information technology career pathways assignment

Information technology career pathways

by Devyn Patterson | May 23, 2023 | Blog

5 information technology career pathways to start on in high school

Have you ever thought of yourself as a superhero.

Similar to many superheroes, you’re born with the innate ability to do certain things well. You may not be able to fly or have superhuman strength, but your natural talents—or aptitudes—are unique to you and just as special.

Once you discover your aptitudes, you can better plan your education pathway and become the superhero of your own career in fields such as information technology, where you create solutions, protect business data, and maintain system support for all.

Given the rise of technology and its fundamental component of business and everyday life, careers in information technology are on the upward climb. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology careers are projected to grow 15 percent from 2021 to 2031. If you’re a high school student who wants to get a head start on your career in information technology, you can take career and technical education (CTE) courses to gain experience and build your credentials.

5 fast-growing information technology careers to consider now

• Web administrators
• Information security analyst
• Computer network architect
• Document management specialist
• Information technology project manager

Career 1 – web administrator

According to O*NET OnLine, a career exploration and job analysis tool sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, the work of a web administrator regularly includes:

• Collaborating with others to resolve information technology issues
• Monitoring the security of digital information
• Documenting operational procedures
• Maintaining contingency plans for disaster recovery
• Creating electronic data backup to prevent loss of information

What is the outlook for web administrators?

• Median wage for web administrators: $95,270 annually
• Number of job openings: 34,700 positions
• Growth: 8-10 percent, faster than the average growth

Do you have the skills to be a web administrator?

• Conventional – where work is supported by procedures and regulations to organize data
• Enterprising – involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or advising people in political or legal situations
• Investigative – heavy involvement in researching non-living objects and forms of impairment

Discovery shows how interests will align with each job.

What education is required?

To be a web administrator, you’ll want to graduate high school and pursue your bachelor’s degree in either Information Systems, Computer Science, or a similar field.

To get a head start in these areas, you can use YouScience® Industry Certifications to build stackable credentials in information technology , such as:

• Computer Programming I – learn the fundamentals of programming language using C++, C#, Java, Python, or Javascript
• Business Webpage Design I – learn the principles and design of a website and advanced internet skills
• Computer Technology I – learn the foundations of key application software, basic computing fundamentals, and how to use technology as an ethical tool.
• Linux Fundamentals – learn to perform maintenance tasks, restore shutdowns, and reboot systems

Career 2 – information security analyst

• Working with computers to program functions, write software, and process information
• Monitoring data to recognize patterns to identify changes in circumstances
• Using relevant data and personal judgment to identify if processes are in compliance with the law

Job outlook for information security analysts

• Timeframe Orientation – ability to think about future goals and make a plan to achieve them
• Work Approach – ability to think about tasks at hand and successfully accomplish them
• Inductive reasoning – ability to quickly combine pieces of information to form conclusions.
• Investigative – where there is heavy involvement in researching non-living objects and forms of impairment
• Realistic – where you may design, build, or repair equipment, materials, or structures

To be an information security analyst, you must graduate high school and pursue a bachelor’s degree. However, with the competitiveness of the job, master’s level work in information assurance/information security is increasingly common. Graduate-level academic certificates are also well received. High school students can get the following certifications as well:

• Business Communication I – Learn to effectively communicate in training sessions as well as communicate problems.
• Cloud Computing I – Explore cloud computing services, applications, technologies, and use cases.
• Computer Programming I – Learn to design, code, and test programs.
• Network Fundamentals I – Learn how to configure, maintain and troubleshoot a network.

Career 3 – computer network architect

O*NET OnLine Lists the top 5 work activities for a computer network architect as:

• Testing computer system operations to ensure proper functionality
• Collaborate with others to determine design specifications or details
• Coordinate project activities with other personnel or departments
• Design integrated computer systems
• Identify information technology project resource requirements

Job growth forecast for computer network architects

The growth forecast for a computer network architect is bright. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the job outlook keeps up with the average growth standard of 4 percent from 2021 to 2031. During this time, 7,500 jobs will become available, with California and Colorado having the highest employment rates. In 2021, the median annual income for a computer network architect was $120,520.

What natural abilities do computer network architects possess?

People with the following natural aptitudes will find great success if they have:

• Sequential Reasoning – ability to create and follow established routines
• Numerical Reasoning – ability to identify patterns in data and analyze it
• Problem sensitivity – Knowing when something is wrong or about to go wrong.
• Written expression -The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing to others can understand.

You will also be interested in types of work that let you be:

To become a computer network architect, you must graduate high school and get your four-year bachelor’s degree in computer and information technology, engineering, or a related field

Depending on the level of job within this field, a Master’s of Business Administration (MBA), or Master’s in Information Systems (MIS), or a Master’s of Information Systems Management (MSIS) could be required.

