Since IT (information technology) infrastructure incorporates all elements used to provide IT services, the jobs available in IT infrastructure provide variety and depth to careers within the technology sector. Some of the elements of IT infrastructure include different types of hardware, software and network components. Careers surrounding the design, development, test and production of these components represent IT infrastructure jobs. Since the IT industry is one of the fastest growing sectors according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many people seek entry into this career field. Here are some examples of IT infrastructure careers, typical job requirements and employment outlook.
Typical IT Infrastructure Careers
At the beginning of any IT system development project, the business requirements are examined by a system architect to create a conceptual model for the proposed technical solution. This conceptual model defines the system’s business processes, its structure as well as its hardware and software components. The different views of an IT system architecture present system development teams with different perspectives on how the system’s components interact with each other and the technical rules that govern each interaction. This function is usually fulfilled by a system architect.
While computer hardware continues to become smaller and more versatile, it is the computer’s software that is best known for the most dramatic changes that result in advancements in the industry. The software is the instructions that computers need to carry out computing activities efficiently, and nearly all computer systems require the skills of software developers either to design, produce, update or maintain computer system software.
Many companies deem computer systems indispensable in today’s marketplace, but challenges still exist in securing computer systems against cyber attacks and data thefts. Modern businesses rely on computer systems to process and store company proprietary and client personal information. Network security personnel design, assess and address network vulnerabilities.
Job Requirements
Most computing jobs that support IT infrastructure require candidates to have at least an undergraduate degree in computer science, engineering or a related discipline. Senior management and executive level officers usually have an advanced degree in a technical discipline or a Master of Business Administration in addition to a technical undergraduate degree. Those in IT infrastructure positions that conduct research on hardware, software and network systems for academia or government agencies often possess doctorate degrees in their chosen career field. Hiring managers for some IT infrastructure jobs do not require employees to have a degree, but these managers expect candidates to have up to date professional certifications that are relevant to the job held. These well-recognized industry certifications are obtained after computing professionals participate in coursework, study and take comprehensive examinations.
Employment Outlook
Software development is one of the most prominent of IT infrastructure jobs because so much of IT services rely on efficient programming. The job growth outlook for this occupation is particularly positive; software development is projected to grow at a rate that is significantly above the national average. The median salary for software developers in 2012 was over $93,000 per year. Although this career experienced a lower median salary than that of software developers in 2012, network security also recognized as information security analyst is an IT infrastructure position that has an even higher projected growth rate than software developer careers.
Related Resource: Systems Analyst
Conclusion
Many computing functions support IT infrastructure, and the type of work associated with this computing niche is often challenging and difficult. Because of its broad scope, the jobs available in IT Infrastructure are numerous, and people with the right credentials and skill sets are in high demand.
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