Career opportunities in Information and Communication Technology

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

TECHNOLOGY

Some of the computer career opportunities include

1. System analyst
This is the person who is responsible for analyzing a company’s needs or problems then
design and develop a computer based information system.

Qualities of a good system analyst

i. Should have good problem solving skills and creativity
ii. Should have good communication skills both written and in speech
iii. Technical knowledge. Must be trained as a system analyst
iv. Should have knowledge of data processing methods, current hardware and familiar
with available programming languages
v. Must have the a clear business knowledge of the environment for which the system
is being developed including its goals and objectives

Responsibilities
i. Should gather information and analyze facts of the system
ii. Prepare system specifications
iii. Design new systems and recommend changes to the existing systems
iv. Coordinates training for users of new a system
v. Work with programmers to construct and test the system.
vi. Coordinates the implementation of the new or modified system

2. Computer programmers
These are people whose work is write computer programs i.e. formulating instruction for the
computer to solve a given program

Qualities of a good programmer

i. Good command of programming language
ii. He must be creative in order to develop new problem solving methods
iii. Should have a good knowledge and relationship between programs and hardware

Responsibilities
i. Write in house application programs using appropriate programming languages
ii. Test the program for logical errors, syntax and semantic errors
iii. Debugging of programs
iv. Documenting the program as they code. i.e. User and program manuals
v. Customize commercial applications packages to suit that organizational needs

By Ms Nguu. P Page 1 of 6 For form 4 Starehe Girls’ Centre

 Career opportunities in Information and Communication Technology

3. Software engineers
This is a person who is skilled in software development and technical operation of computer
hardware

Responsibilities
i. Develop system and application software
ii. Develop user and technical documentation for the new software
iii. Maintaining and updating the software to meet the day to day requirements

4. Computer engineers
These are specialized personnel whose duties are to come up with efficient technologies in
ICT through construction of efficient computer devices (hardware)

Responsibilities
i. Design and develop computer components e.g. motherboards, storage devices etc
ii. Determine the electrical power requirements of each computer component
iii. Design and develop engineering and manufacturing computer controlled devices
such as robots
iv. Re-engineer computer components to enhance its functionality and efficiency

5. Information system manager

They controls, plans, staffs, schedules and monitors all the activities of the ICT department
in the organization.

Responsibilities
i. Making sure that all tasks in the IT department are done correctly and on time
ii. Preparing budget for the department
iii. Keeping the department inventory records up to date
iv. Managing the human resource within the department

6.Computer technician
These are people whose job is to service and repair computers

Responsibilities
i. Trouble shooting computer hardware and software related problems
ii. Assembling and upgrading computers and their components
iii. Ensuring that all computer related accessories such as printers, modem, storage
media etc are in good condition
iv. In developed countries they work hand in hand with computer engineers to design
and create computer components

By Ms Nguu. P Page 2 of 6 For form 4 Starehe Girls’ Centre

 Career opportunities in Information and Communication Technology

7. Database administrator
This is the person who is responsible for supervising both the database and the use of the
DBMS.

Responsibilities

i. The design of the database. After the initial design, the DBA must monitor the performance of
the database, and if problems surface (such as a particular report taking an unacceptable long
time to produce), appropriate changes must be to the database structure.
ii. Keeping users informed of the changes in the database structure that will affect them, for
example if the size or format of a particular field is altered or additional fields added.
iii. Maintenance of the data for the database, and responsibility for establishing conventions for
naming tables, columns, indexes and so on.
iv. Implementing access privileges for all users of the database; that is, specifying which item can
be accessed and/or changed by each user.
v. Allocating passwords to each user.
vi. Providing training to users in how to access and use the database.

8. Web administrator / Webmaster

They administrate the websites for organization by making sure that the website is updated
periodically to give the right information

Duties
i. Develop and test websites
ii. Maintaining, updating and modifying information on the website
iii. Monitor the access and use of internet connection by enforcing security measures
iv. Downloading information needed by an organization or institution from internet
websites

9. Computer trainer
Is a specialized person in the field of computing and well conversant with various
disciplines and computer related issues which they can execute with ease to those who are
first venturing into this field.

Responsibilities
i. Training people on how to use a computer and various application programs
ii. Developing reference training manual
iii. Guide learners on how to acquire knowledge through carrying out research
iv. Advising learners on the best career opportunities in the broad field of ICT
v. Preparing learners for the ICT examinations

By Ms Nguu. P Page 3 of 6 For form 4 Starehe Girls’ Centre

 Career opportunities in Information and Communication Technology

10. Network administrator

Responsibilities
i. Setup computer network
ii. Maintains and enhance security measures on the network
iii. Monitors the use of network resources
iv. Maintain and troubleshoot network related problems

11. Computer graphics designer and typesetter

In publishing they are required in order to design graphical objects and professional
publications. They may be employed in publishing houses to typeset books, newspapers and
magazines

12. Computer operators

This is a person who interact with the computer hardware through asset of special
instructions called commands

Responsibilities
i. Enters data into the computer for processing
ii. Update records of all information processing activities
iii. Activating the computer to obey programs through the use of commands

By Ms Nguu. P Page 4 of 6 For form 4 Starehe Girls’ Centre