The goal of Information Technology career preparation is to give students the hands-on experience and training necessary to become certified, successful information technology professionals. Information Technology 1 students study computer hardware and software, learning to diagnose, upgrade and repair PCs. Students are prepared to pass the CompTIA A+ certification exam. Information Technology 2 students expand their hardware skills and learn computer networking. Students are prepared to pass the CompTIA Network+ certification exam. Information Technology 3 students focus on computer programming and computing beyond the desktop. Resumés and portfolios are created. Many students receive internship opportunities for on-the-job experience. Students need access to a computer connected to the Internet.
What can you do with your Information Technology career training?
Information technology jobs range from telephone support at a help desk to designing complex networks. Support specialists diagnose problems and work to resolve them. Network and design specialists plan LAN systems, company Internet and server configurations. Security specialists install security software and monitor system security. Computer and software engineers design systems and controls.
Training you need:
Some employers require a 4-year degree for entry-level positions. Some jobs are open to graduates of technical schools with 1- or 2-year certificates. A high school diploma and on-the-job experience may get you started at some companies. Some careers also require ongoing certifications.
Where you can work:
About 77% of information technology workers are employed in a wide range of industries including financial, service, insurance, government, education, telecommunications and health care. About 23% work at computer systems design or technical companies.
What you can earn:
Average salary of support specialists ranges from $32,110-$53,640. Network and security specialists average salary ranges from $48,520-$79,160. Specialized training such as telecommunication or database administration can mean earnings of $100,000+.
Career outlook:
Technical support careers will increase 18% in the next 10 years. Network and system administrator jobs will increase 27%. Computer software engineers will increase 38%.
Certifications or Licenses You May Earn While in High School:
- Information Technology Program Certificate
- Internet and Computing Core Certification (IC³)
- CompTIA A+® Certification
- CompTIA Network+® Certification
- Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP)
Equipment/software you will learn to use:
Windows 2000, XP, Vista, Server 2003, Linux, and MAC OSX. Multimedia and office productivity applications from Microsoft. Open-Source applications. Computer programming with Visual Basic, Visual C++, and Visual J+ are studied. Network design, construction, and maintenance is completed with hand tools, wiring and connectivity tools as well as system monitors and network software diagnostic utilities. Students also find, test, and evaluate software tools and develop their own personal software toolkit.
What kind of job can you get with this training?
Students may gain immediate employment as network support specialists, support technicians, or information technology support technicians. Students may start their own computer and networking support businesses.
With additional training/education, what jobs are available?
Programmer, computer engineer, network analyst, computer security, database administrator, information research, project manager, software engineer, technical support, telecommunications specialist, and many other careers.
What you should know...
The Information Technology (IT) program provides the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed. IT professionals are always in high demand. Four of the five job categories with the largest expected percentage growth through 2012 in the US will be in IT areas. IT is a rich, exciting and ever-changing career that touches people in personal ways. As computing pioneer John Robinson Pierce put it, "After growing wildly for years, the field of computing appears to be reaching its infancy."
Recommended Course of Study
Grade 9
English
Foreign Language
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Physical Education
Pathways
Computer Applications 1
Grade 10
English
Foreign Language
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Physical Education
Information Technology 1
1 Elective Course
Grade 11
English
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Physical Education
Information Technology 2
1 Elective Course
Grade 12
English
Social Studies
Physical Education
Information Technology 3
3 Elective Courses