# Internet Fundamentals/IT Careers

This lesson introduces Information Technology careers.

## Objectives and Skills

Objectives and skills for this lesson include:
* Identify job roles in the Information Technology (IT) industry, including the responsibilities, tasks and skills they require.
* Manage career opportunities in the IT industry.

## Readings

* Wikipedia: Career
* Wikipedia: Job search
* Wikipedia: Résumé
* Bureau of Labor Statistics: Computer and Information Technology Careers

## Multimedia

* YouTube: How To Get Started in a Information Technology career
* YouTube: Career Path in IT
* YouTube: Career In Tech: How To Find The Right Role For You

## Student Presentations

* YouTube: IT Careers

## Activities

* Career Planning - Complete one or more of the following:
** Complete the tutorial GCFLearnFree: Career Planning and Salary. Then download and fill out the GCFLearnFree: Career Planning Worksheet.
** Complete the tutorial GCFLearnFree: Job Search and Networking. Then download and fill out the GCFLearnFree: Personal Branding Worksheet.
* Job Outlook and Preparation - Complete one or more of the following:
** Review Creating IT Futures: IT Career videos. For one or more IT career job titles, use the BLS.gov: Occupational Outlook Handbook and Salary.com to research job prospects, education requirements, and current salary ranges for positions that interest you.
** Review IT Career Finder: IT Certfications. Research preparation requirements and current salary ranges for certifications that interest you.
* Resume and LinkedIn Profile - Complete one or more of the following:
** Complete the tutorial GCFLearnFree: Resume Writing. Use a sample resume template and create your own resume. Save the resume in different formats (plain text, PDF, word processor).
** Complete the tutorial GCFLearnFree: LinkedIn Basics. Create a LinkedIn profile. Add your summary, experience, and education.
** Connect with people you know (friends, family members, classmates, current and former work colleagues, teachers, professors, etc.) who would be able to recommend you to future employers and employment opportunities.

## Lesson Summary

* A career is an individual's metaphorical "journey" through learning, work and other aspects of life.
* Career management describes the active and purposeful management of a career by an individual.
* Career choices are based on natural talents, work style, social interaction, work-life balance, altruism, stress levels, and income needs.
* Career success may be measured by status, earnings, satisfaction, personal achievement, and personal values.
* Job searching is the act of looking for employment, due to unemployment, underemployment, discontent with a current position, or a desire for a better position.
* The immediate goal of job seeking is usually to obtain a job interview with an employer which may lead to getting hired.
* Many job seekers research the employers to which they are applying, and some employers see evidence of this as a positive sign of enthusiasm for the position or the company, or as a mark of thoroughness.
* Job seekers need to pay attention to what potential employers and recruiters find when they do their pre-interview information gathering about applicants.
* Contacting as many people as possible is a highly effective way to find a job. It is estimated that 50% or higher of all jobs are found through personal connections (networking).
* After finding a desirable job, seekers apply for the job by responding to an advertisement, applying through a website, or emailing or mailing in a hard copy of a résumé to a prospective employer.
* Once an employer has received résumés, they will make a list of potential employees to be interviewed based on the résumé and any other information contributed.
* A résumé (also spelled resume), is a document used by a person to present their backgrounds and skills.

## Key Terms
### computer programmer

    Write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly.

### computer support specialist

    Provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment.

### computer systems analyst

    Study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures and design information systems solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively.

### database administrator

    Use specialized software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records.

### information security analyst

    Plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.

### network administrator

    Responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer networks.

### network architect

    Design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.

### software developer

    Develop applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device or develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks.

### system administrator

    Responsible for the day-to-day operation of computer systems.

### web designer

    Design website front end, user interface, user experience, etc.

### web developer

    Develop website back end, functionality, database connectivity, etc.

## Assessments

* Flashcards: Quizlet: IT Careers
* Quiz: Quizlet: IT Careers

## See Also

* Careers and Employment
* LinkedIn: 10 LinkedIn Tips for Students & New Grads
* USA Today: 5 Templates That Will Make Writing the Perfect LinkedIn Summary a Breeze