to
Director development and 187,000
execution of Internet or
e-commerce systems
Network Installs, configures and BSIT or BSEE 38,000 to
administrator maintains LANs, WANs. 158,000
Resolves connectivity
issues
Project Oversees projects, selects BSIT 73,000 to
Leader/manager teams, allocates 140,000
resources, does system
analysis & performance
appraisals
28
 IT Department Jobs and Salaries in System
Development and Programming:
Job Title Function Degree Annual Salary
Required Range ($)
Computer games Designs computer games, BSCS or 49,000 to
designer/program develops the appropriate Software Eng’g 107,000
mer program
Computer Researches, invents, BSCS, MSCS 55,000 to
scientist develops innovative or BS in Eng’g 144,000
solutions to complex
software requirements
Database analyst Uses data modelling BSIT or BSCS 30,000 to
techniques and tools to 131,000
analyze, tune and specify
data usage in an
application area
Desktop or mobile Converts system design BSIT or its 41,000 to
application into appropriate computer Associates 120,000
programmer/devel language
oper
29
 IT Department Jobs and Salaries in System
Development and Programming:
Job Title Function Degree Annual Salary
Required Range ($)
Systems analyst Works closely with users BSIT 41,000 to
to analyze their 115,000
requirements, designs &
develops new systems
Systems Installs and maintains BSCS, BSIT 38,000 to
programmer operating system software 120,000
and provides technical
support to the
programming staff
Technical lead Guides design, BSCS 57,000 to
development, maintenance 99,000
tasks, intermediary
between programmer &
management
Technical Writer Creates system BSIT or its 35,000 to
documentation and user Associates or 92,000
materials English majors
30
 IT Department Jobs and Salaries in System
Technical Services
Job Title Function Degree Annual Salary
Required Range ($)
Webmaster/Web Oversees Website & its BSIT 35,000 to
administrator performance. Creates them 108,000
Database Creates, maintains the data BSIT 61,000 to
Administrator dictionary, monitors Dbase 105,000
performance
Desktop Formats, combines text & BS in Graphics 28,000 to
publisher/compos graphics to produce Design or 59,000
itor publication-ready materials Communicatio
ns
Digital forensics Collects & analyzes BSCS 90,000 to
examiner evidence found on 125,000
networks and computers
Web Designer Develops graphical content BSIT 32,000 to
using Photoshop, Flash, or 94,000
multimedia tools
31
 IT Department Jobs and Salaries in System
Technical Services

Job Title Function Degree Annual Salary

Required Range ($)
Quality assurance Reviews programs and BSIT 44,000 to
specialist documentation to ensure 103,000
they meet standards of the
organization and the world
market
Storage Installs, maintains , upgrades BSIT, BSCS 61,000 to
Administrator storage systems 86,000
Specialist
Graphics Develops visual BS in Graphics 34,000 to
designer/illustrat impressions of products for Design or 71,000
or advertisements and Communicatio
marketing materials ns

32
 IT Department Jobs and Salaries in Operations
Job Title Function Degree Annual Salary
Required Range ($)
Computer Performs equipment BSIT or its 25,000 to
Operator related activities like associates 58,000
running jobs, backups and
restorations
Data Installs, monitors and BSIT, BSEE 36,000 to
Communications maintains internet/WAN 113,000
analyst connections

33
 IT Department Jobs and Salaries in Training
Job Title Function Degree Annual Salary
Required Range ($)
Instructor Teaches IT skills MSIT, MSCS, 37,000 to
MSCE 182,000
Corporate Teaches employees on how BSIT, BSCS 43,000 to
trainer to use computer resources 98,000

Helpdesk Answers computer-related Associates in 34,000 to

specialist questions in person, over BSIT 55,000
the telephone or chat
room

34
 IT Department Jobs and Salaries in Security
Job Title Function Degree Annual Salary
Required Range ($)
Chief security Responsible for physical BSIT, BSCS 106,000 to
officer(CSO) security both property and 217,000
people
Security Security of data and BSIT, BSCS 48,000 to
Specialists information in storage 89,000
devices
Network Configures routers, BS IT, BSCS 49,000 to
Security firewalls; specifies web 126,000
administrator protocols

Security Administers network BSCS, BSIT 90,000 to

Administrator security access, protects 125,000
against unauthorized access

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Methods to be updated on Industry
trends and technologies
 Join professional organizations and personal networks
(influential organizations = ACM, AITP)

