Information Technology
Information Technology
Information technology revolves around digital and telecommunications technology, and regards the ways in which this is applied throughout society as a means to enhance the lives of everyday people on Earth today
Information technology is a field that pertains to roles both within the I.T tech industry itself, as well as to the sale and application of such technology within the overall economy as a whole
As an industry, I.T is not only a very diverse, but also a very specialised field, requiring specific types of skills and certifications to work within it. While I.T is an area that is overwhelmingly associated with computing technology, it also incorporates many other forms of digital technology too, such as televisions, smartphones, and tablets – along with the associated software and applications used to run this technology, giving users the ability to broadcast and create different forms of digital information
APPLICATIONS FOR I.T IN THE ECONOMY
BUSINESS SUPPORT
Most businesses will utilise I.T in some form today. That’s why one of the most widespread uses of I.T concerns the implementation and maintenance of an I.T based business infrastructure and the related services this provides
This can be anything from financial databases, to customer relationship management systems, to online accounts that enable customers to access valuable consumer services, and much, much, more…
Common roles in I.T Business Support include:
System Administrator – Responsible for the oversight and implementation of business systems and servers, as well as their security. Monitors system performance, tests and applies system updates, and configures and maintains such systems. Is also responsible for security, training, software license management, and procurement
Salary, £35,095 – £86,212, depending on the employer and years of experience
Helpdesk Support – Performs specialist troubleshooting, gathers information on problems and updates support tickets, diagnoses and implements fixes on hardware and software related issues
Salary £26,738 – £38,882, depending on the employer and years of experience
Software Developer – Creates new software and digital applications for their clients. Adapts or enhances existing systems. Tests, debugs, and codes programs as required. Works alongside others like system administrators and project managers to implement effective system solutions to meet an organisations specific needs
Salary £28, 081 – £97,300, depending on clients, employer, and years of experience
Compliance Officer – Ensures an organisation meets any and all legal requirements, that it is compliant with both industrial and governmental regulations, and that it meets all internal business guidelines and bylaws. Collaborates closely with others in the organisation including upper management, system administrators, legal team, HR, and others integral to the running of the organisation, developing and putting in place effective guidelines that help mitigate regulatory risk
Salary £24,984 – £51,610, depending on the employer and years of experience
Chief information officer (CIO) – Implements training for I.T staff on systems and processes. Composes and implements departmental policies. Sets department goals, budget, and oversees the effective operation of the organisations I.T infrastructure
Salary £98,497 – £200,000, depending on the employer and years of experience
E-COMMERCE
I.T is also important for the electronic sale of goods online. In this regard, it is what enables all the financial transactions, as well as the creation and facilitation of the electronic platforms that allow for these purchases to occur online
Common I.T roles in e-commerce include:
E-commerce Administrator – Manages online product placement and pricing. Duties include managing and coordinating with developers and application managers to build and manage websites and product pages. Ensures product contents and descriptions are accurate and relevant
Salary £24,945 – £88,100, depending on the employer and years of experience
E-commerce Digital & Communication Specialist – Analyses consumer demand with a focus on sales and digital performance analysis. Has strong proficiency with online analytical tools such as Google Analytics. Uses these to optimize content strategy and online product placement. Duties also revolve heavily around SEO, advertising, social media, and marketing activities, with a view to driving online traffic and increasing sales
Salary £34,320 – £62,492, depending on the employer and years of experience
Virtual E-commerce Service Assistant – Works in a customer service related capacity providing customer support and assistance via web and telephony based channels. Will have a firm knowledge of online applications such as Microsoft Word, and will confidently be able to navigate e-commerce platforms
Salary £18,001 – £25,129, depending on the employer and years of experience
TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Telecommunications is another industry where information technology is heavily utilised. In this industry I.T is used not only as a telecommunications medium – but is also necessary to perform functions like setting rates, billing, and managing customer account information
Common I.T roles in telecommunications include:
Telecommunications engineer – Designs and installs hardware and equipment, plans cable routes, finds and fixes faults both onsite and remotely
Salary £41, 213 – £88,554, depending on the employer and years of experience
Telecommunications technician – Maintains and repairs outside cable lines and indoor telecommunications equipment. Installs a variety of telecommunications equipment ranging from security cameras, panic systems, electronic door access, modems, routers, and other types of electronic systems
Salary £27,367 – £58,911, depending on the employer and years of experience
Systems manager – Run tests, schedules systems maintenance and updates, and monitors system performance. Responsible for diagnosing and troubleshooting system issues. Tests and integrates new technology to improve functionality and optimize system performance
Salary £54,773 – £85,368, depending on the employer and years of experience
Entertainment
Entertainment is a huge industry and I.T impacts this in many different ways, providing the ability to create and edit different types of media. This is particularly relevant in areas like movie editing, animation, special effects, CG, and video game design
Video game developer – Designs and programs gaming platforms through use of coding. Develops gameplay, themes, genres, and characters. Works with others in the field such as artists and animators to create quality gaming platforms
Salary £40,000 – £63,200, depending on the employer and years of experience
Video editor – Uses knowledge and proficiency of software applications to edit and enhance media content from a variety of sources. Edits graphics, pictures, and sound effects. Adds pictures, visual effects, and music
Salary £28,588 – £55,161, depending on the employer and years of experience
Visual special effects (VFX) editor – Uses software applications to digitally enhance multimedia using CGI, imaging, and digital composition techniques. Duties may also include using modelling techniques to create enhanced effects too
Salary £33,918 – £57, 231, depending on the employer and years of experience