Information technology is the fastest-growing industry in the country today. Although most occupations fall into a specific industry sector, persons involved in information technology (IT) occupations work throughout all sectors of the economy. Information technology occupations are comprised of computer-related jobs engaged in either managing, storing, transmitting or generating the information organizations use to make decisions, as well as installing and repairing computer hardware and software used to perform such tasks. Job titles used to describe this broad category of workers evolve rapidly, reflecting new areas of specialization or changes in technology as well as the preferences and practices of employers.

Most of the occupations presented here are evolving—their skills require updating in light of new technologies. A few of these occupations are truly emerging—new occupations created because of changing technology or new ways of doing business. Emerging IT occupations are the results of two inter-linked technologies: the World Wide Web and electronic commerce (E-commerce). With dramatic growth of the use of online services and local Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to access the Internet by consumers, businesses have found a new place to market goods and services.

Computer operators oversee the operation of computer hardware systems, ensuring that these machines are used as efficiently as possible. They may work with mainframes, minicomputers, or even networks of personal computers. Computer operators must anticipate problems and take preventive action as well as solve problems that occur during operations.

Computer support technicians provide technical support services to individuals and organizations. As more computing power is made available to the individual user and users develop more sophisticated knowledge of computers, they become more aware of the machine's potential and how computers could be used to increase their productivity. Increasingly, users are able to design and implement more of their own applications and programs. The result is a growing demand for computer support specialists, help desk personnel, and technical consultants.

Computer customer service/tech support specialists provide assistance to customers, clients or members of a firm or organization. They respond to customer inquiries and complaints and provide the lower level of tech support, product information, and quotations by using computerized databases or reference books. For questions beyond their expertise, they direct customers to senior technicians or other support personnel.

Computer repair technicians install, support and maintain computer hardware and/or software. They may work for a particular vendor, specializing in that vendor's products; or they may work for a company in any number of industries providing technical support to computer users within the firm. Support technicians may also run help desks as well as provide on-site support (see also Electronics/Microcomputer Technology).

Computer network specialists install and maintain computer network system hardware and software for businesses. In many offices, factories, and other work settings, PCs and minicomputers are connected in networks, or multi-user systems, often referred to as Local Area Networks (LAN) or Wide Area Networks (WAN). Networking allows users to retrieve data from a server or mainframe computer and use it on their PCs. This connection also allows data to be entered into the mainframe from a personal computer. Additionally, the expanding integration of Internet technologies by businesses has resulted in a rising demand for a variety of skilled professionals who can develop and support Internet, Intranet, and World Wide Web applications.

Computer networking technicians install, support, maintain and troubleshoot computer software and/or hardware relating to networked computers. As the trend toward networking computers accelerates, a growing number of networking technicians are working on personal computers (PCs) and minicomputers.

LAN/WAN administrators are responsible for the overall networked computer system inside a firm. They participate in the planning of the system, make recommendations for the purchase of new equipment and components, and software, and direct the work of networking technicians and support staff. They report the fiscal impact of system changes to managers, track upgrade and replacement projects, and write proposals for the firm's future network needs. In smaller firms, they may also do the work of a networking technician.

Database administrators work with database management systems software, coordinating changes to, testing, and implementing computer databases. Since they also may be responsible for design implementation and system security, database administrators plan and coordinate security measures.

Computer security specialists are responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing an organization's information security measures. These measures regulate access to computer data files and prevent unauthorized modification, destruction or disclosure of information. As business relies more and more on the transfer of electronic information, from selling its products to exchanging e-mails containing sensitive information, the need to secure computerized data is increasing. Security specialists protect information from hackers by setting up Internet firewalls, encrypting data files and establishing secure web sites for sales transactions.

Webmasters are responsible for developing and maintaining the World Wide Web (WWW), Internet or e-mail servers for a company, as well as one or more company web sites. They must be familiar with the programming languages and protocols used on the Web. The web sites they design and maintain may be part of the Internet, available to outside users, or an intranet, which is a web site for company users only. Webmasters may be programmers, networking technicians and customer support specialists.

Multimedia specialists combine the use of audio, video, graphics and text to provide information in an aesthetic manner. Multimedia presentations often make a stronger impact and become better teaching tools and entertainment experiences than printed guides or tutorials. Multimedia specialists must possess an understanding of media, graphics and Web production, and may use specialized programming and production tools. Their final output is distributed via the Web, CD ROM or notebook computer presentation.

Computer programmers write, test, and maintain the detailed instructions—called "programs" or "software"—that list in a logical order the steps computers must execute to perform their functions. Computer programs tell the computer what to do, such as which information to identify and access, how to process it, and what equipment to use. Although simple programs can be written in a few hours, programs that use complex mathematical formulas, whose solutions can only be approximated, or that draw data from many existing systems, require more than a year of work. In most cases, several programmers work together as a team under a senior programmer's supervision.

