Technology roles – what are the choices?

Technology spans a vast array of various roles and is found in every industry, organisation and government agency. The sort of roles open to technologists include:

Technical Consultant – Generally will be working for external clients developing and implementing IT systems.

Technical Sales – The sale of technical solutions which maybe in hardware or software.

Database administrators – Responsible for computer databases that store important information on customers, clients and projects. These databases hold all of the critical information concerning billing, orders, accounting, production, procurement and all other operational data. This data is essential in operating the business.

Network engineers – Design computer networks. The engineer is also responsible for implementing updates, troubleshooting computer networks and fixing problems when they occur. The engineer is responsible for keeping the network operating and accessible to the organization’s workforce. The engineer usually works on high-end issues concerning network architecture, design and implementation. The engineer is also responsible for choosing all of the equipment to be used on the network.

System administrators – System administrators work in support roles generally supporting the network engineer. The responsibilities and duties of the administrator are numerous. The administrator is generally in charge of supporting and maintaining the company servers. The server holds all of the company data. All desktop systems access the server to retrieve the information and applications used in each individual job. The administrator is responsible for handling and planning for system outages and data back-up procedures. They are the daily operational computer expert.

Software engineers – Software engineers or application programmers are technology professionals who design, develop and test computer software that makes computers or anything containing software work. Software engineers make all sorts of software from accounting software, medical software, video games and software that is used in aircrafts and airports.

Web Developer – Build websites and their infrastructure

Information technology analysts – Responsible for downloading, installing and analysing new software and hardware for all end users. They perform routine testing of system security protocols and functionality. The analyst is present after large system implementations or installations to assist end users with any technical questions or operational problems.

System Analyst – Investigate and analyse business problems and design information systems in line with client requirements. They require both business and technical skills. They work with customers to understand their requirements and are then responsible for creating the plan to design the solution.

Business Analyst – Generally sit between the business and the technology areas and identify ways to improve efficiency ad reduce costs.

Technical Support – Resolve technical problems be they hardware or software related. Normally client facing.

Software Tester – Testing software for bugs before it goes live.

When looking to decide which area of technology to focus on think about the following:

• Do you want to troubleshoot regularly? If so consider IT Service providers (e.g. CGI) that provide ongoing support to clients.
• Are you interested in programming? If so look at technology solutions providers (e.g. Sungard) and non IT companies who need to develop their own software ( e.g. Argos)
• If you want a more business focused role, then look at the technology consultants where you will get a lot of client interaction.