Why Choose Information Technology Minor
IT students seek IT education for different
reasons, and bring different strengths and perspectives to the IT field. Our goal is to help you
develop your own goals and provide the framework
for you to achieve them.
Perhaps you want a career in IT. According to the
federal government, eight of the top ten fastest growing
occupations are in Information
Technology.
Or, you might want to exploit IT to be more effective in your chosen discipline. Employers in all the major industries in Massachusetts and the surrounding region hunger for employees with much more than basic computer literacy. Or perhaps you are excited about exploring opportunities for IT innovation in your field. How technologies will be applied in the future, and the effects those applications will have on society, is an interdisciplinary question of great significance. To make the IT curriculum meet your specific needs, express your interest to your academic advisor and to the IT Program Advisor. Those two individuals can help you choose a path that suits you.
What the IT Minor Can Do for Your Career
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.
- System Dev
- Network Tech
- Internet
- Non-Technical
- Educ/Training
- Consulting
- Art/Design
System Development
- Analysis
- Design
- Support
- Database Administration
- Executive Administration
- 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
- 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.
- Intranet Development
- Intranet Administration
- Hardware/ Software Design
- Support
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
- 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
- Programming
- Software Design
- Systems Analysis
- Hardware Production
- Web Site Design
- Web Site Administration
- 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
- 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
- Customer Service
- Product Support
- Training
- Technical Writing
- Sales
- Marketing
- Software developers
- Technical service providers
- 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.
- Various
- Propreitary (for profit) schools
- Community colleges
- Universites
- Corporations
- Non-profit orgaizations
- 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
- Various
- Consulting firms
- Self-employed
- 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.
- Architecture
- Animation
- Print Publications
- Film
- Website
- Video Games
- Graphic Design
- Architecture Design Firms
- Animation Studios
- Film Studios
- Website Designers
- Video Game Studios
- Newspaper Publishers
- Magazine Publishers
- 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.
- Be aware that careers in computers and technology are constantly changing.
- Be prepared to retain and learn new information on a regular basis. Certifications are often an important part of training for technical careers.
- Obtain the certifications that are the most applicable to career goals and interests.
- Gain as much diverse technical experience as possible.
- Seek positions in computer labs, retail computer/ technology stores, or as technological support for any office or business.
- Learn about techology in additional areas such as audio/ visual or telecommunications.
- Become Familiar with the intergration and application of these areas to management information systems.
- Develop physical stamina and strength. Many networking professionals are involved with hands-on, physical activity during network installation and maintainence.
- Specialize in a specific area of business or industry such as medical office support or sound technology so as to become familiar with the applicable software and hardware.
