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Nature of Work—Network administrators and computer systems administrators design, install, and support an organization’s local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), network segment, Internet, or intranet system. They maintain network hardware and software, analyze problems, and monitor the network to ensure its availability to system users. Other computer specialists include a wide range of related professionals who specialize in the design, testing, and evaluation of network systems, such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), Internet, and other data communications systems. With the explosive growth of the Internet, a variety of occupations relating to design, development, and maintenance of Web sites and their servers has evolved. Web developers are responsible for day-to-day site design and creation. Webmasters are responsible for the technical aspects of the Web site, including performance issues such as speed of access and approving site content. Related Job Titles—Network administrator, computer systems administrator, network systems or data communications analyst, LAN or WAN computer specialist, Web developer, Web site administrator, Webmaster. Occupational titles shift rapidly to reflect new developments in technology. Employment Outlook—Despite
recent job losses in certain sectors, the computer systems design and related
services industry remains one of the 25 fastest-growing industries in the
nation. Overall employment of computer network systems, and database
administrators is projected to increase by 30 percent from 2008 to 2018, much
faster than the average for all occupations. In addition, this occupation will
add 286,600 new jobs over that period. Growth, however, will vary by specialty.
Given the rate at which the computer systems design and related services
industry is expected to grow, and the increasing complexity of technology, job
opportunities will be favorable for most workers. The expansion of the Internet,
the proliferation of Web sites, and mobile technology such as wireless Internet,
have created a demand for a wide variety of new products and services including
online services, network design services, and a range of specialized consulting
services. Median annual earnings of network systems and data communications
analysts were $71,100 in May 2008. Median annual wages in the industries
employing the largest numbers of network systems and data communications
analysts in 2008 were as follows: Given the pace at which technology changes in this industry, earnings can be driven by demand for specific skills or experience. Education and experience influence earnings as well. Employment growth will not be as robust as it was during the 1990s due to increasing productivity and offshore outsourcing of some job functions to lower wage foreign countries. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2010-2011 For job and internship listings and job search assistance, contact the Job Resource Center, Student Services Center, S202, at (708) 974-5737. www.morainevalley.edu/jrc. |
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This career path
prepares students for entry-level positions as an Internet or Web site
specialist in the information technology profession. The Voice and Data
Specialist Program prepares students for rewarding careers at the forefront of
the information technology revolution. Your schedule will include core courses
in basis hardware and software, introduction to Internet technologies, Web page
design, and networking fundamentals. This program features a wide range of
product knowledge as well as hands-on experience in LAN, WAN and enterprise Web
site design.
