Pursuing a career in technology.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the information technology industry will add more than 280,000 new jobs by the year 2018. Many students just finishing their degree have a variety of career paths to choose from. The field can be lucrative, and the options provide you the ability to work in a role that best suits your needs and skills.
Chief Information Officer
The head of information technology is typically referred to as the chief information officer. Your main responsibility is the technological direction of the company you work for, and the CIO generally requires knowledge of the entire company's workings. A CIO proposes budgets for programs, hires computer specialists and information technology staff, manages the staff and establishes procedures and policies.
The majority of chief information officers hold a bachelor's degree in a field such as computer science or software engineering. A master's degree in business administration is recommended. The average salary for a CIO is $133,000 per year.
Network Administrator
The network administrator designs, installs and maintains a company's computer system. When problems with the system arise, you analyze and correct them before they become a major issue. A network administrator monitors and analyzes usage to ensure that the overall health of the network and the company's computer systems is not compromised.
While it is recommended that a network administrator hold a bachelor's degree, some employers accept a combination of an associate's degree and experience. The typical earnings for network administrators average $66,000 per year.
IT Project Manager
IT project managers are responsible for the management of resources for large technical projects. You develop budgets, requirements and schedules. IT project managers work as a liaison between the IT staff and the clients, vendors and consultants working on the project.
A career as an IT project manager generally requires a bachelor's degree in a computer field. Experience and a master's degree are preferred. Average earnings for an IT project manager are approximately $115,000 annually.
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