While talking about computer studies, we often get to deal with two terminologies
- Computer science;
- Information Technology
Usually these terms are confused with each other most probably when students are deciding to opt computer studies as their subjects. Here in this article we will be discussing what these two terms mean, deal with and career opportunities each of them offer to the prospective students. To provide a brief overview here, Computer Science is a more precise term as a field of study when compared with the term Information Technology which is rather a vague one comparatively. In general, the term IT is referred to for “anything that deals with computer” whereas Computer science is known to have its connection specifically with software and the software system creation and development.
Information Technology
To define IT, in the words of the Business Dictionary:
“Set of tools, processes, and methodologies (such as coding/programming, data communications, data conversion, storage and retrieval, systems analysis and design, systems control) and associated equipment employed to collect, process, and present information. In broad terms, IT also includes office automation, multimedia, and telecommunications”.
The information technology industry has its roots way back in 1950s emerged from North Carolina. It was that time when economy of North Carolina had textile, machinery and tobacco industry in large concentration. At that time the state was rich in talent producing universities which was the best asset in order to remain competitive even then the students, especially the graduates preferred to look for jobs outside the state i.e. a perfect situation of brain drain one can call it.
Careers in Information Technology
Basically, information Technology is a term with very broad spectrum that holds every aspect of processing and managing information and information associated terminologies and technologies. Information technology has its real-life applications almost everywhere in the world. It has its role in our daily lives, even in a way we are not aware of.
- Responsibilities of professionals in Information Technology
Their main duty is to design, to develop, to support and to manage information networks that include Internet as well, in addition to computer software and computer hardware.
- Opportunities available
Experienced and capable Information Technology professional enjoy a vast variety of career opportunities in the job market like:
- Computer Programming;
- Computer software engineering;
- Statistician
- Computer Information Systems Managers;
- Database Specialist; and
- Computer Science, Database Administration and Computer Systems Analysis.
Computer Science
Defining “Computer Science” in the words of the Business Dictionary:
“The study of computing, programming, and computation in correspondence with computer systems. This field of study utilizes theories on how computers work to design, test, and analyze concepts. Computer science usually has a stronger mathematical foundation than a scientific one and on some occasions may not focus directly on computers and their systems”.
In other words, we can say that computer science is the art of solving problems with the help of a computer.
Careers in Computer Science
Computer Science, having an even broader spectrum, offers following types of employment opportunities to those who have graduated with computer Science majors and for those who opt computer majors in combination with other subjects like biology, economics etc. the list goes beyond the power to be covered.
- Code Control Administrator,
- Programmer/Analyst
- Computer Support/Programmer Analyst,
- Graphic Studio/Technical Computer Repair Assistant,
- Software Engineer,
- Computer Science/Computer Engineer,
- Microsoft Technical Sales,
- Internet Games Developer,
- Data Analyst,
- Java Developer,
- Reporting Analyst (SQL),
- Network Administrator,
- Technical Consultant,
- Sales Consultant,
- VB Application Developer
- Help desk Analyst,
- Technical Writer,
- DBA/System Administrator,
- Software Engineers,
- Website & Database Administrator,
