Education and Training

Earning a technology degree can prepare you for a position in a number of different technology-based fields. In addition, it can set you up for a management position, as more and more companies are interested hiring individuals with a technology background. Therefore, it is important to have an idea of the career you would like to pursue so you can gear your technology degree in that direction.

While it is possible to obtain a general technology degree, the coursework you choose to take while pursuing that degree will help to better prepare you for certain avenues of employment. For example, you may choose to take more courses focusing on system analysis, programming, computer support, or other area. Regardless of the area you choose to specialize, you will need to take a number of technical courses in order to get your technology degree, as well as courses in accounting, communication, and business.

Employment Opportunities

Having advanced computer skills is desirable to most employers. Therefore, having a technology degree can create numerous employment opportunities. Some opportunities that are specific to the field include:

• Chief technology officer
• Management information systems director
• Project manager
• LAN/WAN manager

As the chief technology officer, your duties would include evaluating the most recent changes in technology and determining whether or not they would benefit your organization. Because technology changes at such a rapid pace, you need to be continually on the look out for new advancements and demonstrating to the company how they would be beneficial.

As the management information systems director, your job is to manage information systems as well as computing resources for your organization. You would also be responsible for planning and directing other technology employees.

As a project manager, your ob is to create budgets, schedules, and requirements for the technology projects the organization chooses to pursue. In order to accomplish this, you will need to work alongside both external and internal clients, consultants, vendors, and other computer specialists.

As a LAN/WAN manager, your job is to provide a number of different services to the organization, including designing and administering the local area network. You must also direct the systems software, hardware, and other configurations.

Job Outlook and Salary

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for individuals with a technology degree are expected to grow faster than average as companies increasingly rely on technology to operate more efficiently and effectively. The Bureau reports that the median annual salary of information systems managers in May 2004 was $92,570. Robert Half International reports that the average staring salary for high-level technology managers in 2005 ranged anywhere from $80,250 to $112,250.

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