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Learn About Job Positions, Responsibilities, and Salary

Learn About Job Positions, Responsibilities, and Salary
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 Certification is NOT an absolute necessity in the IT industry. The combination of your hands-on skills and knowledge are the most valuable for prospective employers.

Certifications are one "bullet item" on a resume, but not the only, nor the most important, one. However, certification could be a good addition to your hands-on skills and to a resume, especially if you are beginning an IT career, or changing your career. For additional information about IT certifications visit this page.



Note: The compensation level described below could vary even more (lower or higher) depending on the company, location, and job responsibilities.


 PC/Computer Technician

Works with computer hardware and peripheral devices such as printers, monitors, scanners, and storage peripherals. Installs, configures, and troubleshoots desktop operating systems and applications including word processors, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, and electronic mail. Also installs, troubleshoots and supports PCs and various peripheral devices. Skills: Assembly, repair, and configuration of PCs and peripherals devices. Knowledge of major network communication protocols and applications, cables and connectors, and general knowledge of network components. 0-1 years of paid experience in corporate environment is required. A+ certification is a plus. Because this is an entry-level position, the compensation level is $18K-25K/year.

 PC Software Specialist/Help Desk Technician

Works with microcomputer applications including word processors, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, database management systems, electronic mail and communications. Also evaluates, installs and support PCs and various printer, graphics and storage peripherals. Performs necessary hardware and operating systems upgrades. Often works in a Help Desk environment servicing calls from end-users. Skills: Troubleshooting and configuration of PCs and peripherals devices. Knowledge of major network communication protocols and a variety of applications, e-mail and remote control programs, and utilities. Excellent user support skills. General knowledge of network components. 0.5 -1 years of paid experience in corporate environment is required. MCP, A+, Net+ or CNA certification is a plus. Compensation level -$28K-37K/year.

 Network/LAN Technician

Installs, maintains, and upgrades local area network's (LAN) hardware and software. Troubleshoots computer network peripherals. Resolves LAN communications and network operating systems problems as a "first level" support engineer. Installs operating systems software and utilities. 1-3 years of paid experience in corporate environment is required. Net+, MCSA, MCP, or CNA certification is a plus. Compensation level - $33K-45K/year.

 Network/LAN Administrator

Installs and maintains local area network's (LAN) hardware and software. Troubleshoots network usage and computer peripherals. Manages new and existing users' accounts. Performs system backup and data recovery. Resolves LAN communications and network operating systems problems as a "second level" support engineer. Installs operating systems software, database management systems software, and utilities. Performs necessary hardware and software upgrades. 1-3 years of paid experience in corporate environment is required. MCSE, MCSA, MCP, CNE, or CNA certification is a plus but experience is preferred. Compensation level - $36K-55K/year.

 Network Engineer/WAN Engineer

High-level LAN (Local Area Network) or WAN (Wide Area Network) technician. Plans, implements and supports network solutions between multiple platforms. Designs, installs, configures, and maintains local area or wide area networks hardware and software. Works with network routers, switches, and other peripheral devices. Establishing guidelines and monitoring network usage. Performs necessary hardware and software upgrades. Monitors and tunes systems software, peripherals and networks. Maintains internal and external web servers. Resolves systems problems as a "third level" support engineer. 3-5 years of paid experience in corporate environment is required. MCSE, CNE, or Cisco certification is a plus but experience is preferred. Compensation level - $55K-80K/year.

 UNIX Systems Administrator

Installs and maintains UNIX/Linux operating systems. Configures UNIX/Linux boxes, establishes standards, and evaluates hardware and software products. Performs necessary hardware and software upgrades. Must be familiar with shell and kernel-level programming. Troubleshoots networking and operating system problems. RHCE certification is a plus but experience is preferred. Compensation level - $55K-80K/year.

 Computer Networking/Windows 2003 Server Instructor

Expert knowledge and hands-on skills of the Network and Desktop Operating systems as well as PC hardware and peripheral devices (see above). Any high-level certification is a plus for hiring. Excellent presentation and people skills, patience and desire to teach are essential as well as MCT certification is essential. Compensation level -$30-$60/hour (for contracts).

