AREAS
SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT

• Analysis
  
• Design
  
• Support
  
• Systems Integration
  
• Database Administration
  
• Business Application Development
  
• Executive Administration

Employers

• Most areas of business and government: Financial institutions, Insurance companies, Consulting firms, Manufacturers, Computer companies, Telecommunications companies, Retailers, Healthcare organizations, Hotels and restaurants, Entertainment companies, Educational institutions, City, state, and federal government

Strategies

• Develop excellent interpersonal skills for effective communication with technical and non-technical colleagues. Gain programming experience and knowledge for increased opportunities. Become an effective problem solver. Plan to continually educate self on new computer languages and technology. Obtain business experience through internships or part-time employment. Supplement program with courses in accounting, human resources, and procurement.

AREAS
NETWORK TECHNOLOGY

• Intranet Development
  
• Intranet Administration
  
• Hardware and Software Design
  
• Support

Employers

• Most areas of business and government: Financial institutions, Insurance companies, Manufacturers, Computer companies, Telecommunications companies, Retailers, Healthcare organizations, Hotels and restaurants, Entertainment companies, Educational institutions, City, state, and federal government

Strategies

• Gain work experience in university computer labs. Develop communication skills and interest in helping others. Gain knowledge in a variety of computer areas including minor programming, software, and hardware. Plan to stay abreast of latest technology and software. Obtain applicable certifications such as Cisco or Microsoft. Develop relationships with small business owners for part-time or freelance network consulting opportunities. Supplement program with courses in computer science.

AREAS
INTERNET

• Programming
  
• Software Design
  
• Systems Analysis
  
• Hardware Production
  
• Web Site Design
  
• Web Site Administration

Employers

• Network access points
  
• Internet service providers
  
• Hardware and software vendors
  
• Internet-related companies including: Browsers, Search engines, Web site design services
  
• Organizations with complex, self-manage web sites

Strategies

• Gain experience in web development or maintenance through part-time jobs or internships. Volunteer to design web sites for student organizations or community groups. Learn web-related programming languages. Develop a flare for creativity. Learn to work effectively in a team by participating in group projects or student organizations. Earn a graduate degree in technology or business for advanced opportunities in analysis, project management, and executive operations.

AREAS
NON-TECHNICAL

• Customer Service
  
• Product Support
  
• Training
  
• Technical Writing
  
• Sales
  
• Marketing

Employers

• Software developers
  
• Technical service providers

Strategies

• Develop excellent verbal and written communication skills. Display interest and ability in customer problem solving. Work in university computer labs. Take technical writing courses to develop skills. Obtain general sales or customer service experience.

AREAS
EDUCATION/TRAINING

Employers

• Proprietary (for profit) schools
  
• Community colleges
  
• Universities
  
• Corporations
  
• Non-profit organizations

Strategies

• Earn a graduate degree for post-secondary teaching opportunities. Develop a research specialty. Gain experience working with students through tutoring or assisting in computer labs. Obtain advanced certifications for training opportunities.

AREAS
CONSULTING

Employers

• Consulting firms
  
• Self-employed

Strategies

• Develop exceptional analytical and interpersonal skills for communicating with clients. Obtain a strong technical knowledge of computers, a background in business management, and experience in systems analysis. Become familiar with various programming languages and operating systems. Earn applicable certifications. Demonstrate ability to self-motivate and work independently.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

• Be aware that careers in computers and technology are constantly changing.
• Be prepared to retrain and learn new information on a regular basis.
• Certifications are often an important part of training for technical careers. Obtain the certifications that are the most applicable to career goals and interests.
  Gain as much diverse technical experience as possible. Seek positions in computer labs, retail computer/technology stores, or as technological support for any office or business.
• Learn about technology in additional areas such as audio/visual or telecommunications. Become familiar with the integration and application of these areas to management information systems.
• Develop physical stamina and strength. Many networking professionals are involved in hands-on, physical activity during network installation and maintenance.
• Specialize in a specific area of business or industry such as medical office support or sound technology so as to become familiar with the applicable software and hardware.
• NOTE: A Management Information Systems major is often closely related to other majors such as Computer Information Systems, Information Systems and Information Technology. While each may be slightly different from the others, all are focused on the application of technology in various environments. In contrast, Computer Science focuses on the theory of mathematical foundations required for the development of systems software such as operating systems and language translators.

Materials Provided by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer