There is a conundrum about IT professionals who make it to the top. They do everything the same and they do everything differently. This is a good field but it does not mean that you work with computers only. Helping others use their computers is often a big part of the job. This field is very big. From an ATM machine, to PC techies, to a network administrator to a graphic designer to a webmaster, to the record producer, these people are all in IT.
For anyone who is looking for a fun, exciting and growing career field, I would recommend careers in the Information Technology (IT) field. Virtually, every business relies on technology and computers systems. From retail companies like Wal-Mart and Starbucks to manufacturing firms like Boeing, pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer and your local hospital, financial firms like Chase and your local credit union. They all need people to support, manage, assist in creating competitive advantage and protect their information systems and data. The positions that provide all of those services to business compose the many career choices of IT.
Career Opportunities
The information technology field is expanding at an exponential rate, and there is no better time for you to be part of it. There are virtually unlimited career opportunities, and a huge range of types of business in which your computer skills can be utilized. Banking, film production, forestry, mining, health, manufacturing, engineering, management consulting – practically every industry uses computers and needs people to manage, use, network or program them.
Technical skills are also very portable, which makes a career in information technology very attractive to people who like to experience different cultures. You can take your Java training or C++ to any country in the world.
People going into IT now are intelligent, interesting, creative, pragmatic, ambitious, innovative, fun and motivated. Many already have arts or business degrees and after looking at their options, concluded that the available jobs either lacked challenge or rapid advancement. So they did some basic research and found that one of the best places to get a rewarding, well-paying career was information technology.
Let's know some of the famous careers in IT one can choose from.
Software Engineering: It is one of the most demanding careers in the information technology sector. The basic requirements to become a software engineer is a bachelor's degree in computer science, though a master's degree may be preferred for senior positions. Software engineers are responsible for coding, linking application modules and functionalities, and locating and correcting errors in a program code. Senior software engineers are responsible for guiding and assisting the junior ones in the tasks they have already performed in the past. The pay scale of junior engineers is $50,000-$60,000 p.a., whereas, for senior engineers, the salary may differ depending on their years of experience.
Database Administrator: An IT professional who handles the administrative work of information databases is known as a database administrator. They are also called DBAs; and carry out database designing, preserve and develop databases, and also perform several tests. They play a vital role in creating and taking backups of data, and ensure that the data is recoverable in the case of an accident. They are involved in planning, coordinating, and implementing security systems to safeguard the company's data. Their pay scale ranges from $70,000 to $95,000. One who wants to become a database administrator should at least possess a bachelor's degree in computer science or have an equivalent experience. Additional qualifications are an added advantage.
Web Developer: The primary job of web developers is to design websites for their clients. They are required to be well-versed in web designing languages such as HTML, XML, CSS, Flash, PHP, etc. They use their coding skills and create websites and web pages which are viewable and compatible with any browser. Moreover, they are proficient in using other applications like Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver, etc. They have a complete understanding of how websites and web pages work. They may be required to work for longer hours due to the project deadlines. They get paid in a range of $40,000 to $60,000 p.a., however, experienced professional can draw a significant salary.
System Administrator: These professionals are responsible for designing, testing, examining, and evaluating several data communication systems like Local Area Network (LAN). They may also require to conduct a research and suggest on various network and hardware technologies which keep changing from time to time. A system engineer needs to be up-to-date with the new or upgraded technologies in the market. They repair and maintain hardware components like the CPU, monitor, keyboard, and other computer peripherals. System administrators need to be adept in technical skills regarding installation of computer hardware and software. Their work becomes very hectic if there is a problem in the network or any hardware when important project work is being carried out.
These were some of the many careers available in the information technology sector. Selecting an information technology career is an individual choice, and totally depends on whether one wants to install a computer, design websites, or develop software.
Network Administrators: Network Administrators is responsible for the maintenance of computer hardware and systems software. The actual role of the Network Administrator can vary depending on an organizations size & location. Network Administrators may also be technically involved in the Network monitoring, maintenance of servers, maintenance of desktop computers Installing and implementing security programs, Evaluating implementing network management software etc.
QA Engineer: A good QA engineer has to think of every stupid, silly, and accidental thing a customer might do to and with a product, from using a keyboard in the bathtub to clicking 1,000 times repeatedly on an ornamental on-screen widget. In some work environments this can be fun, but often it's a strictly regimented process, usually on a tight deadline as a product moves from pre-alpha to final release. QA people support product teams, track bugs, and write documentation.
