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ICT professional work can be classified into four broad areas:
| - Information Systems |
| - Computer System Engineering |
| - Computer Science |
| - Telecommunications |
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The majority of employment opportunities occur in the application of computers to create business information systems. In some countries up to eighty or ninety percent of professional computing positions will be in this area. Because graduates will be concerned with business systems, it is highly desirable they also have a background in accountancy or management to supplement their training in computer technology. The graduate will be concerned with designing and implementing systems which collect information from customers or other business transactions, validate the data for accuracy, store the data in a safe place on a computer system, ensure the data is protected from unauthorized access or lost due to accident, and provide reports to management at any time when it is requested. An important new activity is the development of expert, or knowledge-based systems.
COMPUTER SYSTEM ENGINEERING
A second important area is the application of computers in a wide range of industrial control problems. Examples include the control of complex machinery in a manufacturing operation (Computer Integrated Manufacturing), or the control of operations in a steel mill, an oil refinery, or an electricity distribution system. Computer systems of this type require the design of special computer hardware from supplied components and the writing of specialized software to interact with the industrial control system.
COMPUTER SCIENCE
The third main area of interest is in the field of computer science where the graduate may undertake research into the design of specialized hardware or software. The objective is to develop techniques which will enable the information systems specialist or the computer systems engineer to apply computer technology more effectively.
TELECOMMUNICATION SPECIALISTS
Telecommunications specialists perform a range of duties related to the design, implementation, operation and maintenance of voice, data and image communications networks and equipment. They may operate as part of a team of telecommunications staff that may include other network support specialists. A telecommunications manager would typically have tertiary qualifications in systems science and relevant telecommunications experience.
Because of the importance of information and the crucial role it plays in many organizations, many computing professionals become well informed on the operations of a company. That, together with their training, makes them good candidates for management positions as they proceed in their careers.
SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF ICT JOBS
ICT People work in all sorts of jobs for all sorts of employers, from retailers to banks and building societies, to universities, government and construction companies. Some of the careers chosen by ICT graduates are:
- Business Analyst |
- Computer Systems Auditor |
- DB Administrator |
- ICT Education |
- Internet and Ecommerce Practitioner |
- Network Support Officer |
- Project Manager |
- Software Developer |
- Systems Manager |
- Web Designer |
- Computer Engineer |
- Consultant and Contractor |
- ICT Help Desk Officer |
- ICT Security Officer |
- Multimedia Designer |
- Programmer |
- Sales and Marketing Representative |
- Systems Analyst and Designer |
- Web Administrator |
- System Administrator |
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