Students who want to get a head start can get Industry Certifications in the following areas:

• Database Development – learn the fundamentals of databases and prove their knowledge through relational databases and structured query language (SQL)
• Engineering Principles I – explore different engineering disciplines to develop a better understanding of how math and science are applied to engineering
• Computer Programming I – learn the fundamentals of computer programming using problem-solving skills
• Computer Programming II – build upon your skills learned in CP I and be introduced to dynamic data structures, utilization of classes, and applications of mathematical concepts
• Algorithms and Data Structures – build upon skills learned in CP 1 and 2, you’ll learn the ideas, tools, structure, syntax, libraries and object-oriented design techniques for developing data structures

Career 4 – document management specialist

• Working with computers to program, set up functions, and process information
• Evaluating information to compare compliance with legal and company standards
• Communicating with supervisors and peers using face-to-face or digital communication
• Getting information by observing or receiving information from relevant sources
• Documenting and recording information in written and electronic form

Job growth and forecast for document management specialists

• Vocabulary – ability to effectively communicate ideas and share information
• Idea Generation – ability to think of multiple ways to solve a problem
• Database Development : learn the fundamentals of databases and prove their knowledge through relational databases and structured query language (SQL)
• Business Office Specialist : gain computer competency through word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and electronic presentation software.
• Desktop Publishing : create, format, illustrate, design, edit/reverse, and print publications to improve efficiency.

Career 5 – information technology project manager

Do you like working with people and computers? Then this could be the career for you. You’ll manage a team, their deadlines, and the project’s budget in this position. Due to the many hats you wear, O*NET OnLine created a list of titles such as cloud pProduct director, cybersecurity project manager, data center product director, or IT managers.

According to CareersOneStop , a day in the life of an IT project manager may contain the following activities:

• Manage IT projects and monitor system performance
• Collaborate with team members to resolve technical issues
• Collect data about customer needs
• Develop guidelines for system implementation

Job growth and forecast for IT project managers

Between 2021 and 2031, the job outlook is bright, with a 16 percent increase in job openings. The median salary of an IT Project Manager is $95,270 per year.

If you have any of the following abilities, you would be a great fit for this career choice:

To become an IT project manager, you must graduate from high school and get a four-year bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field in engineering technologies . Given this management position, getting your Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) or Master’s of Information Systems Management (MSIS) is encouraged.

To start on your path to becoming an IT project manager, YouScience offers the following certificates to give you an upper hand:

• Cloud Computing I – Explore cloud computing services, applications, technologies, and use cases
• Database Development – learn the fundamentals of database and prove their knowledge through relational databases and structured query language (SQL)
• Computer Programming I – discover the fundamentals of programming language using C++, C#, Java, Python or Javascript
• Computer Programing II (Java) – build on concepts from Computer Programming I and become experts in programming languages

Additional Credentials for any career in information technology

• Business Mathematics and Personal Finance – Having money means nothing if you can’t appropriately manage it, so it’s beneficial to understand it early on
• Business Law – Knowing the rules and regulations of business will help build your personal brand and save your company time and money
• Business Leadership I – 97.5 percent of employers say leadership is important in any industry, so Industry Certifications can help you get a head start
• Customer Service – knowing how to talk to others and effectively communicate solutions will help you get that next promotion
• 21st Century Success Skills – gives you tangible proof of your employability skills, which include critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, leadership, teamwork, and collaboration skills, and more.

YouScience Career Connections

• Double Tree by Hilton
• Boy Scouts of America
• Allstate Insurance Company
• Ace Hardware Corporation
• Nestle Corporation
• Target Corporation

Lesson 11.11: Information Technology

Lesson introduction, overview of the information technology career cluster.

The instructional content for this cluster is organized into four career pathways:

• Information Support and Services
• Interactive Media
• Network Systems
• Programming and Software Development

Teacher Resources

To help students learn more about careers in Information Technology, download and distribute the Information Technology College and Career Planning Guide . The guide makes an excellent critical reading assignment for students interested in a career in the IT field.

WBL Experiences

Click each course title below to learn about the two practicums in the IT Career Cluster.

Course Prerequisites

The Computer Technician Practicum is recommended for students in Grades 10-12. Recommended prerequisites for this course:

• Principles of Information Technology
• Computer Maintenance and Computer Maintenance Lab
• Networking and Networking Lab

Legal and Safety Considerations

Typically, the responsibilities are as follows:

• Training sponsors provide job-specific safety training.
• Teacher-coordinators are responsible for providing general safety instruction to all students enrolled in the course and for ensuring that all training occurs according to schedule.
• Teachers may assign students to research and report on specific safety and legal considerations for their job or industry.

The IT field has some unique legal and safety issues.

Click each topic below to learn more.

Curriculum Resources

Take a moment to bookmark the Texas CTE Resource Center website . Later, be sure to explore curriculum guidelines and instructional resources for the AFNR Career Cluster.

There are several CTSOs related to the IT field. Become familiar with those that are closely related to information technology so you can help students select the organization that best supports their career goals.

Take a few moments to bookmark the CTSO websites below to explore later. 

SkillsUSA Texas Texas Technology Student Association (TSA) ​ Business Professionals of America (BPA) Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

Professional Associations

There are several professional association related to information technology, including those listed below. You may also want to check with your colleagues for advice.

Take a few moments to bookmark the CTE professional association websites below to explore later.

Texas Technology and Engineering Educators (TTEE) Texas Industrial Vocational Association (TIVA) Texas Business and Technology Educators Association (TBTEA)  

Lesson Conclusion

Copy and paste the link code above.

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