Information Technology has brought on the "Knowledge Worker Age", the new economy and e-commerce. From mining data warehouses to animating graphics for computer games, this is a field thriving on intellectual capital and intellectual property.

Information technology refers to those systems (software plus hardware) used to manage and process information.

Due to the success of the Internet and the growth of the computer industry, companies are competing for talent in information technology. Workers are in high demand and the field is one of the fastest growing sectors of the job market. As companies seek to fill their expanding ranks, IT job seekers are ideally positioned to negotiate their best offer.

This field is full of opportunity for creative thinkers who are comfortable in settings that are unpredictable and ever changing. The most effective IT workers are able to combine technical expertise with strong people skills, team orientation, and problem solving ability.

There are several courses of study that would help make someone successful in this career field. Some suggested courses are:

• Data Base Management
• Spreadsheet Management
• Hypercard Management
• Networking
• Desktop Publishing
• Computer Programming
• Program Design
• Word-Processing
• Computer Information Management
• Business Systems and Technology
• CAD/Design
• Engineering
• Visual Communication and Design
• HTML/Web Design

The half-life of knowledge and skills is extremely short in this field, requiring constant learning and re-skilling. Rewards can be great, but the pace is hectic.

Work settings in this industry are very diverse, ranging from large computer labs to small home offices. Nearly all businesses, regardless of sector, now have an IT staff to handle everyday computer problems and maintain and upgrade systems.