What the IT Minor Can Do for Your Carreer
There are many new professionals that attempt to stand out from others in the workplace and listed below are professional areas that an IT Minor can help to strengthen one's resume.
Systems Development
Areas
- Analysis
- Design
- Support
- Database Administration
- Executive Administration
Employers
- Financial institutions
- Insurance companies
- Consulting firms
- Manufacturers
- Computer companies
- Telecommunications companies
- Retailers
- Healthcare organizations
- Hotels and restaurants
- Entertainment companies
- Educational institutions
- City, state and federal governments
Strategies
- Develop excellent interpersonal skills foreffective communication with technical and non-technical colleagues.
- Gain programming experience and knowledge for increased opportunities
- Become an effective problem solver.
- Plan to continually educate self on new computer languages and technology.
- Obtain business experience throughinternships or part-time employment.
- Supplement program with courses in accounting, human resources, and procurement.
Network Technology
Areas
- Intranet Development
- Intranet Administration
- Hardware/ Software Design
- Support
Employers
Most areas of business and government:
- Financial institutions
- Insurance companies
- Consulting firms
- Manufacturers
- Computer companies
- Telecommunications companies
- Retailers
- Healthcare organizations
- Hotels and restaurants
- Entertainment companies
- Entertainment companies
- City, state and federal governments
Strategies
- Gain work experience in university computer labs.
- Develop communication skills and interest in helping others
- Gain knowledge in a variety of computerareas including minor programming, software and hardware.
- Plan to stay abreast of latest technologyand software.
- Obtain applicable certifications such as Cisco and Microsoft.
- Develop relationships with small business owners for part-time or freelance network consulting opportunities
- Supplement program with courses in computer science.
Internet
Areas
- Programming
- Software Design
- Systems Analysis
- Hardware Production
- Web Site Design
- Web Site Administration
Employers
- Network access points
- Internet service providers
- Hardware and software vendors
- Internet-related companies including:
- Browsers
- Search Engines
- Web site design services
- Organizations with complex, self-manage web site
Strategies
- Gain experience in web development or maintenance through part-time jobs or interships.
- Learn web-related programming languages.
- Develop a flare for creativity.
- Learn to work effectively in a team by participating in group projects or student organizations
- Earn a graduate degree in technology or business for advanced opportunities in analysis, project management, and executive operations.
Non-Technical
Areas
- Customer Service
- Product Support
- Training
- Technical Writing
- Sales
- Marketing
Employers
- Software developers
- Technical service providers
Strategies
- Develop excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Display interest and ability in customer problem solving.
- Take technical writing courses to develop skills.
- Obtain general sales or customers service experience.
Education/ Training
Areas
Employers
- Propreitary (for profit) schools
- Community colleges
- Universites
- Corporations
- Non-profit orgaizations
Strategies
- Earn a graduate degree for post-secondary teaching opportunities.
- Develop a research specialty.Gain experience working with students through tutoring or assisting in computer labs.
- Obtain advanced certifications for training
Consulting
Area
Employers
- Consulting firms
- Self-employed
Strategies
- Develop exceptional analytical and interpersonal skills for community with clients.
- Obtain a strong techical knowledge of computers, a background in business management, and experience in systems analysis.
- Become familiar with various programming languages and operating systems.
- Earn applicable certifications.
- Demonstrate ability to self-motivate and work independently.
Art/Design
Areas
- Architecture
- Animation
- Print Publications
- Film
- Website
- Video Games
Employment
- Architecture Design Firms
- Animation Studios
- Film Studios
- Website Designers
- Video Game Studios
- Newspaper Publishers
- Magazine Publishers
Strategies
- Develop visual design vocabulary to communicate to colleagues and clients.
- Gain experience in digtial tecnology to expidite design and production.
- Obtain business experience through internships and work study programs.
