Computer Technology and IT Schools, Programs and Career Training

The computer age is still very much in its infancy, and yet the sheer number of IT-related applications, careers, schools, and benefits is vast. In just a few short decades, the world has gone from basic adding and subtracting machines to:

Satellite technology

Mainframe computers

PCs and handheld devices

The Internet and World Wide Web

Digital software and advanced programming

Breaking into some of these computer technology and information technology fields is possible with minimal formal training, thanks in large part to the growing availability of free information online. However, the benefits of an actual computer technology, telecommunications, or IT degree are impossible to overstate. Because technology evolves at such a fantastic rate, there are numerous advantages to mastering the fundamentals before trying to keep pace with new breakthroughs and advancements.

Different Types of Computer Technology and IT Schools

Different computer professions require very different types of information technology training and certification. For example:

Web designers can usually master the requisite skills through certificate or associate's training

Computer graphics professionals can typically get by with an associate's degree or above

Computer network specialists and telecommunications professionals should pursue bachelor's training or higher if they can

A career in computer science or computer programming may require doctoral training, although associate positions exist for those with a master's degree

Regardless of what type and level of computer technology or IT program you decide to pursue, you typically need to have a genuine love of computers, mathematics, and problem-solving.

Outlook: Computer Technology and IT Careers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that the IT industry is poised for fairly robust growth, highlighting how new positions for computer scientists, database administrators, and software engineers should grow much faster than the national average for most other occupational fields. Much of this growth is likely to come from rising demand for professional fields that already exist. However, a significant portion might come from jobs that have not even been invented yet. Because the larger IT and computer industry is still quite young, there is tremendous room for growth. Just think about all of the computer jobs we have today that did not exist ten years ago.