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What Do Information Technology Specialists Do?
Information technology specialists work in positions using computer-based information systems. They work with both software applications and computer hardware. Entry-level positions require demonstrated computer knowledge and skills. Experience with multiple programming languages and diverse software and hardware is often expected. Certifications are voluntary but attest to knowledge and documented abilities for prospective employers. Information technology career descriptions and titles include computer support specialist, computer and information research scientist, information security analyst, and software developer.
| Required Education | Certificate or associate degree required; bachelor's degree preferred |
| Optional Certifications | Microsoft, Cisco, Oracle, Certified IT Specialist |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 8% (for computer support specialists) |
| Median Salary (2019)* | $54,760 |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
IT Job Description
Wondering what an information technology job description sounds like? Information technologists generally design, operate, or maintain technology products. Not limited to employment with technology companies, information technology (IT) specialists may work with any businesses, agencies or organizations that use technology or manage large amounts of information. Regardless of the sector they work in, IT specialists usually provide similar services related to software, hardware, databases, web resources, networks, and enterprise systems.
Duties of an information technology specialist can include network management, software development, and database administration. IT specialists may also:
- Provide technical support to a business or an organization's employees
- Train non-technical workers on the business's information systems
- Design systems and assess the effectiveness of technology resources
- Determine the practicality of changes and modification of systems.
IT specialists will also work with external partners, including consultants, agencies, and vendors, to arrive at the most appropriate system or integration of multiple systems. With information technology constantly changing, specialists must stay up to date on emerging technologies and the potential effectiveness of these advancements in their current system.
IT Education
Training for an IT specialist can range from a few months in a certificate program to a doctoral degree. A majority of information technology specialists have completed a bachelor's degree program or higher, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov). Majors that prepare a person for work as an IT specialist include:
- Computer science
- Information science
- Mathematics
- Engineering
- Statistics
- Operations research
IT Certification
Information technology job qualifications may include earning certification on particular systems or technologies used regularly. Cisco, Oracle and Microsoft offer certification for their IT products. Three levels for the Certified IT Specialist credential are offered through The Open Group and are independent of any software vendor or hardware manufacturer. According to the U.S. Census Bureau other requirements might include training and experience in communication systems and networks, Internet and intranet development, data encryption and security (www.census.gov).
Salary and Career Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer support specialists, who share many responsibilities with IT specialists, could expect a faster than average increase of 8% in job opportunities from 2019-2029. Similarly, network and systems administrators could expect an average increase of 4% during the same time period. In May 2019, the BLS reported a median salary for network and computer systems administrators of $83,510 per year.
After reviewing an information technology specialist job description, it's clear that these professionals are expected to have a firm grasp of several programming languages, as well as experience dealing with a range of software and hardware types. Computer science, information science, engineering, and operation research are all majors that may lead to a career as an information technology specialist. Professionals can demonstrate proficiency in specific IT specialist jobs by completing professional certification programs.
