Jobs in the information technology (IT) sector of the economy run the gamut from theoretical research to hardware installation and technical support. Some IT industry jobs focus primarily on research and development. A second category focuses on the practical application of existing technologies, through programming and engineering work. Other IT industry jobs concentrate on the creation, maintenance, and defense of computer networks and systems. Still other workers in the IT field provide direct support and assistance to users or customers, in the form of sales or technical support.
Information technology was born of a partnership between academic, military, and industrial interests. All three of these sectors continue to employ a great many computer scientists, who develop and theorize new technologies. Hardware and software engineers work in this field, too, building newer, faster, and more efficient applications and devices.
Many professionals engaged in research and development also work as educators. In academia, a professor will typically both teach and conduct his or her own research. The military and commercial sectors are more likely to focus solely on research and development, but even in these areas, a researcher can expect to be asked to provide technical training and instruction.
A large number of IT industry jobs focus on solving corporate or client problems using existing technologies. Computer programmers and engineers write code to support new industry initiatives, and optimize the capabilities of hardware systems. These professionals also work to keep existing hardware and software up to date.
Electronic entertainment is tremendously popular, and a good many IT industry jobs focus primarily on the development and support of electronic gaming. Programmers, game designers, and game artists write the code behind video games, build their plots, and craft their visual and auditory elements. Other professionals in this field monitor the status of online games, and chart the course of virtual economies and social structures.
Other IT industry jobs are primarily concerned with building and maintaining computer networks. Networks are the backbone of modern economies and are planned with care by systems analysts. System administrators and database administrators monitor the health and functioning of networks, ensuring that hardware and software meet client needs, and working with specialists in computer security to protect against cybercrime.
A final segment of IT industry jobs involves directly supporting customers and users. Computer support specialists provide technical support, either through a remote connection or physically, to assist users with computer problems. They may clean viruses, update software and hardware, or perform other routine but technical tasks. Skilled sales staff who can aid customers in making appropriate computer purchasing decisions fulfill somewhat similar functions.
