Different Kinds of IT Jobs!

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Having been working in an IT industry for a while, I have come to a realization that all IT jobs are not created equal. Even a computer grad student gets to work in different kinds of jobs in technology. Here are few categories it can be divided into.


Software Developer / Application Developer / Computer Programmer

There are different aliases for Software developer as mentioned in the heading but it should not be confused with a coder. In IT industry, often programmers and coders are confused to be the same but technically, they are not.

Software developer working in office

According to Mike Jackson, a coder is,

“Anyone who can write some code that compiles and runs, which will do something they want when it’s given the right inputs.”

A programmer does the same thing with logic in a clean and sleek methodology which Tom Fordham puts in words,

“Programming is creating the logic, coding is translating that logic into code. Many students come into class able to code, but almost none come in able to program-that is, create the logic.”

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Research, design, implement and test software and systems.

HOW MUCH YOU’LL WORK

Generally, a 40-hour workweek, though you should expect long hours when project deadline approaches.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

Office or maybe home, much of time spent alone writing code.

WHAT YOU’LL MAKE

Median salary $92,660

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS

Job is in high demand, as the world is increasingly relies on technology.

WHAT ARE THE DRAWBACKS

Job is generally low-stress, though project deadlines can become intense.


Database Administrator

Database administration is more of an operational or technical level function responsible for physical database design, security enforcement, and database performance. Tasks include maintaining the data dictionary, monitoring performance, and enforcing organizational standards and security.

Remote DBA services

In simple words,

“A database administrator (DBA) directs or performs all activities related to maintaining a successful database environment.”

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Design, code and maintain database systems to store and manage data.

HOW MUCH YOU’LL WORK

Generally, a 40-hour workweek, though project deadlines and after-hours crises can spring up.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

Office, generally for large organizations.

WHAT YOU’LL MAKE

Median salary $77,080

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS

Generally have ability to work with lots of different types of people and project.

WHAT ARE THE DRAWBACKS

Risk of database failure can make for high-stress job.


Hardware Engineer

Hardware Engineers are responsible for the hardware configuration of a computer. They update the systems by improving the components, layout and design of a computer for increased efficiency. They are expected to increase the speed and function of the computer.

Hardware engineer in action

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Configure hardware of computers, improve layout and design of devices to improve efficiency.

HOW MUCH YOU’LL WORK

Generally, a 40-hour workweek, though project deadlines and crises can lead to work at night and weekends.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

Factory, research facility or lab.

WHAT YOU’LL MAKE

Median salary $100,920

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS

Typically get to work with newest technology and gadgets.

WHAT ARE THE DRAWBACKS

Narrow, project based focus can make for monotonous days.


Systems Analyst

As a role critical to smooth operation and safe, secure computer systems, a System Analyst job description should include many of the duties and responsibilities like maintaining and upgrading existing systems as required, designing new computer systems and frameworks, troubleshooting technical issues.

A pic of System analyst by Jacob Wackerhausen

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Design IT solutions, adapt existing systems to improve business efficiency and productivity.

HOW MUCH YOU’LL WORK

Generally, 40-hour workweek, though extended hours are very common, particularly at the end of the projects or for consultants working for clients.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

Office, freelancers and consultants who travel to client offices.

WHAT YOU’LL MAKE

Median salary $79,680

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS

Good deal of flexibility to work with variety of different projects.

WHAT ARE THE DRAWBACKS

Can be high-stress when systems fail.


Network Architect

Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets. Network architects must have extensive knowledge of an organization’s business plan to design a network that can help the organization achieve its goals.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Design, build and test communication networks.

HOW MUCH YOU’LL WORK

Generally, 40-hour workweek.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

Office, but often must work at onsite at different buildings and offices.

WHAT YOU’LL MAKE

Median salary $91,000

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS

Likely to see increase in job openings as companies expand use of wireless and mobile technology.

WHAT ARE THE DRAWBACKS

Dozens of possible certifications can be daunting.


Web Developer

A Web developer is a kind of programmer who specializes in the development of applications relating to the World Wide Web or distributed network applications, which typically run protocols like HTTP from a Web server to a client browser using associated programming languages like HTML/CSS, Ruby and PHP to name a few. A Web developer is usually concerned with the back end or the programming aspect of creating a website or Web application and is not to be confused with a Web designer, who only deals with the aesthetics of a website or application, although many professionals have both skill sets.

a web developer in action!
A web developer working for client’s requirement (Image by Giovanni Casale).

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Use software languages and other tools to create, implement and test Web applications.

HOW MUCH YOU’LL WORK

Full time, but hours vary widely, a quarter (or more) of Web developers are self employed.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

Good chance of working from home, otherwise office.

WHAT YOU’LL MAKE

Median salary $62,500

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS

Flexible schedule.

WHAT ARE THE DRAWBACKS

Project deadline can create stress and also clients change the requirements too often.


Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts are planners, and they identify current risks associated with software and hardware systems. They work with other security experts and employees to ensure the safety of both customer information and internal employees. They protect a company’s digital assets from unauthorized access.

An information security analyst in action.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Develop and implement security measures to protect organizations’ computer networks and systems.

HOW MUCH YOU’LL WORK

40-hour workweek is typical, though after-hours crises are not uncommon.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

Office, most likely for large company.

WHAT YOU’LL MAKE

Median salary $86,170

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS

Job security thanks to ever increasing cyber threats.

WHAT ARE THE DRAWBACKS

Must keep on top of constantly changing attack methods which are quite challenging.


IT Support

As a technical support employee, you’ll be monitoring and maintaining the computer systems and networks within an organisation in a technical support role. If there are any issues or changes required, such as forgotten passwords, viruses or email issues, you’ll be the first person employees will come to.

An IT support engineer plays an integral part in resolving clients’ issue/queries.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Provide technical assistance and support to organization.

HOW MUCH YOU’LL WORK

Most likely full-time, but not necessarily 9 to 5. Often you’ll work in shifts.

WHERE YOU’LL WORK

Mostly call centers, sometimes work from home.

WHAT YOU’LL MAKE

Median salary $48,900

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS

Flexible schedule.

WHAT ARE THE DRAWBACKS

Must be constantly available for users / clients.


Thank you for reading!

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