Section 2 Lesson 3

Learning Objectives

• Explain the importance of ensuring that data and information systems support business goals and processes.

• Explain the purpose of an IT department in an organization.

• Identify major IT roles and functions.

IT Roles and Functions

Administration

System Administrator

• Responsibilities: Provide technical support for hardware and software issues end users encounter; assist with log-in issues.

• Requirements: Associate's degree or higher in relevant field; understanding of network vulnerabilities and security issues.

• Certifications: CompTIA Network+ and CompTIA Security+.

Network Administrator

• Responsibilities: Design, plan, set up, and maintain organization’s network.

• Requirements: Associate's degree or higher; experience in network troubleshooting; effective problem-solving skills.

• Certifications: CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, or CompTIA Security+.

Database Administrator

• Responsibilities: Install and configure databases, fix errors, create user accounts.

• Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering.

• Certifications: MySQL and Oracle Database.

Security Administrator

• Responsibilities: Install, administer, and troubleshoot network security issues.

• Requirements: Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or related field; deep understanding of IT infrastructures.

• Certification: CompTIA Security+.

Web Administration

Web Administrator

• Responsibilities: Troubleshoot website errors; track, compile, and analyze website usage data; report security breaches.

• Requirements: Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, or similar; self-taught programmers with solid web portfolios may be hired.

Architects

Cloud Architect

• Responsibilities: Oversee company’s cloud computing systems.

• Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field; understanding of operating systems (LINUX, UNIX, Windows).

• Certification: CompTIA Cloud Essentials.

Network Architect

• Responsibilities: Design networks, monitor traffic, install routers and modems, upgrade hardware/software.

• Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in related IT field.

• Certifications: CompTIA A+, VMware Certified Professional.

Automation Architect

• Responsibilities: Modernize business processes; evaluate reasons for automating processes.

• Requirements: Bachelor’s degree; hands-on experience in application design and architect experience.

Cybersecurity Architect

• Responsibilities: Design, build, test, and implement security systems within IT networks.

• Requirements: Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science, or related field; thorough understanding of IT systems.

• Certifications: IT security certifications such as CompTIA Security+.

Engineering Roles

Machine Learning Engineer

• Responsibilities: Enable organizations to take control of their data.

• Requirements: Background in application development; proficiency in programming languages (Python, R, Java) and machine learning frameworks.

Software Engineer

• Responsibilities: Design and develop software systems; ensure compatibility between hardware and software.

• Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in math, computer science, software engineering, or IT; attention to detail and problem-solving skills required.

Network Engineer

• Responsibilities: Set up, configure, maintain, and upgrade data systems to support information exchange; ensure network data security.

• Skills: Effective communication, planning, analysis, and problem-solving skills.

Cloud Engineer

• Responsibilities: Identify opportunities for cloud migration; design automation, cloud storage, data centers, virtual servers, and web services.

• Skills: Technical and analytical skills focused on efficient resource use and improved IT operations.

Analysts

Technical Support

• Responsibilities: Support, monitor, and maintain workplace technology; respond to user help requests.

• Skills: Wide range of IT knowledge, problem-solving, and patience.

• Education: Entry-level positions may not require a higher degree; candidates with a bachelor’s degree in relevant fields are preferred.

Systems Analyst

• Responsibilities: Investigate business problems and create information systems to provide solutions.

• Skills: Effective communication and business/technical knowledge are crucial.

• Education: Recommended bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field.

Data Analyst

• Responsibilities: Gather data to identify opportunities for business improvement using statistical methods.

• Roles: Data scientists, data analysts, statisticians utilizing analytical expertise.

Security Analyst

• Responsibilities: Monitor networks for security breaches; role is continually growing.

• Education: At least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming, or similar.

Cybersecurity Specialist

• Responsibilities: Secure information systems and ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and availability.

• Skills: Plan and implement information security solutions to protect against various threats.

Technical Consultant

• Responsibilities: Provide technical expertise; develop and implement IT systems for external clients.

• Skills: Communication, technical understanding, and project management are essential.

Other IT Roles

Project Managers

• Responsibilities: Organize resources, ensure project completion on time and within budget.

• Skills: Organization, problem-solving, communication; ability to stay calm under pressure.

• Education: Recommended bachelor’s degree in business administration or related fields.

Web Developer

• Responsibilities: Build and maintain websites and their infrastructures.

• Skills: Understanding of web technologies; strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Software Tester

• Responsibilities: Create and execute test plans, document issues and communicate solutions to the project team.

• Skills: Attention to detail, creativity, and analytical thinking.

Technical Sales

• Responsibilities: Identify and help clients adopt IT services or technologies.

• Skills: Technical knowledge, communication, product knowledge, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.