get-IN's Career Web
Advanced Manufacturing Construction Healthcare Information Technology Hospitality, Entertainment, Amusement, Recreation, & Tourism Life Sciences Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics About Career WebWhat is Information Technology?
Computers have literally transformed the way the world works over the past two decades. The amazing growth of personal computers, the internet, databases, and other forms of information technology has created an entirely new cluster. IT relies on people skilled in using these new and adapting to cutting edge technologies.
In reality, there is no IT industry. Instead, businesses of all types rely on IT workers to keep their computer systems and websites up and running. Many of the leading companies in Northwest Indiana have Chief Information Officers or Directors of Information Technology that oversees their IT workforce. IT workers can be found in Advanced Manufacturing, Advertising, Healthcare, Construction, and even Government.
Where do Information Technology Workers Work?
These are the five industries that employ the most IT workers in Northwest Indiana:
Computer Systems Design & Related Services
There are many businesses in Northwest Indiana that specialize in Information Technology. They design networks, repair computers, create websites, and offer many other IT services to businesses and individuals. Some of the most exciting and fastest-growing businesses in the Region specialize in computer systems design and related services.
Government
Many young people might not think that the Government can be cutting-edge and technologically savvy, but the public sector hires some of the most IT workers in the Region, the state, and nationally. Think about this: nearly every police vehicle today hooks up to a laptop computer. Governments are trying to become more efficient and rely on IT workers maintain their many computer networks.
Management of Companies & Enterprises
The business world is so diverse and specialized today that there are companies that are hired in order to manage or run other companies. They exist to manage the funds of other businesses or run day-to-day operations. Some of these companies are consultants, offering their expert advice. These management firms must have the ability to manage the computer systems of their clients as well as their own. Opportunities are plentiful regionally and nationally.
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools
A computer in every classroom is a common feature of colleges and universities around the country. Schools also have internal networks, websites, servers, and many departments that rely on information technology. They hire many IT workers to set up, manage, and service all of their hardware and software.
Hospitals
Hospitals hire many IT workers and are poised to rely on them even more in the future. The move to Electronic Medical Records will create a large need for IT workers to set up, secure, and maintain internal networks. Hospitals also have some of the most advanced computerized robots that assist in surgery and improve the quality of care.
Career Ladders
Why a Career Ladder?
A Career Ladder is a family of related jobs. You may be in one job along the Career Ladder for a few months or years. In order to move up, you will need on-the-job training and experience, formal education (in a classroom), or a combination of both.
Use the tabs above to navigate the career ladder. Each tab contains a couple of jobs that are typical for that rung on the ladder. Click on the job title to read about how much you can earn, what type of education you need, and more. Then, move on to the next tab to see what future jobs are possible with the right experience and training. Each job description has links to great websites you can use to learn more or even begin your job search today.
What is this career?
Computer Support Specialists provide technical support to computer systems users. They may answer questions or provide solutions to problems face-to-face, over the phone, or from a remote location. They may help resolve problems with hardware, such as a monitor or printer problem, or with software issues like e-mail, internet browsers, or other similar issues.
Source: This description is based on information from O*NET, which is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
What kind of education will I need?
Associate's Degree or Higher
How much can I earn?
Entry Level: $10.83/hour or $22,530/year
Median: $13.71/hour or $28,520/year
Experienced: $19.27/hour or $40,080/year
Note: Wage data for the state of Indiana in 2007
Source: Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc.
What is the future for this career?
Employment of Computer Support Specialists is expected to be much faster than the average over the next decade. Demand for these workers will continue to increase as companies adopt new and more sophisticated technology.
Source: Based on information from the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
Where can I find more information?
Where can I find a job?
What is this career?
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers, install, maintain, and fix many of the machines that are commonly used by individuals and businesses. Some, known as field technicians, travel to the worksite to install a new machine or perform repairs. Others work at a repair shop, a service section of a larger company or even at home.
Source: This description is based on information from O*NET, which is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
What kind of education will I need?
Moderate-Term On-The-Job Training and/or Certification
How much can I earn?
Entry Level: $11.38/hour or $23,670/year
Median: $14.47/hour or $30,100/year
Experienced: $18.87/hour or $39,250/year
Note: Wage data for the state of Indiana in 2007
Source: Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc.
What is the future for this career?
Increasing automation and incorporation of new technologies should continue to improve productivity for manufacturers. For many types of businesses in the manufacturing industry, inspection duties are being outsourced or automated. However, more complex and new products from the Life Sciences Industry will require more inspectors that are trained in the latest technologies.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
Where can I find more information?
Where can I find a job?
What is this career?
Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts design evaluate network systems, such as local area networks (LANs), Wide Area Networks (WANs), and Internet systems. As the internet has experienced explosive growth, this group has come to include several different types of jobs related to design, development, and maintenance of websites and servers. These include web developers and webmasters.
Source: This description is based on information from O*NET, which is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
What kind of education will I need?
