Careers
Software developers are the professionals tasked with creating and modifying computer programs. They use a mix of programming and logical planning skills to write the code guiding how these programs work. Some may focus more on writing individual code components, while others focus their time on the big picture work like mapping the needs of users and determining the core functionality needed to meet them. Additionally, they may spend time troubleshooting code and performing regular maintenance of a program. This career requires a mix of coding skills, logical planning ability, collaboration skills and creativity.
Typical duties:1
Analyzing user needs and creating computer programs that meet those needs
Analyzing and recommending possible improvements or fixes to existing programs and systems
Planning and mapping out how individual pieces of an application or system will work together
Monitoring and addressing application functionality through maintenance and testing
Creation of reference documentation
Projected employment growth (2022-2029): 22 percent.
Median annual salary (2022): …………………..
IT project managers play a unique role in this field. They’re responsible for the planning, initiation and execution of complex IT projects and initiatives. To do this, they must serve as a bridge between the technical teams who will be carrying out the work, and the organizational stakeholders who are setting the overall vision and goals of a project. They help both sides understand the potential hurdles facing a project, create overall project plans for how this work will be completed, and hold teams accountable for meeting deadlines and budgets. IT project managers have a strong blend of technical knowledge, organization ability, planning, problem solving and communication skills.
Typical duties:
Meeting with organizational stakeholders to determine scope and timing of IT projects
Working with technical teams to identify potential barriers or issues and determining options for how to overcome them
Conducting regular check-ins to monitor project progress and address unexpected issues
Creating overall IT project work rollout plans
Conferring with technical teams to identify what resources are needed for a project
Projected employment growth (2022-2029): 5 percent.
Median annual salary (2022): …………….
Computer network engineers, or computer network architects, design and build networks including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) and Intranets. These sorts of networks might be small connections between offices or large enterprise-scale networks. Computer network engineers also work on any issues that arise within the network and anticipate future networking needs.
Typical duties:1
Creating plans and layouts for data communication networks
Communicating plans and network needs to management or other stakeholders
Assessing security needs and creating plans to address them
Upgrading hardware as needed
Researching new network technologies to determine future needs
Projected employment growth (2022-2029): 5 percent.
Median annual salary (2022): …………….