 Seek professional growth and continuing educational

activities(many organizations offer CBT or WBT; trade
shows =CES, Consumer Electronics Show)

 Read Industry Publications and their Websites

regularly(Computerworld, InfoWorld, PC Magazine, PC
World)

 Avail of CERTIFICATIONS

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Certification
 A process of verifying the technical knowledge
of an individual who has demonstrated
competence in a particular area.
 Demonstrates the mastery of a skill set and
knowledge base in a specific IT area.
 Benefits Derived
1. Enhanced Employment Opportunity
2. Credibility among peers, Personal
achievement
3. Salary increase

37
 Factors to consider in selecting a
Certification
 Expenses involved to obtain certification
 Time involved
 Renewal requirements
 Employment projections
Certifications sought by job listing
Evaluations of certification
 Personal Interests

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 Application Software Certifications
 For teachers, sales representatives, corporate trainers, desktop
publishers/illustrators, graphic designers/illustrators, help desk
specialists, office managers/workers
Certification Expertise/Skills tested
MCAS=Microsoft Certified skills in MS Office 2007 and Windows Vista
Application Specialist
MCAP=Microsoft Certified Advanced skills in MS Office 2007 in industry
Application Professional applications like budget, presentations & collaboration
MCDST=Microsoft Skills on solving problems with prgs. that run on
Desktop Support Windows & its OS.
Technician
Adobe Certified Associate Expertise on variety of Adobe software like Flash and
Dreamweaver
Adobe Certified Expert Expertise on Adobe software usage
Adobe Certified Instructor Ability to provide instruction on Adobe Software
IBM Certified Professional Knowledge on Lotus programs
for Lotus Software
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 Operating System Certifications
Certification Technical Expertise/Skills tested
MCTS=Microsoft Certified Expertise in specialized area like Windows, Windows
Technology Specialist Mobile, Embedded CE and .NET environments
(CLP) Novell Certified Expertise in installing, managing, troubleshooting the
Linux Professional LINUX OS
(RHCE)=Red Hat Certified Skills of setting up, administering network services &
Engineer security admin of LINUX OS
(RHCT)=Red Hat Certified Basic knowledge of setting up and managing LINUX OS
Technician
(SCSA)=Sun Certified Knowledge on administering the SOLARIS OS
System Administrator
IBM Certified Specialist Knowledge of AIX OS and network security

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Programmer/developer Certifications
Certification Technical Expertise/Skills tested
CSDA=Certified Software Basic knowledge of software development process and
Development Associate tools by IEEE Computer Society
CSDP=Certified Software Advanced knowledge of software development process
Development Professional and tools
IBM Certified Solution Knowledge of developing XML applications and Web
Developer Services
MCPD=Microsoft Certified Knowledge of developing Windows-based applications in
Professional Developer Visual Studio suite and .NET framework
SCEA=Sun Certified Knowledge on creating and maintaining J2EE
Enterprise Architect applications
SCJD=Sun Certified java Advanced Knowledge of Java programming language
Developer
SCJP=Sun Certified Java Knowledge of java programming language
Programmer
SCMAD=Sun Certified Knowledge of using java to create applications for
Mobile Application mobile devices like smart phones
Developer
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 Career Certifications in the
Philippines
Fujitsu
Philippines – Fujitsu Knowledge
Centre Cisco Certified Career certif’ns
◦ http://www.fujitsu.com/ph/about/subsidiaries/fpi/traini
ng/certification/
 Power Mac Center’s Apple Certification
Course
◦ http://training.powermaccenter.com/#01cert
 Microsoft Philippines – Microsoft
Certified Professionals
◦ http://www.microsoft.com/en-ph/learning/default.aspx
IT 111 2nd Sem 2011-2012 42
TESDA NC
 NC 11
◦ Animation
◦ Broadband Installation (Fixed Wireless System)
◦ Computer Hardware Servicing
 NC III
◦ Animation (3D Digital)
◦ Animation (2D Digital
◦ CAD/CAM Operation
*Animation NC II assessment in Baguio City is in
BCSAT, Military Cut Off Rd.
IT 111 2nd Sem 2011-2012 43
Bibliography
 Peter Norton’s Introduction to
Computers 6th edition
www.mhhe.com/peternorton

 Discovering Computers 2010

Living in a Digital World
Shelly Cashman Series
visit www.scite.com/dc2010

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