Entry-level IT positions are generally divided into two categories: Networking (or IT Administration) and Development (or Coding). Only Centriq offers you the choice of either.
Networking IT Professionals manage the hardware and software that comprise the IT networks or systems companies rely on to operate their businesses. This starts with the computers, mobile devices and operating systems that employees use every day. The network links these devices to servers and software that connect all the computers within a company, as well as the software and hardware that connect the company to the Internet.
Networking IT Professionals implement new hardware and cutting edge software, keep the network systems up and running, and troubleshoot any problems or glitches that come up. Networking also covers the maintenance and access to the databases that hold all the data companies utilize (e.g., their product inventory and customer information) and also the security features that protect the company data from hackers and other data breaches.
Networking is for individuals that enjoy challenges and variety in their workday. They interact with every department in a company. They are good problem solvers and are experts in the hardware and software technologies that companies utilize including Microsoft products such as Windows 10, Server 2016, SharePoint, Exchange Server, as well as Cisco and other vendor technologies. Networking IT Professionals are essential to the success of any company.
“My title is Desktop Support Engineer but that hardly covers what I actually do. It’s anything from wireless HDMI and tiny PCs to AC routers, stacked switches, custom super-spreadsheets and JavaScript. The list goes on and on. I love learning about advances in technology first hand and finding creative ways to implement them and now I get paid to do that all the time.”
Developers (or programmers or coders) work with programming “languages” to develop applications or programs that tell computers, devices, servers and websites how to function. When Amazon’s website tells you that if you bought that item, you’ll like this item, a developer wrote a program for that. When Pandora knows what songs to play for you, a coder did that. Like video games? Thank a coder. That’s who developed it.
Developers learn to code with various coding languages such a Microsoft .NET/Visual Studio – which is the foundation language for most enterprises. But there are many coding languages that are more specific to different aspects of any project.
Developers are generally people that like puzzles and games and other things that challenge them mentally. Many coders are also musicians. As companies determine new business initiatives, such as improving customer experience, new website functions or improving internal operating efficiencies, developers determine the technology to make those things happen.
Once a project is defined, entry-level or junior developers will develop or write code for their part of the project. They may code independently, as a “paired” programmer or even as a team collaborating around a large table or in pods. Generally, they are given a deadline and have the autonomy to meet it.
“I had a four year graphic design degree but it wasn’t enough for the career I wanted. I had no programming experience but I got my first developer job within a month of completing Centriq’s program. Now I develop websites for a living and love what I do!”
Both Networking and Development offer solid job and career opportunities. But each of these advanced jobs requires experience and training. The good news is you don’t have to choose which advanced area you want to specialize in at the beginning. All you have to do is determine whether you’re best suited to be a Network IT professional or a Coder. Fortunately, Centriq has a free assessment to help you determine which path is best suited for your IT career.
Ready to find out what field is right for you? Fill out the form to take our free Aptitude Assessment or contact us for more information.
