Here today, jobs of tomorrow: opportunities in information technology

Computer personnel want ads, like the fictional one above, are plentiful in nearly every newspaper across the country. In some large cities, these high-tech classifieds are so numerous they garner their own section. Companies across the Nation are scrambling for workers with the requisite technical skills.

Some researchers warn of severe economic implications for U.S. competitiveness if the trend continues. Reports by groups such as the Information Technology Association of America and the U.S. Department of Commerce's Office of Technology Policy identify what they consider strong evidence of the United States' inability to keep up with the high demand for information technology workers. As a result, highly qualified personnel enjoy rising starting salaries, multiple job offers, creative recruiting efforts, and a hiring climate that some have equated with a pro sports draft.

There has been explosive growth in the software and services industries. Consequently, technology and nontechnology companies alike are competing for the same workers as businesses integrate new technologies. Firms need skilled computer professionals to maintain a competitive edge and cost-efficient operations. In addition to describing who the information technology field comprises, this article examines the labor market and earnings prospects for trained workers and how to prepare for one of these high-tech careers. It also provides suggestions for finding more information about careers, education and training, and professional development.
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The Workers and Their Jobs

The Information Technology Association of America has defined information technology as "the study, design, development, implementation, support, or management of computer-based information systems, particularly software applications and computer hardware."

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) uses different terminology to classify occupations for this type of work. BLS classifies professional and technical computer-related occupations as computer programmers, computer systems analysts, computer engineers, database administrators, computer support specialists, and all other computer scientists. These occupations are described below.

Computer programmers. Computer programmers write, test, and maintain the detailed instructions--called programs or software--that computers must follow to perform their functions. Programmers write these commands by breaking down each step into a logical series, converting specifications into detailed flow charts for coding in a language the computer understands.

The programming language might be a conventional one, such as Cobol; an artificial intelligence one, such as Prolog; or a more advanced function or object-oriented one, such as C++ or Java. Programmers are often identified by the programming language they know, such as Java programmer, or by the type of environment they usually work in, such as mainframe or Internet programmer.

Programmers may also be grouped into one of two programming types: applications or systems. Applications programmers usually focus on business, engineering, or science. They write software for jobs within an organization, such as a program used for tracking inventory, or they may revise existing software. Systems programmers maintain and control computer systems software. These workers make changes as needed in the computer's instructions for directing how networks, workstations, and central processing units operate or communicate with other equipment such as printers. Because of their knowledge of the entire system, systems programmers often help applications programmers with troubleshooting.

Systems analysts. Systems analysts study business, scientific, or engineering data processing problems and use computers to design solutions; business systems analysts, for example, work with managers and users to solve computer problems and meet the technology needs of individual businesses. Other titles for systems development workers include systems developer and systems architect. These workers may plan new computer systems or apply an existing system's resources to another operation. They might design new systems, including both software and hardware--the computer itself along with associated physical equipment. Or, they may add a single software application to an existing system.

Software quality assurance analysts do more in-depth testing of products. In addition to running tests, these individuals may be involved in diagnosing problems, recommending solutions, or determining if program requirements have been met.