Networking or Software Development

726 Words2 Pages

The field of Information Technology entails the application of devices to help people to manage information. It encompasses many jobs, each with differing skill sets. To do well in the IT field you must decide on a direction to proceed in. This can have a major impact on your career, your happiness in your work and your ability to earn a living. Two major areas of IT are networking and software development. There is little overlap between these two areas and each requires a great deal of knowledge. So which area will you pursue, networking or software development?

A computer network is a group of computers, and other devices, connected by cables or radio signals. A network allows these devices to exchange information. The information management capabilities of a computer network far exceed what can be provided by a single device. It takes a considerable amount of work to set up and maintain these networks. The network must be carefully planned and someone has to run the cables and plug the devices together. These are the tasks of a network administrator (Institute for Career Research, 2009). While some of a network administrator's work is performed at a desk or in meetings, much of it entails going to where the computers are. It also includes running cables, often in ceilings or walls. Troubleshooting a malfunctioning network entails checking each device and each line to find the fault.

Computers are just machines and they will do nothing without instructions. The area of software development focuses on writing these instructions. There are numerous ways that the instructions can be written and they resemble, in structure, a language. There are many languages, each with different syntax and vocabulary. Like a human language, ...

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...en take years to cultivate and substantial effort to keep current. While it is possible to be a jack of all trades, it will be more difficult to excel if you do not choose an area to dedicate your efforts. Neither area is better or worse than the other but your happiness in your job will be greater if you choose wisely.

Works Cited

Careers in Computer Network Administration. (2009). [Chicago, Ill.]: Institute for Career Research.

Farr, J. (2007). Top 100 Computer and Technical Careers : Your Complete Guidebook to Major Jobs in Many Fields at All Training Levels. Indianapolis, IN: JIST Works.

Gladwell, S. (2012). Computer Software Engineers and Computer Programmers, Job Hunting : A Practical Manual for Job-hunters and Career Changers. Dayboro [Australia]: Emereo Publishing.

United, S. (2013). Occupational Outlook Handbook 2013-2014. St. Paul, MN: Jist Works.

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