Popular Technology Degrees

Information Technology Jobs: Ecommerce & Networking

April 11, 2005
by Edward Castro
ed.castro@hqpublications.com
Technology Schools Columnist

According to a report released by INPUT, a government-spending watchdog, the United States government spent big on IT services in 2004. The top three IT services categories for 2004 were professional services ($108.3 billion); network/telecom services ($19.2 billion); and research and development ($10.4 billion).

If you're counting, that's a little under $138 billion, which generated tens of thousands of information technology jobs. The report also suggested that IT contracts awarded in 2005 would reach $114 billion. The contracts that make up the bulk of that total will be offered to companies to make federal government Web sites fully searchable.


A task that is tailor-made for information technology professionals with experience in ecommerce Web sites and networking. If you're interested in this challenging field, lets investigate a few information technology jobs, what degrees are needed, and what the overall job prospects look like for the next few years.

Information Technology Jobs: Advanced Degrees

1. Computer Systems Analysts: This general computer problem solver also helps an organization to meet their goals using computer technology. A systems analyst recommends equipment, plans and develops networking systems, and designs systems to better utilize company resources and personnel. Most systems analysts work in specific areas such as accounting, financial systems, or ecommerce.
   
   Information technology jobs such as this require a bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems (MIS). Usually an MIS program is part of a business school degree. These information technology jobs are often in ecommerce.
2. Network Systems Analyst: This information technology professional designs, tests, and evaluates networking systems such as LANs, WANs, Internet, and intranets.
   
   For many information technology jobs such as networking, ecommerce, and webmasters, an associate's degree or certificate is sufficient, but more advanced positions will require a computer-related bachelor's degree.

Information Technology: Certificates and Associate's Degrees

There are many information technology jobs that can be had with much less training than the positions mentioned above. There are many ecommerce and networking programs found in community colleges, technical institutes, online schools that offer associate's degrees in computer science or a related information technology field.

While many small school programs are usually more occupation specific, they can introduce you to the various types of information technology jobs available. Some of these information technology jobs include Webmaster, database manager, ecommerce manager, and Web development.

1. Computer Support Specialist: A computer support specialist provides technical assistance to a specific group of users. These information technology jobs are also known as technical support specialist and help-desk technicians.

While a college degree isn't always necessary for these information technology jobs, certification or practical experience is usually required. In addition to technical institutes and online certification programs, many hardware, networking, and software vendors offer courses in the use of their products.

Information Technology Jobs: Outlook

Information technology jobs are among the fastest growing of all occupations through 2012 according the Bureau of Labor Statistics. While there are various paths into information technology jobs, a solid educational foundation is one sure way of landing the position you want.

About the Author

Edward Castro has extensive experience as a creative media writer. His client portfolio has included such notables as Hewlett-Packard, Sony Computer Entertainment, Shockwave, AtomFilms, GameBlast and Mervyn's California. In his current position, Ed is developing the marketing strategy of an Internet start-up company specializing in Japanese trade goods.