Computer systems analysts use their knowledge and skills to solve computer problems and enable computer technology to meet the individual needs of an organization. This process may include planning and developing new computer systems or devising ways to apply existing systems' resources to additional operations. Systems analysts may design entirely new systems, including both hardware and software, or add a single new software application to harness more of the computer's power. Most systems analysts work with a specific type of system depending on the organization they work for—for example, business, accounting or financial systems, or scientific and engineering systems. Companies generally seek systems analysts specializing in the type of systems they use.

Computer systems managers direct and plan programming, computer operations, and data processing, and coordinate the development of computer hardware, systems design, and software. Top-level managers direct all computer-related activities in an organization. They analyze the computer and data information requirements of their organization and assign, schedule, and review the work of systems analysts, computer programmers, technicians and computer operators. They determine personnel and computer hardware requirements, evaluate equipment options, and make purchasing decisions.

Computer scientists and engineers design computers and the software that runs them, develop information technologies, and develop and adapt principles for applying computers to new uses.

Computer scientists perform many of the same duties as other computer professionals throughout a normal workday, but their jobs are distinguished by the higher level of theoretical expertise and innovation they apply to complex problems and the creation or application of new technology.

Computer engineers also work with the hardware and software aspects of systems design and development. Whereas computer scientists emphasize the application of theory, computer engineers emphasize the building of prototypes. Computer engineers generally apply the theories and principles of science and mathematics to the design of hardware, software, networks, and processes to solve technical problems. They often work as part of a team that designs new computing devices or computer-related equipment, systems, or software.

The dynamic nature of all IT occupations makes identifying and assigning discrete occupational characteristics to individual occupations difficult. Occupational titles themselves can vary greatly from firm to firm. In many instances, an individual may perform work under two or more of the occupational titles reported herein, in whole or in part. Crossing over from one information technology occupation to another is not rare or difficult and may be a means of promotion and advancement for many workers in this field.

Computer professionals normally work in offices or laboratories in comfortable surroundings. They usually work about 40 hours a week—the same as many other professional or office workers. However, evening or weekend work may be necessary to meet deadlines or solve specific problems. Given the technology available today, telecommuting is becoming more common for computer professionals. More work, including technical support, can be done from remote locations using modems, laptops, electronic mail, and even through the Internet. It is now possible for technical personnel, such as computer support specialists, to tap into a customer's computer remotely to identify and fix problems.

Like other workers who spend long periods of time in front of a computer terminal typing on a keyboard, computer professionals are susceptible to eye strain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome or cumulative trauma disorder.

Fast, accurate keyboarding skills are essential for any computer professional. Students acquire skills in keyboarding and in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, and database management computer software packages through high schools, community colleges, business schools, temporary help agencies, or self-teaching aids such as books, audio or video tapes, and personal computers.

Computer professionals should possess an understanding of computers and electronics, and an aptitude for mathematics. They should also have excellent reading, writing, interpersonal and communication skills, as well as logical, analytical thinking and the ability to gather, process and organize information efficiently. People who work with computers should be able to identify and solve problems quickly, and test their results scientifically.

Many people develop advanced computer skills in other occupations in which they work extensively with computers, and then transfer into computer occupations. For example, an accountant may become a systems analyst or computer support specialist specializing in accounting systems development, or an individual may move into a systems analyst job after working as a computer programmer.

Traditionally, employment in many of these occupations, such as programmers, required a Bachelor’s degree. With the current and forecasted shortage of IT workers, it is likely that shorter-term training programs will gain wider acceptance alongside Baccalaureate degree programs. Such programs would include Associate’s degrees, technical school certificates, and even less formal self-study programs or other "learn by experience" routes. Still, there always will be a preference for formal training. It is difficult to determine whether less formal training alternatives can be adapted in a fashion to satisfy burgeoning demand. Institutions that offer short-term training and have the ability to modify or expand their current programs are in a position to provide training to help fill the gap between demand and supply.

While there is no universally accepted way to prepare for a job as a computer professional because employers' preferences depend on the work to be done, a bachelor's degree is virtually a prerequisite for many employers. Relevant work experience also is very important. For some of the more complex jobs, persons with graduate degrees are preferred.

Technical or professional certification is becoming more common as a way for employers to ensure a level of competency or quality in all areas. Many product vendors offer certification or may even require certification of technicians and professionals who work with their products. The number of voluntary certificate or certification programs is also growing and this type of certification is available through organizations such as the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP). ICCP confers the designation Certified Computing Professional (CCP) to those who have at least 4 years of experience or 2 years of experience and a college degree. To qualify, individuals must pass a core examination plus exams in two specialty areas, or an exam in one specialty area and two computing languages. Those with little or no experience may be tested for certification as an Associate Computer Professional (ACP). Certification is not mandatory, but it may give a job-seeker a competitive advantage.

New growth areas generally arise from the development of new technologies. Therefore, it is important for computer professionals at all levels to keep their skills up to date. Technological advances come so rapidly in the computer field that continuous study is necessary to keep skills current. Continuing education is usually offered by employers, hardware and software vendors, colleges and universities, or private training institutions. Additional training may come from professional development seminars offered by professional computing societies.