The Information Technology (IT) Job Market is HOT, HOT, HOT!

According to the U.S. Labor Department, the market for information technology employment is expected to grow steadily, and salaries are high. High-demand IT jobs include the following:

• Computer Support Specialist
• Systems Administrators
• Computer Programmers
• Software Engineers
• Database Administrators
• Systems Analysts

IT training that employers look for

At Globe University/Minnesota School of Business we provide practical skills training that prepares our graduates for those and other IT jobs. Industry professionals and business leaders serve on an advisory board and as instructors, ensuring that our students are ready for high-demand IT certification exams and have the skills employers look for.

Placement rates of GU/MSB grads are excellent, starting salaries are high, and our Career Placement Services department helps our graduates get established in the IT field.

What skills lead to success in IT jobs?

• Strong math skills
• Strong reasoning skills
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Strong communication skills
• Thirst for knowledge
• Knowledge of another industry
• Knowledge of another academic area of study

Where do you fit into the IT world?

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Are you fascinated by the technology itself, or by the relationship between technology and other systems and industries? At GU/MSB your advisors and instructors will help you determine where you fit in the IT job market. Your choice of IT degree program and electives will open the right door for you.

IT jobs: descriptions and outlooks

Few fields offer as much career variety as IT: computer programming, network systems and data communications specialist, computer support specialist, database administrator, computer and information systems manager, software engineer, network administrator, computer systems analyst, business analyst, business operations specialist, computer specialist, applications engineer, software systems engineer… The opportunities are vast.

Below is more detail about six of the most common IT jobs (Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics):

Computer Support Specialist:

• Represents 552,000 workers in the US in 2006. Predicted growth rate is about average.
• This is a service occupation. Provide assistance to a customer or another employee over the telephone, through email, using instant messenger, or in person.
• Help customers make their computers and other technology work.
• Provide some training.
• Solve problems for other people.
• An Associate degree in Information Technology is an excellent entry.

Median earnings for computer support specialists in top five industries:

• Software publishers: $46,270
• Management of companies and enterprises: $42,770
• Computer systems design: $42,510
• Colleges, universities, and professional schools: $40,130
• Elementary and secondary schools: $37,880

Systems Administrators

• Represents 857,000 workers in the US in 2006. Predicted growth rate is 38%.
• Use the principles of computer science and mathematics to the design, development, testing and evaluation of software and systems that make computers work.
• Highly mathematical.
• Requires a 4-year degree.
• Earnings for computer programmers in the top six industries that employ them.

Median salaries for systems administrators in the top six fields:

• R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences: $97,220
• Scientific research and development services: $97,180
• Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing: $93,240
• Software publishers: $87,660
• Computer systems design: $84,660
• Data processing, hosting, and related: $78,270

Computer Programmers

• Represents 435,000 workers in the US in 2006.
• Write, test and maintain programs which make up software.
• Update, repair and modify existing programs.
• Slight negative growth rate predicted because of emergence of artificial intelligence.
• Detailed work. Math and reasoning skills important.

Median earnings earning for computer programmers in four top fields:

• Software Publishers: $79,270
• Computer systems design: $67,880
• Management of companies and enterprises: $67,170
• Insurance carriers: $65,650

Software Engineers

• Represents 857,000 workers in the US in 2006. Predicted growth rate is 38%.
• Use the principles of computer science and mathematics to the design, development, testing and evaluation of software and systems that make computers work.
• Highly mathematical.
• Requires a 4-year Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology.

Median earnings earning for software engineers in top six fields:

• R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences: $97,220
• Scientific research and development services: $97,180
• Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing: $93,240
• Software publishers: $87,660
• Computer systems design: $84,660
• Data processing, hosting, and related: $78,270

Database Administrators

• Represents 119,000 workers in the US in 2006. Predicted growth rate is 29%.
• Work with databases (hospital records, arrest records, sales records, etc.)
• Design databases.
• Migrate data from old to new systems.
• Coordinate security.
• Important job in future as data becomes a larger part of our economy.

Median salaries for all database administrators: $64, 670

Systems Analysts

• Represents 504,000 workers in the US in 2006. Predicted growth rate is 29%.
• Examine business processes and design computer systems to improve the business.
• Provide a bridge between the customer and the technical professionals.
• Must speak ‘business’ as well as ‘tech’.
• People skills and communication skills are very important.

Median earning for systems analysts in four top industries

• Professional and commercial equipment and supplies merchant wholesalers: $81,080
• Computer systems design: $71,680
• Management of companies and enterprises: $71,090
• Insurance carriers: $69,990
• State government: $61,340

Find out more today about IT job training at GU/MSB

The coursework leading to the bachelor’s or associates degree in information technology can be completed online or at Globe University/Minnesota School of Business campuses in the Twin Cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul area: IDS Center, Blaine, Brooklyn Center, Woodbury, Plymouth, Richfield, and Shakopee), Rochester, Moorhead and St. Cloud, MN; Eau Claire, WI; and Sioux Falls, SD. Day and evening, full and part-time options are available.

Contact our admissions office today for more information. A representative will be happy to answer your questions, take you on a campus tour and help you navigate the admissions process.