CLusTER PROfiLE
Careers
Everywhere
Every company needs
infORmATiOn TEchnOlOGy PROfEssiOnAls.
I
nformation Technology (IT) is the land iT Opportunities
of opportunity for Texas students. Since According to the United States Bureau of
IT spans almost all areas of business and Labor and Statistics, the job outlook for IT
industry, opportunities for IT professionals professionals is very promising through the
are everywhere. year 2012.
“If you’re an IT crackerjack, you don’t Salaries for workers in the cluster are
have to work at an IT company,” says Lonnie attractive as well. Database administrators, for
Martin, consultant to several technology example, make from $33,380 to $97,450, and
companies in Dallas and chairman of the computer system engineers earn $51,500 to
governor’s IT cluster team. The Industry $117,000.
Cluster Initiative is a plan to stimulate To earn more, IT professionals often earn
sectors that economists believe will drive certifications in specific technologies. People
economic expansion in Texas. Information entering software development, for example,
Technology is one of six sectors (see page 1) can earn certifications such as A+, Java,
targeted for job growth. “Companies such I-Net+ and Network+. Programmers earn
as Frito-Lay and JCPenney all need salaries ranging from $35,470 to $99,610,
people with IT backgrounds to run according to the 2006–2007 Occupational
their businesses.” Outlook Handbook.
Q
is information Technology the right cluster for you?
U
Take this quiz to find out. Answer “yes” or “no” to the following questions.
I
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
Do you like Do you enjoy Do you like to Are you good Do you pay Do you like Do you prefer Do you like Do you like Do you like
to tinker with video games? play chess? at math? attention following a to gather solving working with to keep your
Z
electrical to details? blueprint to all the facts puzzles and computers? things in
equipment? build things? before making brainteasers? order and
a decision? organized?
If you answered “yes” to five or more of the above questions, Information Technology may be the right cluster for you. To get a more specific and scientific
measurement of your attitudes and abilities, ask your guidance counselor or teacher about taking a career assessment test or interest inventory.
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