10
Fast-Growing Careers
Everywhere
get a Broad Background
Jesus H. Jimenez has his feet in both business and IT as a student
Occupation
% Growth New Jobs Created
(2002–2012) (2002–2012)
and a professional. Currently a senior at the University of Houston,
network systems and data communications analyst 42.6% 5,500 Jimenez is also the chief executive officer of ERF Wireless–Wireless
computer software engineer, systems software 41.7% 10,650
Bundled Services, an Internet service provider to such rural areas
database administrator 38.4% 2,650
in Texas as Sealy, Bellville, Cat Spring, Lubbock, Lake Jackson,
and Taylor.
computer science Teacher, postsecondary 34.9% 750
Jimenez spent six years in the Navy, where he was able to save
computer software engineer, applications 34.1% 7,800
money for school. Afterward, he worked in several technical
network and computer systems administrator 32.4% 6,750 positions from San Diego to Houston. His advice to students
computer systems analyst 31.5% 12,350
comes in the form of thought-provoking questions: “What type of
computer and Information systems manager 29.3% 5,500
position do you want? What type of hours? Where do you want to
be in five years?”
computer support specialist 24.7% 8,850
Like Martin, Jimenez suggests students get a broad background
security and fire alarm systems Installer 20.3% 650
in Information Technology.
This is a projection of 10 fast-growing careers in Information Technology in Texas from the year 2002 to 2012 “Learn about computers, databases, and how information is
and the number of new jobs created in each occupation. Note that whereas the percentage of growth in jobs may
be high, the actual number of jobs created may be low. Source: Texas Workforce Commission.
moved from point A to point B, but also understand how to use
information to make business decisions.”
If you have a broad base of skills, you can find your niche in IT,
he adds.
not Just Technical skills
IT careers require technical knowledge, but
In 2006,
It is also important who students choose as
mentors, observes Jimenez. Students should
broader skills are valuable, too. Texas compuTer and
turn to mentors and surround themselves with
Dan Burgess, an IT project manager for
elecTrIcal equIpmenT
people who are positive influences, he advises.
Hanson Aggregates in Dallas, for example, loves
the business aspect of his job. He is currently
exporTs were valued aT
Jimenez feels fortunate to have role models such
as his current company chairman and former
putting together a plan that will standardize
$35.2 bIllIon.
commanding naval officer, who influenced him
business processes for Hanson’s computer
and taught him a lot about life.
servers. His team of IT professionals configures
“When I look back for 15 years at the people
and implements all of the company’s current software packages.
who influenced me, I realize they were good leaders themselves,”
They also write reference guides specific to each department. The
Jimenez says.
reference guides allow employees to familiarize themselves with the
software programs as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Burgess believes it takes a person with varied abilities to work in
10
Top-Paying Careers
his field. “People stereotype us and they believe all IT professionals
are antisocial geeks. That is far from the truth. IT professionals
need to be business savvy and possess strong communication skills.
Occupation
Average Entry-Level Experienced
Wage Wage Wage
The jobs are demanding.”
computer and Information systems manager $46.15 $27.83 $55.30
According to Burgess, many of the jobs that are currently in high
electrical engineer $39.74 $26.58 $46.32
demand require these additional skills. “Software consulting is a
hot career right now,” he reports. “Professionals starting at middle
computer Hardware engineer $39.05 $26.04 $45.56
level consulting firms can make $50 to $150 an hour. Now that
computer science Teacher, postsecondary $38.67 $21.45 $47.29
our economy is gaining momentum, I believe there will be an even computer software engineer, systems software $38.27 $26.04 $44.38
higher demand for this type of professional.”
computer and Information scientist, research $38.02 $26.67 $43.70
Burgess adds that one of the unique aspects of working in IT is
computer software engineer, applications $37.26 $23.72 $44.03
that professionals are able to learn about other industries while
performing their job. Not only does Burgess have advanced
computer programmer $33.92 $20.32 $40.71
knowledge of Hanson Aggregates (which produces aggregates,
computer systems analyst $32.11 $21.47 $37.42
asphalt, ready-mixed concrete, and cement for markets throughout database administrator $30.92 $18.64 $37.07
the U.S.) as a business, but he has also become knowledgeable about
This is a chart of hourly wages for 10 of the top-paying careers in the Information Technology cluster in
other departments within the company.
Texas. Note how entry-level wages are often much lower than pay for the average worker and experienced
workers in each profession. Source: Texas Workforce Commission.
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