 Web Site Designer

Designs Web site structure and efficient user interface (front-end). Creates web site layout, navigational menus, incorporates graphics, multimedia, documents, and texts into the web sites utilizing various design technique (DHTML, JavaScript, CSS, and others). Organizes and publishes the web sites content to the Internet or Intranet web servers. Updates or adds the files to the site. Manages web sites usability. Skills include: HTML coding technique, Web Styles, Web Marketing and Usability Technique, Web Graphics, and Web Publishing. The familiarity with the following design tools:
  • Macromedia : Homesite, Dreamweaver, Flash, and Fireworks.
  • Adobe tools: Photoshop, GoLive, LiveMotion, and Illustrator.
  • Other tools: Image Splitter, Graphics Animation/Optimization, more...
  • Scripting: JavaScript, DHTML, CGI
CIW certification is a plus for an entry-level position if you have very limited experience but a demonstrated portfolio with samples of website design is more valuable. A certification from Macromedia is more valuable. Compensation level -$33K-55K/year.

 Web Graphics Designer

Designs efficient user interface (front-end) utilizing various web graphics and multimedia applications and utilities. Creates animated presentations, banners and headers, collages, icons, incorporates digital photos and other graphic elements into the web pages. Skills include: HTML coding technique, Web Colors and Styles, Advanced Web Graphics, and Web Publishing. The expertise with the following design tools:
  • Macromedia tools: Dreamweaver, Flash, Director, and Fireworks.
  • Adobe tools: Photoshop, GoLive, LiveMotion, and Illustrator.
  • Other tools: Image Splitter, Graphics Animation/Optimization, more...
Any Macromedia certification is a plus but a demonstrated portfolio with samples of graphics is required. Compensation level -$36K-55K/year.

 E-Commerce Web Developer

Develops various electronic commerce applications for Internet, Intranet (within a company) or Extranet (between the companies) for various industries and web commerce. Knowledge of particular industry is a big plus. Skills include all above for Web Site Designer. In addition: database development, SQL, ASP, client-side scripting, ODBC, and many others. MCSD, Oracle, Java certification is a plus but demonstrated experience is preferred. Compensation level -$55K-80K/year.

 Web Applications Developer/Web System Developer

Develops various web-based applications for Internet, Intranet (within a company) or Extranet (between the companies) including but not limited to e-commerce, human resource, inventory, banking, and various data processing and workflow-type systems. Knowledge of particular industry is a big plus. Detailed knowledge of data structures and SQL, a proven track record in hands-on Web-based application development, and strong analytical and communication skills. The positions require a BS degree and at least 3 years web development experience. Must have mastery of ASP, solid experience with Visual Basic, and knowledge of structured design and development methodologies. Knowledge of digital authentication, e-payment systems, system integration applications, and CASE tools is a plus.
Skills include: HTML coding technique, Web Styles, C/C++, Java, ASP, ASP.NET, VB.NET, JavaScript, Visual Basic Script, Visual Interdev, Oracle, Client-side scripting, ODBC, JDBC, SQL Server, XHTML, and XML. Senior candidates should have experience with COM/COM+/DCOM. Position could requires experience or knowledge of Microsofts .NET Framework, Visual Basic.NET and ASP.NET.
MCSD, Oracle, Java certification are a plus but experience is preferred. Compensation level -$45K-90K/year.

 Web Coordinator

Cooordinates flow to and from internal and external websites. Maintains presence on Internet including coordinating content delivery, monitoring activity, providing customer service, identifying best practices and adding documents to websites. Requires Bachelor's degree in related field and one year related experience. Must be proficient with Web Publishing, Scripting, and Database tools. Certification is not required. Compensation level -$38K-48K/year.

