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HOMEADMISSIONS & FINANCIAL AIDDEGREE PROGRAMSVIRTUAL CAMPUSCONTACT USCLICK TO TALK May + June 2006, Issue 35
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  Hot Trends in the Job Market
Hot Trends in Careers -  IT and Visual Communication/Digital Design

Technology has permeated our lives, and with the explosive use of computers and technological instruments, there has been an increased need to have trained specialists available to handle systems administration and guide users who experience technical difficulties.

Those who specialize in visual communication/digital design enable companies and clients to communicate their message visually. The goal is to create a piece of material that is both aesthetically appealing and effectively conveys the desired idea.

If your course of study has evolved around IT or visual communication and computer-aided graphic design, your job forecast is both bright and beautiful. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that job opportunities in visual communication will grow an average amount by 2014, while job opportunities in IT-related fields will grow rapidly.

Popular IT positions with strong growth potential include computer programmers, computer software engineers, computer support specialists, network/systems administrators, and computer security specialists.

Computer and information systems managers need to have experience with the company- specific software or technology, as well as a background in either consulting or business management. Current IT managers will have to make decisions that apply to systems, as well as business direction.

Good IT Managers will have strong communication skills, aptitude for leadership, an understanding, management processes, customers' needs, and the ability to communicate technical issues to non-technical executives within the organization.

Some employees that have obtained Associate's Degrees might be eligible for eventual promotion to managerial levels within the IT field, depending on job performance and aptitude. Typically, IT managers have earned Bachelor's Degrees.

Department heads and managerial positions are reserved for employees that have earned Master's Degrees in IT, or MBAs with high concentrations in Information Technology.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that job growth will be strongest in areas like graphic web design and animation. As the Web grows, so does the need for website designers, and as marketing and advertising become more ubiquitous in society, there's a higher requirement for designers. Industrial design will become more prevalent, as more products are released, thereby increasing the need for design. Graduates with experience in those areas will have the most opportunities through 2014.

Most graphic designers are employed full time, however a significant portion (30%) are self-employed, and work on a contract of project basis. Potential employers or clients can include advertising agencies, design studios, publishing houses, corporate communication departments and television studios.

Associate Degree graduates typically pursue entry-level careers in technical design. Graduates who have earned Bachelor's Degrees in this field can pursue most entry level and advanced positions in design.

Although careers in visual communication/digital design are available, the field has become extremely competitive. Successful graphic designers are creative and have communication skills. They must know how to communicate with clients to understand the desired message, and effectively convey their ideas visually, orally or verbally. Good designers stay current with the latest design trends, and stay abreast of new and updated software.

Freelance graphic designers are disciplined self-starters who have excellent time management skills, business sense, and impeccable business acumen.


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Hot Trends in the Job Market
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Careers in IT and Visual Communications


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