IT Major
Career Paths and Jobs with Description
The reliance on computers and information systems are becoming more widespread throughout many companies, and graduates who acquired an IT degree will continue to be in high demand. The IT industry is well known for its wide range of job titles which can make it hard for graduates to choose what they want to do after college. Listed below are some career paths that an IT major could pursue:
| Computer Programmer | Computer programmers write and test code the will allow computer applications and software programs to function. | Entry Level Salary: $59,470* |
| Computer Systems Administrator | Computer Systems Administrators organize, install, and support an organization’s computer systems including (LANs), and (WANs). | Entry Level Salary: $41,113* |
| Computer Support Specialist | Computer support specialists provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment. | Entry Level Salary: $40,000* |
| Information Security Analyst | Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. | Entry Level Salary: $67,596* |
| Database Administrator | Database administrators use specialized software to store and organize data. | Entry Level Salary: $71,565* |
| Computer Network Architect | Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets. | Entry Level Salary: $83,768* |
| Web Developer | Web Developers are responsible for designing, coding and modifying websites, from layout to function and according to a client’s specifications. | Entry Level Salary: $72,007* |
| IT Manager | An Information Technology Manager is responsible for implementing and maintaining an organization’s technology infrastructure. | Entry Level Salary: $63,429* |
| Software Developer | Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks. | Entry Level Salary: $64,682* |
| Computer Systems Analyst | Computer systems analysts, sometimes called systems architects, study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures, and design solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. | Entry Level Salary: $58,140* |
| Server Admin/infrastructure | responsible for ensuring that the performance and availability of the server and network infrastructure is maintained to the highest standard with maximum levels of productivity and efficiency. | Entry Level Salary: $64,641* |
| Quality Assurance | determining, negotiating and agreeing on in-house quality procedures, standards, and specifications. assessing customer requirements and ensuring that these are met. | Entry Level Salary: $53,158* |
| Helpdesk Technician | Provide technical assistance and support for incoming queries and issues related to computer systems, software, and hardware. Respond to queries either in person or over the phone. Write training manuals. Train computer users. | Entry Level Salary: $43,835* |
| Data Analyst | translate numbers into plain English Every business collects data, whether it’s sales figures, market research, logistics, or transportation costs. Their job is to take that data and use it to help companies make better business decisions. | Entry Level Salary: $65,470* |
| Business Analyst | The analyst is involved in the design or modification of business systems or IT systems. The analyst interacts with the business stakeholders and subject matter experts in order to understand their problems and needs. The analyst gathers, documents, and analyzes business needs and requirements. | Entry Level Salary: $70,170* |
| App/Mobile Developer | Mobile developers are a type of software developer. They specialize in mobile technology such as building apps for Google’s Android, Apple’s iOS and Microsoft’s Windows Phone platforms. | Entry Level Salary: $90,947* |
| Cyber Security Analyst | Job duties typically include planning and implementing security measures to protect computer systems, networks and data. Information security analysts are expected to stay up-to-date on the latest intelligence, including hackers’ methodologies, in order to anticipate security breaches. | Entry Level Salary: $80,314* |
| Project Manager | As the project manager, your job is to plan, budget, oversee and document all aspects of the specific project you are working on. Project managers may work closely with upper management to make sure that the scope and direction of each project is on schedule, as well as other departments for support. | Entry Level Salary: $80,854* |
| Programmer (Analyst) | Programmer analysts perform the jobs of both a systems analyst and a computer programmer. Systems analysts design and develop software and computer systems. Computer programmers implement the designs by writing computer programs as well as updating and repairing existing programs. | Entry Level Salary: $68,460 |
| Programmer (Business Systems) | Prepares system software installation by studying software capabilities and operations, including task scheduling, memory management, file system, and input and output requirements. Installs system software by loading software into the computer. | Entry Level Salary: $71,460 |
| UX Design Analyst | The creation and development of the experience that is for the users to love or loathe is called User experience or UX design and one who creates is called a UX designer who can sometimes be referred to as a UX analyst because a lot of analysis of user’s’ behavior and preferences goes into the creation of user experiences. | Entry Level Salary: $70,975 |
| Software Engineer | Software engineers design and build software operating systems, middleware, business applications, computer applications, games and network control systems. | Entry Level Salary: $74,000 |
| Technical Program Manager | Technical program managers (TPMs) are in charge of handling all aspects of technical projects for their organization. They are responsible for initiating programs, following their progress, and serving as support providers in case issues arise. They coordinate efforts among workers and outside vendors, as well as develop effective schedules and suggest action items that still need to be complete to successfully complete the project. | Entry Level Salary: $82,000 |
| Data Scientist | a person employed to analyze and interpret complex digital data, such as the usage statistics of a website, especially in order to assist a business in its decision-making. | Entry Level Salary: $90,000 |
*Salary data from U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Board and Employers in Region
Online apps and candidate tracking software have sometimes obscured the importance of online job boards over recent years. Job boards are still an excellent way to connect with employers.
Check out the NEW Digital Alliance job board for a list of top employers around Northeast Wisconsin who are looking for students to join their IT team and make an impact on their organization.
Make sure also to check out NEW Digital Alliance job resources to help you find the right career and internship for you with tools like Job Center of Wisconsin, WisConnect and Skill Explorer.
Referring to your local college job boards for possible leads on internships and careers can benefit you greatly. Allowing yourself to a better opportunity to find the right career/internship for you in the right place.