Bachelor's Degree
How much can I earn?
Entry Level: $11.51/hour or $23,940/year
Median: $16.35/hour or $34,000/year
Experienced: $22.40/hour or $46,600/year
Note: Wage data for the state of Indiana in 2007
Source: Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc.
What is the future for this career?
Jobs in computer systems design and related occupations more than doubled during the 1990s. While employment growth is expected to continue to be strong, increasing productivity and off-shoring may limit opportunities somewhat. Network systems analysts should be insulated from this effect to some degree as a lot of the work requires a physical presence.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
Where can I find more information?
Where can I find a job?
What is this career?
Database administrators determine ways to organize and store data. They set up and maintain database systems, test, and coordinate changes. They may also be responsible for system security, preventing outsiders from accessing the database.
Source: This description is based on information from O*NET, which is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
What kind of education will I need?
Bachelor's Degree
How much can I earn?
Entry Level: $13.37/hour or $27,810/year
Median: $18.40/hour or $38,270/year
Experienced: $24.09/hour or $50,110/year
Note: Wage data for the state of Indiana in 2007
Source: Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc.
What is the future for this career?
Jobs in computer systems design and related occupations more than doubled during the 1990s. While employment growth is expected to continue to be strong, increasing productivity and off-shoring may limit opportunities somewhat. Database administrators should experience excellent job prospects, particularly those skilled in network security.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
Where can I find more information?
Where can I find a job?
What is this career?
Computer Programmers write, test, and maintain the software that makes computers function. Software basically tells the computer what to do. Programmers break down the instructions using languages (C++, Java, HTML, etc.) that the computer understands. Many programmers customize software to a specific need or create better packages.
Source: This description is based on information from O*NET, which is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
What kind of education will I need?
Bachelor's Degree
How much can I earn?
Entry Level: $14.58/hour or $30,330/year
Median: $19.78/hour or $41,140/year
Experienced: $25.10/hour or $52,210/year
Note: Wage data for the state of Indiana in 2007
Source: Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc.
What is the future for this career?
Jobs in computer systems design and related occupations more than doubled during the 1990s. While employment growth is expected to continue to be strong, increasing productivity and off-shoring may limit opportunities somewhat. Without proper training, programmers may face competition from Chinese, Indian, and others.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
Where can I find more information?
Where can I find a job?
What is this career?
Network and Computer Systems Administrators install, configure, and support a companies’ LAN, WAN, network segment, or internet access. They maintain network hardware and software, analyze problems, and monitor the network to ensure availability to systems users. Administrators may also plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures.
Source: This description is based on information from O*NET, which is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
What kind of education will I need?
Bachelor’s Degree
How much can I earn?
Entry Level: $18.02/hour or $37,480/year
Median: $22.74/hour or $47,300/year
Experienced: $29.03/hour or $60,380/year
Note: Wage data for the state of Indiana in 2007
Source: Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc.
What is the future for this career?
Nearly every business today relies on computer and information systems. Many hire Network and Computer Systems Administrators to keep their operations up-to-date and running smoothly. Job prospects should be excellent for people with the right training and skills for the position.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
Where can I find more information?
Where can I find a job?
What is this career?
Computer Systems Analysts use hardware and software to make computer systems more efficient. By implementing new software applications, or even designing entirely new systems, they help companies maximize their investment in machines, personnel, and business processes. They work with computer programmers and provide cost-benefit analyses to management in order to evaluate systems. They also test systems in order to ensure the best performance.
Source: This description is based on information from O*NET, which is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
What kind of education will I need?
Bachelor's Degree
How much can I earn?
Entry Level: $23.37/hour or $48,610/year
Median: $32.56/hour or $67,720/year
Experienced: $36.44/hour or $75,800/year
Note: Wage data for the state of Indiana in 2007
Source: Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc.
What is the future for this career?
Nearly every business today relies on computer and information systems. Computer Systems Analysts keep operations up-to-date and running smoothly. Job prospects should be excellent for people with the right training and skills for the position.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
Where can I find more information?
Where can I find a job?
What is this career?
Computer and Information Systems Manager direct the work of systems analysts, computer programmers, and other computer-related workers. They analyze the computer and information needs of their company. These managers plan and coordinate activities such as such as installation and upgrading of hardware and software; programming and systems design; and the construction of the internet as internal servers.
Source: This description is based on information from O*NET, which is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
What kind of education will I need?
Bachelor’s Degree or Higher plus Work Experience
How much can I earn?
Entry Level: $27.09/hour or $56,350/year
Median: $33.81/hour or $70,320/year
Experienced: $42.54/hour or $88,480/year
Note: Wage data for the state of Indiana in 2007
Source: Economic Modeling Specialists, Inc.
What is the future for this career?
Nearly every business today relies on computer and information systems. Many hire IT managers to keep their operations up-to-date and running smoothly. Job prospects should be excellent for people with the right experience and skills for the position.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics
Where can I find more information?
Where can I find a job?
