Information Technology

This Career Cluster encompasses careers involved in

Building linkages in IT occupations for entry level, technical, and professional careers related to the design, development, support and management of hardware, software, multimedia and systems integration services.(1)

Career Pathways

Each Career Cluster has distinct Career Pathways, which are like work sub-areas.

In addition, each Career Pathway has a sample Plan of Study that details the courses a student might take, both during and after high school, to work in that sub-area.

This Career Cluster has the following Career Pathways:

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 positions 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.

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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. People with expertise in Information Support and Services are in high demand for a variety of positions in organizations of all sizes and types, doing work such as integrating multiple databases at a global investment company, enabling employees to share information between the New York, Paris and Hong Kong offices and improving service to customers.

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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.

Note: This Sample Plan of Study is not an exact match.

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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. While many of the career opportunities in this area are in software companies, large organizations of other types - such as Financial Services and Business - also offer many opportunities. People with expertise in programming and software development are in high demand, doing work such as creating the software that launches and runs NASA space shuttles.

Source(1): National Career Clusters™ site (original text and PDF's).