 Web Master

Depending on how Human Resource departments define the words "Web Master", the responsibilities and compensation could vary. We understand that this position requires the skills from several areas:
  1. Web Design (Web Publishing, HTML/DHTML, Web Styles, Web Marketing, ...more)
  2. Web Development (databases, scripting languages, e-commerce)
  3. Computer Network Administration
  4. Internet Security (armoring web servers and operating systems)
  5. Internet Architecture (Domain Name System, WAN, routers, ... more)
A true Web Master is responsible for the configuration, maintenance, security, and support of Web servers.
  • He/she monitors site traffic and helps scale server capacity to meet traffic demands and optimize performance.
  • Responsible for installing and configuring web servers, managing day-to-day operations of web site, establishing site maintenance procedures, security, performing traffic analysis, generating site reports, and responding to visitor inquiries.
  • Supports developers in the development, testing, and maintenance of web-based programs and client-side scripts.
  • Performs all web server configuration tasks, maintains access control lists, and manages server logs.
  • Generates traffic analysis reports and site integrity checks.
  • Works with web developers to identify and correct any errors in site content or programming. Lends expertise to support internet-based applications.
  • Answers webmaster email, forwards non-site-related inquiries to the appropriate staff, and tracks the volume and nature of the webmaster mail. Performs other duties as assigned.
College degree in related field (BS in Computer Science preferred). At least three years of relevant experience with Internet/Intranet and/or web site related activities. Relevant experience must be in the maintenance and operation of on-line web sites and web servers. Strong communications, project management, and leadership skills required. Any named above certification from Microsoft, Cisco, Novell or CompTIA are a plus, but 3-5 years of related experience is preferred. Compensation level -$50K-85K/year.

 Web Design Instructor

Expert knowledge of the subjects and tools that Web Graphics Designer and Web Designer know (see above). Particularly, HTML, CSS, Adobe Photoshop 7.0/CS, Macromedia Dreamweaver MX 2004 and Flash MX 2004, current advanced design standards, layouts, Web Marketing technique and e-Commerce. Excellent presentation and people skills, patience and desire to teach are essential. Any Macromedia or Adobe certification is a plus for hiring (but it's not more than plus). The design portfolio with developed web sites is highly recommended. Compensation level -$30-$45/hour (for contracts).

 Software Engineers/Programmers

Writes code enabling software programs to function. Designs, implements, and debugs software applications utilizing a variety of programming languages, such as C/C++, Visual Basic, Java, Oracle, Delphi, and others. Knowledge of life-cycle application development, Microsoft, Oracle or/and other technologies and development tools are required. MCSD, Oracle, or Sun Java certification are a plus. Compensation level -$38K-80K/year.

 Information Security Specialists

Implements and maintains the security of computer systems, network applications and databases including web servers, database servers, application servers, and other file servers. Implements the secure access mechanisms such as firewall and intrusion detection systems, access log analysers, and other similar products and technologies. Armors the desktop and network operating systems (Windows NT/2000/XP, Linux, Solaris) adjusting parameters and applying the latest security fixes. Deploys the anti-virus program across the network. Evaluates new secure access products and services assisting Internet Security Manager in maintaining the high level of secure access to the network resources across the enterprise. A CISSP certification from ICS(2), MCSE, CCNA, GIAC, CNE are a plus, but 3-5 years of related experience is a must. Compensation level -$55K-100K/year.

 Internet Security Managers

Develops, enforces, and manages corporate security policies. Implements various security measures to protect networks, virtual private networks (VPN), operating systems, web servers, database servers, application servers, and other file servers against inside and outside intruders and computer hackers. Designs the security architecture and secure access mechanisms such as firewall and intrusion detection systems, access log analysers, and other products and technologies. Manages the deployment of security solutions for local and wide area networks. The CompTIA Security+ certification, CISSP certification, GIAC, MCSE, CCNA, CNE are a plus, but 4-5 years of related experience is a must. Compensation level -$70K-115K/year.

 Security Analyst

The responsibilities are similar to the previous position regarding corporate security policies and procedures. Also, depending on the type of an organization, it could vary widely. The CompTIA Security+ certification ,CISSPTM certification from ICS², or GIAC are preferred along with 2-4 years of related experience. Compensation level -$70K-115K/year.

Which one do you like? Proceed to Step 3.

 
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