Info Technology, Simulation & Gaming
Jobs in the Information Technology, Modeling/Simulation and Gaming career cluster involve the design, development, support, and management of hardware, software multimedia, and systems integration services.
Anyone preparing for an IT career should have a solid grounding in math and science.
A career in IT is challenging and ever-changing. Those who pursue jobs in the IT sector will quickly discover ongoing opportunities to learn about and work with exciting new technologies that are transforming our world. IT education can be obtained in four-year colleges, two-year community colleges, technical colleges and institutes, and high schools. Even in times of economic downturn, there is still a large market for people with IT skills in organizations of all sizes.
This career cluster is divided into five pathways:
- Network Systems
- Information Support and Services
- Programming and Software Development
- Web and Digital Communications
- Modeling and Simulation
Network Systems
Careers in Network Systems involve network analysis, planning and implementation, including design, installation, maintenance and management of network systems. Successful establishment and maintenance of information technology infrastructure is critical to the success of almost every 21st century organization.
People with expertise in Network Systems are in high demand for a variety of position in organizations of all sizes and types, doing work such as creating and maintaining the infrastructure in medical facilities that enables multiple doctors to view the same patient’s X-rays in real-time to determine the diagnosis and the best treatment.
Sample occupations include:
- Network Administrator
- Network Technician
- PC Support Specialist
- Telecommunications Network Technician
- Data Communications Analyst
- Security Administrator
Information Support and Services
Careers in Information Support and Services involve IT deployment, including implementing computer systems and software, providing technical assistance and managing information systems. Successful IT deployment—implementation of computer systems and software, provision of technical assistance, creation of technical documentation and management of information systems—is critical to the success of most 21st century organizations.
Sample occupations include:
- Database Administrator
- Enterprise Systems Engineer
- Help Desk Specialist
- Technical Support Engineer
- Technical Writer
- Instructional Designer
- Application Integrator
Programming and Software Development
Careers in Programming and Software Development involve the design, development, implementation and maintenance of computer systems and software, requiring knowledge of computer operating systems, programming languages and software development. People with expertise in programming and software development work with cutting-edge technologies to develop tomorrow’s products for use by businesses and consumers.
Sample occupations include:
- Software Applications Architect
- Operating Systems Designer/Engineer
- Computer Programmer
- Game Programmer
- Applications Engineer
Web and Digital Communications
Careers in Web and Digital Communications involve creating, designing and producing interactive multimedia products and services, including development of digitally-generated or computer-enhanced media used in business, training, entertainment, communications and marketing.
Organizations of all types and sizes use digital media (the World Wide Web, CD-ROM, DVD) to communicate with existing and potential customers, to track transactions, and to collaborate with colleagues. Web and digital communications experts can find employment opportunities in organizations of all sizes and types, doing work such as creating e-business auction Web sites that allow people around the world to buy and sell items in real-time.
Sample occupations include:
- Web Designer
- Webmaster
- 3D Animator
- Virtual Reality Specialist
- Multimedia Producer
- Graphic Artist
Modeling and Simulation
Newspaper and online news articles are applauding the real-world uses of modeling and simulation. In August 2008, local newspaper The Virginian-Pilot published an article about the expansion of jobs in the Modeling and Simulation sector:
“Modeling and Simulation has grown beyond the traditional applications of military and defense scenarios. The region has been an active leader in expanding Modeling and Simulation to areas such including medicine and transportation. The region’s workforce is benefiting from this technology transfer. The average salary of Modeling and Simulation jobs is $82,733 – more than double the Hampton Roads average of $38,428.” (From www.seva-port.org)
In August 2010, BusinessWire.com released a press wire entitled “Research and Markets: Modeling and Simulation Fundamentals: Theoretical Underpinnings and Practical Domains,” which strongly emphasized the importance of modeling and simulation:
“Modeling and simulation has become an integral part of research and development across many fields of study, having evolved from a tool to a discipline in less than two decades. Modeling and Simulation Fundamentals offers a comprehensive and authoritative treatment of the topic and includes definitions, paradigms, and applications to equip readers with the skills needed to work successfully as developers and users of modeling and simulation.” (From www.businesswire.com)
View more information about Modeling and Simulation (University of Baltimore)
