Information Technology Industry Sector Overview.doc

Information Technology Industry Sector Overview Information Technology (IT) careers involve the design, development, support, and management of hardware, software, multimedia, and systems integration services. The IT industry is a dynamic and entrepreneurial working environment that has had a revolutionary impact on the economy and society. In addition to careers in the IT industry, IT careers are available in every sector of the economy, from Agriculture and Natural Resources to Transportation. Employment of IT support specialists is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2012, as organizations continue to adopt and integrate increasingly sophisticated technology. Employment in the Information Technology sector is expected to increase by 18.5 percent by 2012. IT sector contains some of the fastest-growing industries such as software publisher; Internet publishing; and Internet service providers, Web search portals, and data processing services. Information Technology careers are divided into four pathways: Information Support and Services is the foundation for all successful business organizations today; Media Support and Services involves creating, designing and producing multimedia products and services; Network Communications involves network analysis, planning, and implementation; and Programming and Systems Development involves the design, development, and implementation of computer systems and software. Information Technology Sector Pathways: ? Information Support and Services ? Media Support and Services ? Network Communications ? Programming and Systems Development Information Support and Services Sample sequence of courses in the Information Support and Services pathway: CTE Introductory Courses CTE Concentration Courses CTE Capstone Courses Related Courses Keyboarding Computer Applications Business Communications Office Technology Microsoft Office Specialist Certification Word Processing Spreadsheet Database Presen