Application Programmer : This type of programmer/engineer works specifically on a particular application that will either end up as a shrink-wrapped product or as a module that will interact with final products. This position entails documentation, product development, and product integration-one example would be writing or revising software that addresses a specific task, such as calibrating color monitors.
Technical Support Analyst: This is the front line-tech support is an entry-level position, dealing directly with customers who are likely disgruntled, usually over the phone. It's volume work. Though working knowledge of the product is vital, so are patience, communication skills, and the ability to deal with unhappy people without making them more unhappy.
Software Support Engineer : Sometimes promoted from the ranks of tech support, this job also includes elements of sales in that it's more involved with onsite and other direct support of clients. As a result, this position requires knowledge of the client's needs and the ability to troubleshoot and act independently.
Top 5 Information Technology (IT) Companies in India
1) Tata Consultancy Services Limited (TCS)
TCS is largest information technology company in India.TCS is an Indian multinational provider of business solution, technology, software management, engineering and outsourcing services company. TCS headquartered is in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. TCS has development centers in the Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Baroda, Nagpur, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Pune, Noida, Chennai, Kolkata, Gurgaon, Guwahati, Jamshedpur, Kochi, Lucknow etc.
Website: - www.tcs.com
2) Infosys
Infosys is easily one of the top IT companies in India. Infosys is an Indian multinational provider of business consulting, technology, engineering and outsourcing Services Company. Wipro headquartered is in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. Infosys has development centers in Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Mangalore, Thiruvananthapuram etc.
Website:- www.infosys.com
3) L&T Infotech
L&T Infotech i.e. Larsen & Toubro Infotech is one of leading IT services and solutions provider company in India. L&T Infotech headquartered is in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. L&T Infotech is a global IT services IT consulting, BPO and solutions Provider Company. L&T Infotech has development centres in Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Mysore etc.
Website: - www.lntinfotech.com
4) Wipro
Wipro is undoubtedly one of the leading IT services and outsourcing companies. Wipro headquartered is in Bangalore, Karnataka, India. It is an Indian multinational provider of Information technology (IT) services, consulting and outsourcing services. Infosys has development centers in Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Cochin, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Gurgaon etc.
Website: - www.wipro.com
5) HCL Technologies
HCL Technologies is one of the biggest names in the Indian IT sector. HCL Technologies headquartered is in Noida, Uttar Pradesh India. HCL Technologies is 4th largest IT Company in India. HCL Technologies is an Indian multinational provider of business process outsourcing and infrastructure services, technology, software management, engineering and outsourcing Services Company. Infosys has development centres in Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Kerala, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Gurgaon etc.
Website: - www.hcltech.com
Top 5 IT Hubs in India
1) Bangalore: Bangalore also rendered Bengaluru. Bangalore is the capital of the Indian state of currently Karnataka. Bangalore is well known as a hub for India’s information technology sector. It is leading in Information Technology Industries in India.
2) Chennai: Chennai is the second largest exporter of Software in India and second largest Information technology hub of India. Every major software company in India has a presence in Chennai.TCS largest operations centre located in Chennai.
3) Hyderabad: Hyderabad is the capital of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. More than 25 major IT hubs are located in Hyderabad. One of the largest centres for TCS, Mahindra Satyam Wipro, HCL, ORACLE and many multinational companies are located in Hyderabad. More than 25 major IT hubs are located in Hyderabad. Hyderabad is the third largest IT hub of India.
4) Pune: After Mumbai Pune is the second largest in the state of Maharashtra. It is an education Hub of India. It is also a major industrial point in India. Pune is emerging as a prominent location for information technology. Major software companies in Pune include Infosys, Fujitsu, Persistent Systems, Wipro, TCS, Cognizant, Geometric Limited, Amdocs, Tech Mahindra, Syntel, L&T InfoTech, IBM global, Allscripts and many multinational companies are located in Pune.
5) Kolkata: Kolkata or Calcutta is the capital of the Indian state of West Bengal & One of the largest cities in India. In late 1990s IT sector became a high-growth sector in Kolkata. Kolkata contributes significantly to IT exports. Kolkata is a major hub for the IT (Information Technology) industry in India.