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Career Cluster
Information Technology
- Do you enjoy working with computers?
- Are you fascinated by technology?
- Are you a logical and mathematical learner?
- Are you the person people rely on to set up or use computer hardware and software?
- Have you ever created your own computer program or video game?
- Are you organized and detail-oriented?
- Do you learn new computer programs easily?
- Do you adapt well to change?
If you answered yes to some of these questions, you might enjoy a career in information technology (IT). This fast-paced and quickly changing industry has jobs in every part of the economy and includes the following careers:
- network administrator
- webmaster
- data analyst
- help desk technician
- software engineer
- programmer
- technical writer
- digital media specialist
- network technician
Cluster Definition
Jobs in the IT career cluster involve the design, development, support, and management of hardware, software, multimedia, and systems integration services.
Career Pathways in Information Technology
A career pathway is an area of concentration within a career cluster. Each pathway contains a group of careers requiring similar academic and technical skills as well as similar industry certifications or postsecondary education. The IT career cluster has four pathways:
Information Support and Services
This is the largest pathway in IT, and it involves implementing and managing computer systems by analyzing users' requirements in detail, selecting the best possible solution, writing specifications, and obtaining the necessary hardware and software. Jobs include:
- data systems designer
- help desk technician
- application integrator
- database administrator
- maintenance technician
Network Systems
This pathway includes the workers who plan, establish, analyze, and maintain links between computers, either within a single office, or over the Internet. Jobs include:
- network administrator
- network technician
- WAN/LAN technician
- data communications analyst
- security administrator
- network engineer
- systems engineer
- PC support specialist
Programming and Software Development
Individuals with careers in this pathway design, develop, and produce computer systems and software. Occupations include:
- systems analyst
- programmer
- operating systems designer
- software architect
- applications analyst
Web and Digital Communications
Workers in this pathway create interactive multimedia applications, content, and services for businesses, training, entertainment, communications, and marketing. Jobs include:
- Webmaster
- Web designer
- digital artist
- multimedia producer
- digital media specialist
