Jobs in the Information Technology, Modeling/Simulation and Gaming career cluster involve the design, development, support, and management of hardware, software multimedia, and systems integration services.

Anyone preparing for an IT career should have a solid grounding in math and science.

A career in IT is challenging and ever-changing. Those who pursue jobs in the IT sector will quickly discover ongoing opportunities to learn about and work with exciting new technologies that are transforming our world. IT education can be obtained in four-year colleges, two-year community colleges, technical colleges and institutes, and high schools. Even in times of economic downturn, there is still a large market for people with IT skills in organizations of all sizes.

This career cluster is divided into five pathways:

• Network Systems

• Information Support and Services

• Programming and Software Development

• Web and Digital Communications

• Modeling and Simulation

Network Systems

Careers in Network Systems involve network analysis, planning and implementation, including design, installation, maintenance and management of network systems. Successful establishment and maintenance of information technology infrastructure is critical to the success of almost every 21st century organization.

People with expertise in Network Systems are in high demand for a variety of position in organizations of all sizes and types, doing work such as creating and maintaining the infrastructure in medical facilities that enables multiple doctors to view the same patient’s X-rays in real-time to determine the diagnosis and the best treatment.

Sample occupations include:

• Network Administrator

• Network Technician

• PC Support Specialist

• Telecommunications Network Technician

• Data Communications Analyst

• Security Administrator

Information Support and Services

Careers in Information Support and Services involve IT deployment, including implementing computer systems and software, providing technical assistance and managing information systems. Successful IT deployment—implementation of computer systems and software, provision of technical assistance, creation of technical documentation and management of information systems—is critical to the success of most 21st century organizations.

Sample occupations include:

• Database Administrator

• Enterprise Systems Engineer

• Help Desk Specialist

• Technical Support Engineer

• Technical Writer

• Instructional Designer

• Application Integrator

Programming and Software Development

Careers in Programming and Software Development involve the design, development, implementation and maintenance of computer systems and software, requiring knowledge of computer operating systems, programming languages and software development. People with expertise in programming and software development work with cutting-edge technologies to develop tomorrow’s products for use by businesses and consumers.

Sample occupations include:

• Software Applications Architect

• Operating Systems Designer/Engineer

• Computer Programmer

• Game Programmer

• Applications Engineer

Web and Digital Communications

Careers in Web and Digital Communications involve creating, designing and producing interactive multimedia products and services, including development of digitally-generated or computer-enhanced media used in business, training, entertainment, communications and marketing.

Organizations of all types and sizes use digital media (the World Wide Web, CD-ROM, DVD) to communicate with existing and potential customers, to track transactions, and to collaborate with colleagues. Web and digital communications experts can find employment opportunities in organizations of all sizes and types, doing work such as creating e-business auction Web sites that allow people around the world to buy and sell items in real-time.

Sample occupations include:

• Web Designer

• Webmaster

• 3D Animator

• Virtual Reality Specialist

• Multimedia Producer

• Graphic Artist

Modeling and Simulation

Modeling and simulation (M&S) is the use of models (e.g., physical, mathematical, or logical representation of a system, entity, phenomenon, or process) as a basis for simulations to develop data utilized for managerial or technical decision making.Newspaper and online news articles are applauding the real-world uses of modeling and simulation. -Wikipedia

“Modeling and simulation has become an integral part of research and development across many fields of study, having evolved from a tool to a discipline in less than two decades. ” (From www.businesswire.com)

In order to make a plan for your future career goals, you need to know how to get there and make sure it is a good fit for you. There are several tools that can be used for career research. These tools can give you a description of the career, skills needed, tasks involved, wage range, and education/training needed.

Here are a few career research tools:

• Xello

• Onet-Use the "Occupation Search" features

• My Next Move

• CareerOneStop-Use "Occupation Search" or "List of Occupations"

• ASVAB-Career Exploration Program