It is common knowledge that information technology (IT) is one of today’s hottest professions.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor, job growth for most IT positions will “grow faster than average” between now and 2014, which means an increase of 18 to 26 percent in the ratio of jobs available to job seekers.*  Because IT is a highly specialized profession that involves rigorous training and high salaries, it is more cost-effective for many organizations to outsource in order to fulfill their IT needs.  There are many opportunities, therefore, in IT consulting.

AIU Online offers several degree programs in information technology that can help you earn marketable credentials.  A BIT or MIT degree with a concentration in Internet Security could lead to a position as a consultant in network security.  A BIT with a concentration in Network Administration or MIT with a concentration in IT Project Management could give you an overview of how organizations create and use systems to achieve specific business objectives.  If working hands-on with systems and writing code is your forte, then a BIT degree with a concentration in Programming may be the degree program for you.  Each degree program in information technology offered through AIU Online offers practical knowledge and skills that are in demand in today’s markets.

The key to success is marketable skills.  Those skills can be displayed in a job interview or in a portfolio.  Graphic arts students at AIU Online are shown how to create portfolios that showcase their talents.  The same concept can apply to students in IT who use the software that is available to them through AIU Online.  Using software helps students develop skills and applying it to projects can help you learn how to make those skills marketable.  The curriculum at AIU Online can help you create a portfolio of projects that you can you use to market you!

Keep in mind that upper management and stakeholders in a lot of organizations may not immediately recognize the need for cutting-edge IT expertise.  When they do, they may not have the time or budget to hire, train and add IT specialists to their payroll.  That’s where consulting and outsourcing in IT fits in.  With specialized knowledge and skills in IT, you may have the option of attaining a position with a consulting firm or another type of organization, or have the opportunity to create your own.

Sources:
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/search/ooh.asp?qu=Information+Technology&ct=OOH (visited November 27, 2008).
* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, on the Internet athttp://www.bls.gov/oco/oco20016.htm (visited November 27, 2008).

If you are a current student or alumni of AIU Online and would like more information on how to transition from the Organizing Your Career Planning & Search workforce, please contact the Career Services Department at 877-701-3800 ext 15060 or careerservices@aiuonline.edu. If you would like more information on becoming a student with AIU Online, please contact the Admissions department at 877-701-3800.