Information Technology refers to the study of computer engineering with focus on the storing, transmission, coding and manipulation of data. The term is used to refer to data used in business rather than entertainment or personal uses. Information technology can be classified into three main areas including data storage and processing, the use of mathematical and statistical methods for determination of trends and simulation of higher order thinking which is known as machine learning and artificial intelligence. Information currently represents a valuable resource for companies that can help gain a fortune. For example, it is the main reason for the unprecedented success of amazon. The company used the data stored for browsing and purchases by the users to provide personalized suggestions and experience.

Information technology degree programs focus mainly on computers and communication technology. Additionally, students of these programs study courses related to management and information science which is the main difference compared to computer science programs.

What does an information technology student learn?

Information technology students learn courses related to computer software, hardware, data processing, databases and ethics related to the use and storage of information.

1. Fundamentals of information systems: this is an introductory course that provides the basic knowledge about computer systems, networks and the uses of information technology. According to the university, the course may have a concentration on business, education or other related topics.
2. Project planning and implementation: one of the management courses commonly included in information technology programs. This course helps students to plan, manage and execute various sizes of projects.
3. Cybersecurity: data breaches are currently a major concern for most companies that can result in losses reaching millions or billions of dollars. Cybersecurity introduces the required knowledge about data encryption as well as the use and development of firewalls and antiviruses.
4. Fundamentals of networking: this course provides the knowledge for building and maintaining a network.
5. Programming languages: the course introduces programming languages used for designing networks and databases. Students may have the choice to focus on a specific language.

Now I have the information technology degree…where can I work after graduating?

There is high demand for information technology graduate in a wide variety of jobs. Graduates can work in almost all organizations

1. IT consultant: graduates may choose to work as a freelancer consultant to help various companies establish their computer networks or cybersecurity measures. It is ranked among the best jobs in the US and it is needed in almost all companies.
2. Cloud architect: they help to design the cloud services and networks for companies while making the best choices to achieve the required tasks at the lowest possible cost.
3. Computer forensic investigator: it is a unique career as they work in investigating cybercrimes to identify criminals based on few codes, location or other available criteria.
4. Health IT specialist: the demand for this career is increasing with the gradual shift towards digital health records. The importance of this job has become more evident after the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. Web and/or mobile application developer: Almost all companies and organizations are currently building and running their website and/or mobile application. Existing online is crucial for boosting your business.
6. Software engineer: they work on more advanced programs as video games, social network websites or business management systems
7. Other career options: information technology professionals may also work in other careers as sales or marketing for companies working in the field. They may also work as Geospatial professionals and Data Modelers.

Should I choose an information technology degree?

If you are passionate about analyzing data to reach valuable conclusions, then you should consider studying information technology. Studying information technology is a chance to integrate knowledge in computer systems with business and management. Studying information technology will help you develop a group of useful skills:

1. Soft skills:

• Communication: you will always have to listen to the needs of the clients or employees that you are working with to deliver the right product.
• Organization: people working in information technology should have outstanding organization skills to avoid the mess that could result from the huge amount of information that they normally deal with.
• Analytical abilities: analyzing the situation is the first step towards developing the right solution.
• Patience and persistence: some problems may take weeks or even months to solve or to reach the cause of the problem.
• Resourcefulness: spending time and effort to know about the available resources in information technology can save huge amount of time, money and effort. For example, you may use available open source programs, website themes or database to build your product instead of building it from scratch.

2. Technical skills:

• Technical skills are the core of the information technology work including for example knowledge with cloud security, Jboss Application Server, Metadata Design, Integration Architecture, Distributed Computing, Information Architecture, Apache Kafka and Web Services Security.