Overview of Information Technology (IT) careers. Presented to students of Covenant Christian High School for their Career Day 2013. Blog post: http://optimwise.com/information-technology-careers-presentation-slides/

1. Careers in Information
Technology
Chad Warner

2. Chad Warner
● I create websites that empower small
businesses. Specialty: WordPress
○ Marketing & e-commerce sites for local small
businesses
● Husband, entrepreneur, Type A, hiker,
reader, Tolkien fan

7. It's all about information
http://blogs.gartner.com/svetlana-sicular/files/2012/06/DataScientistJobDescriptions.jpg

8. Networks
● Design, install, configure, maintain networks
● Routers, switches, Ethernet, WiFi, Internet,
firewalls, VoIP, IP video

10. Systems
● Install, configure, maintain systems
● Servers, PCs, OSs, software, embedded
systems, robotics

11. Me

12. Software/App Development
(Programming)
● Design, code, test software
● Native apps, web apps, embedded systems,
robotics

13. http://www.desktopped.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/daves-cockpit-1.jpg

14. Information Security
● Design, defend, attack networks & software
● Anti-malware, Web security, cryptography,
digital forensics

15. http://sysmox.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/tunks_cypress_inn_website_hacked_1.jpg

16. Technical Support
● Support end users
● Hardware (PCs, mobile devices), software,
websites, network connections

17. http://centertech.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Help-Desk-1.jpg

18. Web Design/Development
● Design, code, test websites & web apps
● Front-end, back-end, SEO, analytics, social
media, e-commerce

19. http://www.siliconvalleywatcher.com//Manyscreens.jpg

20. What led me into IT?
● Interest in science and technology
● Comfort with computers and electronics
● Individuals and businesses need assistance
with technology
● Desire to improve life through technology
● Decided during senior year at CCHS to
attend GVSU to become a Network Admin

21. Education & training
● No formal education or certifications
necessary for web design; mostly self-taught
(free online training, experimentation)
● People like to know that I have a degree
● Business minor has been very helpful
(marketing, accounting, finance, etc.)
● Some companies require certifications or
degrees, but experience usually trumps
them

22. College
● BS in Information Systems from Grand Valley, 2008
○ 4-year program that included a business minor
○ Conceptual, not as practical and hands-on as
Davenport
○ IS is focused on IT within business, CS is focused
on programming
● Trade schools have short-term advantage:
immediately marketable skills. Liberal arts schools
have long-term advantage: broad familiarity
● Minor or double-major in a field of interest
● I know IT grads of GVSU, Hope, Calvin, Davenport,

23. Schedule
● Business hours (M-F 8-5)
● Support jobs may be 24/7

24. Typical day
1. Begin around 8 AM
2. Email & social media
3. Web design
4. Email & social media
5. Lunch (at home or networking event)
6. Meet client or attend networking event
7. Web design
8. Email & social media
9. End around 5 PM
10. Meetup or networking event (1-2/wk)

25. Equipment
● desktop & laptop
● headset and webcam for voice and video
calls
● smartphone
● scanner/printer

27. Pros
● freedom to work when, where, and how I
want
● creative problem solving
● improving business and life with technology
● safe and comfortable

28. Me
My
wife

29. Me

30. Cons
● need to find my own work
● compatibility issues with old technology (old
browsers, OSs, etc.)
● clients can delay projects
● working with non-technical people can be
frustrating

31. Salaries
● Data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
15-0000 Computer and Mathematical
Occupations
● The more specialized, the higher the pay

33. Career prospects
http://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2012/01/art5full.pdf
http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.
ssf/2013/04/forbes_list_grand_rapids_ranks.html
"Top industries hiring in Grand Rapids now include health care, financial services,
skilled labor, education, information technology and engineering.
Skills and jobs in demand locally include information specialists, manufacturing,
administrative, and skilled laborers."

34. Offices

35. former
coworker

36. former
coworker

37. former
coworker

38. Me

39. Me

40. Me

41. Me

42. Me

43. Advice
● Teach yourself so you can catch up to students who
have more computer classes in high school.
● Tinker and learn from fixing the things you break.
● Seek many internships and volunteer opportunities for
experience, reputation, and connections, which are
worth more than pay. Volunteer at church and school.
● The more things you try, the more you’ll discover what
you like and dislike.

44. Advice
● Develop communication skills: reading,
writing, speaking.
● Be outgoing and personable. Attend clubs,
meetups, networking events.
● Find the intersection of technology and your
passion (sports, travel, health, etc.)
● Don’t worry about landing in the wrong job;
you can change jobs any time.
● Find mentors to teach you and pull strings.

45. Contact
optimwise.com