You may come across some technical problems every now and then when you work with computers. We usually associate information technology (IT) with individuals who can help us with such problems.
While the perspective on information technology isn’t incorrect, it underestimates the field’s importance.
Before we proceed, let’s learn more about information technology.
Table of Contents
What is IT?
Information technology uses technology to address business challenges on a large scale.
For instance, let us consider Google. Google has built a global technical infrastructure to ensure security throughout the whole data processing life cycle. A few elements provided by this architecture include:
- secure service development
- secure data storage with end-user privacy protections
- secure connections between services
- secure and private conversations with clients via the internet
- and safe administration
Google’s internet services are built on this technology. This extends to customer services like Search, Gmail, and Photos and commercial services like G Suite and Google Cloud.
Its key pillars of duty are as follows:
- IT governance:
IT governance is a set of policies and procedures. Google designs and constructs its own data centres, which are equipped with numerous layers of security. Only a small percentage of Google employees have access to these data centres. This ensures that IT systems management gets aligned with the needs of the enterprise.
- IT operations:
This is a catch-all area for an IT department’s day-to-day activities. For example: assisting customer’s technical issues, network maintenance, information security, and device management. Google has provided its employees the option of working on a range of devices and operating systems. It has also ensured that employees have access to information about their projects at various spots via the intranet.
- Hardware and infrastructure:
Hardware and infrastructure are the physical components of an IT infrastructure. This IT pillar covers the installation and maintenance of these infrastructures. Thousands of server computers are connected to a local area network in a Google data centre. Google developed the server boards as well as the networking equipment.
The IT department of a company handles a variety of tasks and is crucial to the smooth operation of the company. IT automates and builds processes for their regular operations. Further, this makes sure that the company runs successfully. Also, the ideal IT department is connected with the company’s goals.
Moreover, IT encompasses data management. Whether that data is in the form of text, speech, image, audio, or another format. It may also include aspects of the Internet. Because the Internet is its own realm, this gives IT a whole new definition. In addition, since IT entails data transfer, the role of the internet is irreplaceable. IT has become an integral part of our daily lives and keeps expanding into new areas.
IT services include Cloud Services, Network Security, IT Consulting, and Help Desk Support.
Hardware vs. Software
You’re aware that interacting with hardware and software is a big part of the IT department. But what exactly makes up hardware? And what exactly is software?
Let’s take a closer look at this crucial distinction.
All the physical components of a computer system are hardware. This comprises internal computer gear. For example, the motherboard, central processing unit, and hard drive. Hardware also includes peripherals such as a keyboard or mouse connected to the computer.
Software, unlike hardware, is not something that is possible to change. All data, applications, and programs stored are software. For example, an operating system or a video-editing application.
So, how does this difference apply to a career in information technology? Almost every IT job necessitates a mix of hardware and software expertise. Some IT professionals spend more time managing hardware components. Yet, those components are also controlled by software. IT experts are also in charge of implementing and configuring software programs for users.
IT as a Career Option
Now, you may be eager to know what the job roles in this sector are.
Software engineers and software developers make up the most information technology jobs. You can even say this category has systems analysts and computer engineers.
Job Role as a Hardware Engineer
Computer hardware engineers create, design, and analyse computer and electrical system hardware devices. A few of their responsibilities include:
- designing and testing computer hardware components
- interpreting test data
- eliminating mistakes
- altering existing hardware
- designing other electrical devices
By establishing, configuring, testing, debugging, and fixing hardware, they are also responsible for providing support. Further, they help in maintaining computer systems and devices. To work as a Hardware Engineer, you must have substantial experience or a recognised information technology certification.
Job Role as a Software Engineer
Many operations in the business world rely mainly on software. Software Engineers play a critical role in the development of software that delivers measurable results. A Software Engineer must handle the complete software development lifecycle, from analysing needs to designing, testing, and developing software to fulfil those needs. It might range from developing internal programs that assist firms in becoming more productive to developing solutions that can get marketed commercially.
Once the final software system completes and launches, software engineers will assist in maintaining and upgrading the software. For instance, they will verify that all security issues have been resolved and that it is compatible with new systems. A software developer creates applications that enable individuals to perform specified tasks on a smartphone or computer.
Ok, I like what I see.
Should I give a sh*t about which industry to work for?
It’s tough not to, here are 2 reasons why –
- It’s what you’ll be living and breathing during your professional life (~160-hours every month – thats like binge watching all 236 episodes of Friends , twice – That long!)
- Industry expertise matters – 8/10 professionals agree switching industries is pain in the a*s
Have a sneak peek at these google searches around industry switching –
I hope you are able to get an idea of what I am trying to highlight –
Choosing the right industry will solve 80% of your future career problems while others will still be figuring out why they hate going to work so much.
Top 3 Industries for IT
Other important industries –