Computer & Information Sciences Professional Outlook
Just look around and you can see how much we rely on technology every day. Imagine being part of this exciting, growing, and changing industry. IT remains a critical aspect of work in all industries and sectors, as well as an industry in its own right. America continues to suffer from a shortage of qualified IT workers with flexible and portable skills who can readily adapt and respond to ever-changing IT demands and processes.
Technology skills and computer proficiency are essential assets for workers in all industries. Even if the career you choose does not focus solely on IT, the job will most likely require the use of computers and technology to accomplish tasks and process information. The Information Technology Association of America reports that 92% of all IT workers are in non-IT companies, 80% of which are in small companies.
Additionally, new computer science graduates continue to command hefty starting salaries as a variety of employers vie for their talents. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, starting offers averaged $52,177 for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science in 2007. Average starting salaries for database administrators range from $60,000 to $95,500, and from $51,750 to $74,520 for Web developers. Starting salaries for information security professionals ranged from $63,750 to $93,000 in 2005.*
Technology and computer science degree holders will continue to be in greate demand in 2008. Companies of all sizes - large, small, and in between - plan to hire technology program graduates. In fact, the demand for technology program graduates will be so high, there may not be enough qualified people to fill all the job openings. If you have ever thought about changing to a technology career, now is the time.
*Courtesy of the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.