Guest blog: Is a digital degree right for you?

Guest blog by Ioannis Antypas CEO & Founder at Jukkie Digital Agency

Are you indecisive as to whether you should study for a Tech Industry Gold accredited degree?

Well, worry no more because this guest blog can help you decide.

The Information Technology Management for Business degree, which I studied, has Tech Industry Gold certification, the industry accreditation for digital and technology degrees. It is intended to satisfy employer-defined requirements, which means it combines industry-relevant academic learning with the technical, business, and interpersonal skills necessary for new recruits to succeed in digital careers.

Before anything, let’s delve into the subject of Information Technology.

Information Technology defined

Information technology is applying computers and the internet to retrieve, store, manipulate and transmit information or data. One Information Technology category is Network Administration & Security, which focuses on the communicating data aspect of IT.

It is a fact that Information Technology is essential for any business. Thus, computer technology is widely used in each business department all over the world. It can affect different business departments, including operations, finance, HR, sales, communications, and other sectors that rely on information systems and functional computers to perform their job. In other terms, workplaces cannot function well without IT professionals.

Should you study IT management?

An IT management degree can help you learn advanced analytical and technical skills, team management, project management, and leadership. Hands-on learning opportunities can help you solve complex business problems using innovative technology solutions.

With IT management, you can be exposed to risk-management and organisational support to enterprise applications support. If you plan to study Information Technology Management in business, you can choose from the following courses:

IT Operations Management
Information Technology Systems Analysis
IT Management Security
IT Project Management Tools
Infrastructure and Hardware

Take note that the IT management curriculum can have different subjects. So, students can acquire skills needed for other Information Technology careers.

Potential careers in Information Technology management

If you study Information Technology Management for Business, you can choose a range of different career pathways such as:

Information Security Analyst

An information security analyst is responsible for the protection of businesses from cyber-attacks. They monitor networks to identify security breaches and investigated if there is a detected threat. This role also maintains and installs software for the protection of sensitive data. With this role, you need to enforce and develop security standards for the organisation. The skills required for information security analysts include network security and information systems abilities. They are needed to make penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and intrusion detection to protect their data. Writing and research skills are also essential to address and detect a security issue.

Software Applications Developer

This role is considered as the creative mind behind computer programs. Their duties include customisation and designing of applications software. Additionally, software applications developer also develops testing processes, evaluates software requirements, and modify current programs to correct errors or maximise operations efficiency. If you want to be a software applications developer, you must possess excellent transfer and technical skills. You will use programming languages including JavaScript, Python, and Java to enhance and design programs. It is also an advantage if you have collaboration and communication skills.

Database Administrator

As a database administrator, you will utilise specialised software in organising and storing data. You will administer and test computer databases. This role coordinates changes to correct errors. A database administrator is also responsible for applying security measures to protect information and indication of user access levels for various database segments.

The skills needed to be a database administrator include knowledge in Structured Query Language, domain-specific languages for data management. You also need skills in performance tuning to Python and Oracle and data warehousing. Problem-solving skills and attention to detail are also essential.

Computer Systems Analyst

The roles of computer systems analysts include examination of data processing problems to enhance system compatibility and computer systems to share information easily. They also test and develop system design processes and consult management for software recommendations. As a computer systems analyst, you need to understand information systems and business processes. You must possess project management abilities to plan effectively and activate the job required from your team. Communication skills are also an advantage.

Computer Network Architect

The computer network architects implement and design information and computer networks. They upgrade or repair based on the needs of the customer or company. The role is also responsible for performing planning, analysis, and network modelling.

If you want to be a computer network architect, you need to have system configuration and network engineering skills. It is also essential to know about Border gateway Protocol, Wide Area Networks, and Virtual Private Networking. You also need customer service and communication skills.

Management Analyst

The role of a management analyst involves creating representations and reports for advising managers on methods to improve profitability. They compile information about a procedure or problem that requires improvement. This role also conducts interviews and onsite observations to determine the right solutions.

Being a management analyst needs to know budgeting, business analysis, project planning, and process improvement. You also need problem-solving and communication skills.

Now that you have learned about the potential careers you can pursue with Information Technology Management in business, let us dive into the benefits it can offer to organisations.

Benefits of Information Technology Management in Business

Information Technology Management provides a lot of benefits for businesses. Consider adding information technology management to your education. Here are four benefits of pursuing this degree:

You’ll be able to manage data for a company, ensuring that it is secure and up-to-date. This will make your employer more efficient and profitable.
Working with data will improve your skills in a variety of areas, including programming, system design, and troubleshooting. These skills are valuable in many careers.
In order to work with data, you’ll need to learn how to use technology tools. You will also become familiar with the latest technology and how it can be used.
You may eventually earn a promotion or even start your own business. Your employer could choose to promote you once you have proven yourself capable of handling a high degree of responsibility.

Enhanced Customer Segmentation

With IT management, you can quickly analyse and get insights into the needs of your customers. With this, you can reach your target audience and interact with them.

Increases Utility and Lowering Costs

With the help of software solutions, your business can increase utilisation and reduce costs.

Increases Security

Security is among the top priorities of any organisation. Fortunately, with the help of information technology management, you can protect your business against potential security threats. So, you can have smooth and secure business operations.

A digital career, whichever route you choose, will give you valuable experience and training in a wide variety of areas. Many employers will be looking for a candidate with this kind of diverse background. It is also possible that you’ll want to start your own business, using the skills and knowledge you’ve gained.

Remember, the Tech Industry Gold accreditation is a significant benefit as you will not only study for a degree that is relevant to the workforce, but you will also have the opportunity to meet employers in person through events organised by the TechSkills team.