Networking and Events
Networking is something that every college student should take advantage of whenever they can. The idea of networking is to develop relationships with individuals who can share information and help one another. Networking can open up opportunities that may not be advertised, helping you to find your dream job right out of college. Connect with your future employer by participating in one or more of the following events and organizations.
NEW Connect IT Job Fair and Career Fair
NEW Connect IT! This annual event is all about connecting students to IT career pathways, and connecting employers to immediate and future employees. With over 30 employers focused on hiring for IT roles, this is the one event you shouldn’t miss!
Amplify Oshkosh
Amplify Oshkosh’s goal is to Amplify the awareness of opportunities surrounding all aspects of I.T. in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The university town of Oshkosh is not only one of the best places to live, we are also proud of our educated and talented workforce, exceptional public amenities like parks, schools, and transportation and a community commitment to quality of life. Amplify aims to empower local businesses, schools, investors and innovators to make their mark in Oshkosh! Click here to check out future events.
WIT Wisconsin
Women in Technology (WIT) has the sole aim of advancing women in technology — from the classroom to the boardroom. WIT meets its vision through a variety of leadership development, technology education, networking and mentoring opportunities for women at all levels of their careers Click here to see future events.
College-sponsored career fairs and networking events
Check out the events page or your local college to find more opportunities near you.
UW-Green Bay Career Services Networking
Networking isn’t only about making connections or sharing ideas. For someone young in their career, it’s a place to share your uniqueness, what you stand for and what you’re good at. It’s a place where you cultivate opportunity. Click here to learn more about how to grow your professional network.
NWTC Tech Challenge
Test your skills and compete for college scholarships. Support your students in the largest academic and technical competition in Wisconsin. Offering both Live and Display competitions. Click here to register.
College of Business, IT, and Digital Arts Career Fair
Join us at NWTC to learn about:
- Dual (college) credits available for high school students
- Career pathways in Business, IT, Digital Arts, Health Sciences, Trades, Engineering, Education, Law & Public Safety
- Transfer options to 4-year colleges and universities
Click here for more information.
UW-Oshkosh Career Fair on the Fox
The Career Fair on the Fox allows students to gain networking experience and can connect with professionals. The career fair will enable students to create their personal brand and share it with employers. The career fair also provides students with practical knowledge that they are unable to obtain from a classroom setting. The Career Fair on the Fox is a professional environment to find potential employment possibilities that are awaiting students following college.
FVTC Job Fair
The FVTC Job Fair is open to students, graduates, and job seekers. No pre-registration is required, simply show up ready to share your resume and speak with employers!
Internships
When it comes to securing that job after college, it no longer is enough just to have a reasonable degree. College graduates now need experience in the field of their study to show employers that they have what it takes to work for them. Not only does it show employers that you have experience in the field but it allows you to get your feet wet and find out if a specific area is something that you could find yourself doing full-time.
Check out these tips on how to land a killer internship…
NEW Digital Alliance offers a list of top IT companies around Northeast Wisconsin that are looking for people like you to expand their organization to something more significant. When looking for an internship, leverage your resources. Check out the postings on your school’s job board, talk to your network, and take a look at postings on the career pages of local employers. Check out the NEW Digital Alliance Job Board here.
Looking for an internship for college? WisConnect Offers a wide list of internships to students across Wisconsin which help to gain valuable job skills to launch your career on the right path.
How to Transition from Student to Adult
As graduation approaches, you may be wondering how to make the transition from student to working professional. We’ve compiled a few tips for you below.
Be ready for change
During college, you had a fair idea of what was expected each semester, what assignments were due and when, as well as what prep work would be required. Likewise, you may have had some control over which professors you had, when your classes met, and even who you partnered with on projects. In a professional environment, deadlines and project assignments may change frequently, as well as who you work with on each project. To succeed in the workplace, it’s important to remain agile, adapting to the changing requirements and making sure you are meeting the business needs of your employer.
Work on your people skills
Excellent people skills are defined as the ability to listen, to communicate, and to relate to others on a personal or professional level. Acquiring and learning these people skills will not only benefit yourself but will add value to an organization that you work for. Gaining these skills allows you to communicate with other individuals effectively, and decreases the chance of miscommunication. With excellent people skills, you can resolve issues or conflicts efficiently. Thus, improving your people skills can give you an advantage in the workforce.
Watch and learn
Learning is what you have done in college for many years, and learning is exactly what you should be doing during your first couple of jobs. As a newbie to the working world, it is crucial that you observe and learn from the more experienced workers. Although watching and learning from more experienced workers is something to take advantage of, always remember that you have something to bring to the table and teach to those senior to you. Allowing yourself to learn more about the company’s culture, process, and systems is crucial to building a career that best fits who you are. Remember to seek advice and model your behavior on those people who can help you do better at your current and future jobs to come.
Network, Network, Network
Networking will help you at every step of your career, especially at the entry level. A kind word or recommendation from someone who can vouch for your character and your work ethic can go much farther than a resume, which could be overlooked. Leverage network opportunities outside of work, but also inside of work. Looking for ways to engage might help you move to a new department, build new skills, etc. Also look for a mentor who can help guide you in your career.
Keep updating your resume
Even though you may be comfortable with your current job, it’s always good to keep your resume up to date with your latest projects/skills. There is always a new opportunity around the corner and being prepared with an updated resume could give you an edge over other candidates. As you achieve more accomplishments and accolades, these can help you catapult to your next career challenge.