Understanding the different tech careers.
I've been recently researching the different types of IT/computer degrees, and I'm struggling to understand how they differ. There seems to be a lot of overlap in the various careers. I've been able to improve my comprehension/understanding by comparing the various technology careers to the healthcare careers. For instance, a web designer is a cosmetologist, a cybersecurity analyst is an immunologist, etc. Could someone help me to find healthcare comparisons for the following IT/computer degrees? Thanks in advance!
Software engineer, systems analyst, database administrator, network engineer, IT support executive, computer science, and computer programmer
7 answers
Fred’s Answer
1) Software engineer - they look at the big picture of what you are trying to do with your software, break it down into smaller pieces, and write up documents on how to accomplish it. I think of it as they are the chef who has to prepare a meal. they will say "oh, we need a salad, a soup, an entrée, a few side dishes, and a dessert. OK, first, let's think, about the salad..." and so on. Depending on their staff, they may break it down more for some and less for other. If the staff is really good, she may just say "make a soup". If not she may have to say "we need <these> ingredients, combine them like <that>, serve it in <those> bowls..." etc.
2) systems analyst - well...they analyze systems. They may look at an organization to see what process are working well, and what aren't. They may suggest improvements to a current system, or recommend a new one be used entirely. In a way, they are looking at the whole process, trying to find improvements and efficiencies.
3) Database Admins - they manage the database software. They do backups of the current database (and restores when bad things happen). They control who has acccess to what within the database. They tune and set parameters. They may be the ones who actually create the tables that need to be populated. They watch for rogue queries that are running out of control, help tune queries so they are more efficient, and a million other things.
4) Network Engineer - They set up your computers so they can all talk to each other. And they make sure computers that shouldn't talk to each other don't. They make sure that a programmer cannot access the payroll servers, but that someone in HR can. They set up firewalls, switches, hubs, routers, etc. Some may run the physical cables.
Computer science is a broad term for all these areas (and more). Computer programming is a subject/area of computer science, as is computer security, networking, databases, operating systems, etc.
Danah’s Answer
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
You've been exploring the various IT/computer degrees and finding it challenging to distinguish between them due to the overlapping areas. You've found it helpful to draw comparisons between tech careers and healthcare professions, such as likening a web designer to a cosmetologist, and a cybersecurity analyst to an immunologist. You're seeking similar comparisons for a list of IT/computer roles. I'd be happy to assist!
Let's look at these IT/computer degrees and their healthcare counterparts:
1. Software Engineer: Think of a software engineer as a medical researcher. Both roles involve creating innovative solutions in their respective fields. Just like medical researchers develop new treatments, software engineers create new software applications.
2. Systems Analyst: This role can be compared to a diagnostician. Both positions require analyzing large amounts of data to identify patterns and trends. As diagnosticians diagnose diseases using medical tests, systems analysts use statistical models to extract valuable information from data.
3. Database Administrator: This role is similar to a medical records technician. Both involve managing and organizing critical information. Just like medical records technicians maintain patient records, database administrators manage databases to ensure data integrity.
4. Network Engineer: This role is akin to a hospital administrator. Both are responsible for managing and maintaining the infrastructure that supports their respective operations. While a hospital administrator ensures the smooth functioning of a healthcare facility, a network engineer ensures the proper functioning of computer networks.
5. IT Support Executive: This role can be compared to a healthcare project manager. Both roles involve overseeing complex projects from start to finish. Just like a healthcare project manager coordinates various stakeholders to implement new healthcare initiatives, an IT support executive leads teams to deliver successful IT projects.
6. Computer Science: This field is like the entire healthcare industry. It's a broad field that encompasses many different roles, just like healthcare includes a wide range of professions from nursing to surgery.
7. Computer Programmer: This role is similar to a surgeon. Both require precision and a deep understanding of their respective fields. Just like surgeons perform operations, computer programmers write and test code to make software programs work properly.
These comparisons should give you a general understanding of these IT/computer degrees. However, keep in mind that the exact responsibilities may vary depending on the specific organization and industry.
I used the following authoritative references to answer your question:
1. Forbes - www.forbes.com
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - www.bls.gov
3. TechRepublic - www.techrepublic.com
I hope this helps, Genevieve. Take care!
Best regards,
James.
Joseph’s Answer
Software engineer - varies depending on the exact role and company. Sometimes more of a supervisor and planner, sometimes just hands-on coding. Perhaps Consultant Doctor, Head Nurse, or just a Nurse or Surgeon.
Systems analyst - I don't really know about this one. Finding what works and what doesn't - sounds like a Doctor, but more of a hospital specialist (think House, MD) than your front-line family doctor or GP who I see more as Tech Support. Perhaps even thinking outside of the "troubleshooting" side of things, and just making sure everything runs well together - so perhaps more the sort of sports doctor that elite athletes take round with them making sure their nutrition, exercise routine and training are all working together.
Database administrator - databases are about storing information so this must relate to the brain somehow, and database admin is managing the structures and rules of how the information is stored. Something along the lines of brain surgeon, psychiatrist, or neuropsychologist I guess.
Network engineer - something to do with the nervous system is the analogy here, so a neurologist
IT support executive - IT support is your front-line family doctors and emergency doctors, but an executive would be more the practice manager, handling the management decisions rather than getting stuck in to the hands-on front-line work.
Computer science - a bit more theoretical, less applied to production systems and more to research - a biologist or medical research scientist
Computer programmer - working directly on the code - a surgeon or nurse
Anabel’s Answer
The universities put different names to carriers related to IT, here is my advice, look for the official curriculum in IT that is defined by ACM, Association for Computing Machinery, look for it there and them math to program curriculum,
https://www.acm.org/
good luck!
Rebecca’s Answer
You are right that there are may different types of technology work, e.g. Developer, System Administrator, Database Administrator, Application Support, System Support, Computer Engineers, etc. All of these jobs have their own domain knowledge and skills. The careers can also be categorized into different platforms/areas. E.g Developers - There are developers on different platforms including Web, Apps, ERP, Systems, etc.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Find out the entry criteria of computer science course in the college and prepare for it
2. The course will give you an overview and understanding on different aspects
3. Speak to the professors and alumni on different technology careers
4. Shortlist a few careers that you have interest on
5. Explore any intern opportunities working in these careers
Hope this helps! Good Luck!