The rapid spread of computers and information technology has generated a need for highly trained workers proficient in various job functions. With the Internet and electronic business generating large volumes of data, there is a growing need to be able to store, manage, and extract data effectively. Database administrators work with database management systems software and determine ways to organize and store data. They identify user requirements, set up computer databases, and test and coordinate modifications to the computer database systems.

An organization's database administrator ensures the performance of the system, understands the platform on which the database runs, and adds new users to the system. Because they also may design and implement system security, database administrators often plan and coordinate security measures.

With the volume of sensitive data generated every second growing rapidly, data integrity, backup systems, and database security have become increasingly important aspects of the job of database administrators. Rapidly changing technology requires an increasing level of skill and education on the part of employees. Companies look for professionals with an ever-broader background and range of skills, including not only technical knowledge, but also communication and other interpersonal skills.

Although they are increasingly employed in every sector of the economy, the greatest concentration of these workers is in the computer systems design and related services industry. Because not all of the analysts would be needed once the system is functioning, the company might contract for such employees with a temporary help agency or a consulting firm or with the network systems analysts themselves. This growing practice enables companies to bring in people with the exact skills they need to complete a particular project, rather than having to spend time or money training or retraining existing workers.

For database administrator positions, many employers seek applicants who have a bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems (MIS). A bachelor's degree is a prerequisite for many jobs; however, some jobs may require only a 2-year degree. Relevant work experience also is very important.

Employers also increasingly seek individuals with a master's degree in business administration (MBA), with a concentration in information systems, as more firms move their business to the Internet. Jobseekers can enhance their employment opportunities by participating in internship or co-op programs offered through their schools.

Computer scientists and database administrators must be able to think logically and have good communication skills. Because they often deal with a number of tasks simultaneously, the ability to concentrate and pay close attention to detail is important. Although these computer specialists sometimes work independently, they frequently work in teams on large projects. They must be able to communicate effectively with computer personnel, such as programmers and managers, as well as with users or other staff who may have no technical computer background.

The median yearly earnings of a database administrator was $85,190 in 2004, with the middle 50 percent earning between $64,860 and $108,440. As a database administrators, you can work in fields such as Internet service providers; Web search portals; and data processing, hosting, and related services firms. Others work for government, manufacturers of computer and electronic products, insurance companies, financial institutions, and universities.

A growing number of computer specialists, such as network and data communications analysts, are employed on a temporary or contract basis; many of these individuals are self-employed, working independently as contractors or consultants. As technology becomes more sophisticated and complex, employers demand a higher level of skill and expertise from their employees. Individuals with an advanced degree in computer science or computer engineering or with an MBA with a concentration in information systems should enjoy favorable employment prospects.

Because employers continue to seek computer specialists who can combine strong technical skills with good interpersonal and business skills, graduates with degrees in fields other than computer science who have had courses in computer programming, systems analysis, and other information technology areas also should continue to find jobs in these computer fields. If you have the right experience and training, you can work in these computer occupations regardless of your college major or level of formal education.

Network systems analyst analyzes, designs, tests, and evaluates network systems, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), Internet, intranet, and other data communications systems.

• Job duties for a data communications analyst include performing network modeling, analysis, and planning. Researching and recommending network and data communications hardware and software. A network systems analyst may supervise computer programmers.
• Some of the most important skill sets you should posses as a network systems analyst includes problem-solving, decision-making, leadership, and logic and reasoning skills.
• Most employers require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Having knowledge of the technical aspects of the job is essential

Database administrators work with database management systems software and determine ways to organize and store data. They identify user requirements, set up computer databases, and test and coordinate modifications to the computer database systems.

• Job opportunities are mostly in computer systems design and related services industries. However, database administrators are increasingly being employed in various other fields.
• As a database administrator, you must be able to think logically and have good communication skills.
• Since you will be dealing with a number of tasks at the same time, the ability to multitask and pay close attention to detail is important.
• Being a database administrator will frequently involve working in teams on large projects. Therefore, you must be able to work in a team environment and communicate effectively with other personnel.

Network planning and design is an iterative process, encompassing topological design, network-synthesis, and network-realization, and is aimed at ensuring that a new network or service meets the needs of the subscriber and operator. The process can be tailored according to each new network or service. This is an extremely important process which must be performed before the establishment of a new telecommunications network or service.

• Since you will be working as part of a larger team, the ability to work in a group environment is important, in addition to communication and interpersonal skills.
• Other traits that are commonly looked for in a network planner are analytical and logical thinking, organizational and multitasking skills.

A database engineering professional develops databases and relational databases for users by identifying their requirements, database tasks, identifying data needed to support tasks, and mapping the data to tables. For relational database proficiency, technicians identify key fields and relationships, and solve complex database relationships.

• As a database engineer you should have strong analytical problem solving skills, and the ability to multitask.
• Since you will be explaining and documenting the database-related contents of the deployment and operations documentation to its diverse audiences, excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
• In addition to at least a bachelor's degree in software/systems engineering, computer science or a relevant subject matter, employers are looking for practical hands-on training and experience in designing and implementing data and software components.
• Knowledge of fundamental Structured Query Language (SQL), open source with MySQL, Linux and Unix, and the management of an Apache server are the software capabilities you should have as a database engineer.

Telecommunications specialists (TCSs) design voice and data communication systems, supervise installation of these systems, and provide maintenance and service to clients after installation. Systems can range from a connection between two offices on different floors of the same building to networking databases, and voicemail and electronic mail systems throughout globally distributed offices of multinational organizations.

• No particular degree is required to become a telecommunications specialist. Instead, extensive job training programs are the norm. Those with strong math or engineering backgrounds have an advantage over the candidate pool in general; communication skills are an advantage too.
• Training programs usually last two or three months in large companies; on-the-job training in mentor programs isn’t unusual for smaller companies.
• Professional education is also standard in this field, as the technology changes almost as rapidly as the daily newspaper.
• A telecommunication specialists’ skills are valuable in a number of other technology-oriented jobs. Many become service sales representatives for high-tech products companies.
• Others become computer network administrators, capitalizing on their understanding of the interplay between local wiring (connections) and performance (results).