IT Job Titles: What Do They Mean?
Although only a few decades old, the field of information technology or IT is as broad and deep as the industries that have been around for centuries. IT job categories, titles, and specialties abound, so many that anyone researching IT as a career is likely to be very, very confused. What is the difference between a network engineer and a network support analyst? Between a web developer, a web designer and a web technology specialist? What does a database administrator do?
Although labels and responsibilities tend to vary from employer to employer, here are some common IT job titles and descriptions. Consider this when searching for an IT career that best suits your interests, talents, and temperament:
Database administrator – A database is any collection of information that a business or organization keeps on file (for example, customer names, addresses, inventory, etc.) The Database Administrator (DBA) is in charge of organizing, maintaining and updating this database and creating systems so that people authorized to view, add or delete information can do so as quickly and easily as possible.
Internet Solutions Developer – This is a general description for a person responsible for designing and executing Internet-based projects. The job typically involves working with programs that allow the public to view and interact with a company, organization, or agency website.
IT Project Program Manager – This is a managerial position that requires a few years of experience in the IT field. The IT project program manager is responsible for finding solutions to IT-related problems and then implementing those solutions, often with the help of a team.
Network Administrator – A “network” is any set of computers that are connected to each other or to a central server so that information can be created, shared, and updated. The network administrator is generally responsible for making sure that an existing network runs smoothly and for adding or removing hardware (computers, printers, etc.) and software (programs, applications) from the system.
Network and Security Specialist – The Network and Internet Security Specialist is the person responsible for ensuring that people who use a computer network only have access to the information they are allowed to see, that the information in the network database is protected and properly preserved, and that the network cannot be accessed (or “hacked”) by unauthorized persons, wherever they may be.
Network engineer – The network engineer is generally responsible for 1) designing new computer networks, 2) actually creating these networks, 3) installing the computers and software that connect to the networks, and 4) ensuring that the network can grow and function as needed. necessary.
Network Support Analyst – A network support analyst is much like a network administrator in that he or she is responsible for keeping an existing network running as needed, but has fewer administrative responsibilities. The network support analyst may also be responsible for monitoring how people actually use the network, identifying problem areas and then recommending and implementing solutions.
Software Developer/Engineer – “Software” is the set of instructions that make a computer do what you want it to do. The software developer/engineer is the person who writes the instructions, also known as “code”, for these computer programs/applications. Software developers/engineers may work “in-house” developing custom programs for a specific employer or client, or they may work on programs that are later sold commercially.
Technical Support Specialist – Computers and networks invariably have problems, and it is the job of the Technical Support Specialist to identify these problems and find a way to correct them. Technical support specialists often work in “help desks” where they communicate with company employees or customers by phone, instant messaging, or email.
Web developer – The Web Developers create, maintain and update the functional aspects of the Websites, either on the Internet or on the internal Intranet of a company. When designing a new site, they are generally responsible for creating its architecture, navigation, and interactive features. They may also be responsible for creating programs or applications designed specifically for the Web.
Web designer – While the web developer deals with the technical aspects of a website or web-based application, the web designer is responsible for the actual appearance of said site or application. This is an artistic position that requires training and experience in graphic design and layout, and perhaps even animation, as well as the technical aspects of web operations.
Web Technology Specialist – This position combines the responsibilities of web developer and web designer. The web technology specialist needs not only the technical aspects of websites and applications, but must also frequently handle the design and graphic aspects.
If you’re considering career training in information technology, you need to understand these (and other) job descriptions so you can get the education and training that will qualify you for the type of IT job that suits your talents and personality.