Computer systems administration is the practice of maintaining and updating software and hardware systems within an enterprise. Specific functions within computer systems administration might include installing new programs, providing training materials to users, and monitoring use of software.

• Key Traits: Investigative and analytical skills, active listening and communication, technical proficiency.
• Education Required: Associate degree plus relevant experience, or a bachelor degree. Depending on the employer, additional knowledge of an area like business or finance may be beneficial.
• Where Computer Systems Administration Is Needed: Large and small enterprises, government departments, technology consultation firms.

Projected Growth Through 2018**:
78,900 new jobs, or 23% growth rate nation-wideⁱ

Network administration involves the installation, configuration, and support of computer and telecommunications networks. These can include LAN (local area networks), WANs (wide area networks), Internet access, and more.

• Key Traits: Analytical and problem solving skills, monitoring, mathematical skills.
• Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (entry-level).
• Where Network Administration Is Needed: Small and large businesses, schools and hospitals, government departments, etc.

Projected Growth Through 2018**:
78,900 new jobs, or 23% growth rate nation-wideⁱⁱ

Database administration is the practice of designing, implementing, updating, and protecting databases.

• Key Traits: Problem-solving and analytical skills, communication skills.
• Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (entry-level).
• Where Database Administration Is Needed: Financial services and insurance companies, government departments, schools, hospitals, etc.

Projected Growth Through 2018**:
24,400 new jobs, or 20% growth rate nation-wideⁱⁱⁱ

Computer security is the area of information technology that deals with protecting databases, systems, data transmissions, and applications from vulnerability to attack or unauthorized access.

• Key Traits: Creative problem solving, analytical skills.
• Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (entry-level).
• Where Computer Security Is Needed: Financial services, government departments, private companies, non-profit organizations, technology development firms or consulting companies.

Web development is the technical side of creating applications for the Internet. This discipline involves using programming and coding to design, develop, and test programs for websites, intranet sites, and more.

• Key Traits: Problem solving skills, logical reasoning, strong keyboarding skills.
• Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (entry-level).
• Where Web Development Is Needed: Web design firms, private companies, Internet marketing firms.

Projected Growth Through 2018**:
27,500 new jobs, or 13% growth rate nation-wide^v

Software application programming is the practice of creating computer applications that meet the needs of end users. These programs can be generally designed for mass-market consumers, or custom solutions for a specific organization.

• Key Traits: Ingenuity, analytical skills, strong communication skills.
• Education Required: Bachelor’s degree (entry-level).
• Where Software Application Programming Is Needed: Technology development firms, large financial services and banking firms, technology consulting companies.

Projected Growth Through 2018**:
175,100 new jobs, or 34% growth rate nation-wide^vi