If you're already interested in starting a career in technology, you may already know the different fields available to you. However, knowing a few key descriptions can be useful to someone interested in a tech career or even to the average student or employee in a technology-driven environment.

If you are looking into or starting to pursue a degree in technology, having an understanding of the careers that are available, and what types of classes you will need take, will help guide you in a more concentrated direction. For example, you may think web design and web development are interchangeable, but they're actually two different areas of expertise!

When looking for a job in technology, it is easy to misinterpret some of the tech jobs you will come across. You dont want to enter a field thinking that you will end up with one type of job and then find out that it was not what you expected after it is already too late. Even if you are not directly in the tech field, knowing what each person in your IT, web design, or product development departments does is important so that communication is clear and time is not wasted looking for the right person to get the job done.

To help bridge the gap between sort of knowing and basic understanding, here are some tech field and job descriptions every person should know:

Information Systems

• Data Communications professionals focus on the planning, managing and securing of sophisticated networks of linked computers, both within organizations and across the Internet. Careers include Network Analyst (responsible for the installation, layout, and maintenance of all network components within a company) or Network Engineer (high level; designs and implements computer networks).
• Database Systems experts are involved in designing, managing, and securing complex, organized information systems. Careers include Database Engineer (design and monitor complex databases).
• Technology Leadership / Project Management professionals understand administrative concepts, have legal and financial skills, and know the social and ethical issues required to successfully manage growing, complex technology organizations. Careers include Project Leader or CIO (in charge of information technology, IT strategy and the computer systems required to support an enterprise's objectives and goals).
• Web and Application Developers focus on web and application programming. Careers include Web Developer (specializes in, or is specifically engaged in, the development of World Wide Web applications, or distributed network applications that are run over HTTP from a web server to a web browser) or Web Programmer (creates the interactivity on the site including the actions on forms, rollovers for menus, and any other programming on the site).

Web and Multimedia Design

In the Web and Multimedia Design field professionals work to creatively and efficiently combine design and technology to create beautiful and intuitive digital interfaces such as websites and mobile applications

Careers include:

• Web Designers are both creative and technically inclined, and use both these attributes to build or redesign websites.
• Art Directors are responsible for visual style and branding in companies. They manage a team of designers and work to ensure that the production runs both smoothly and efficiently. They can work in newspapers, magazines, product packaging, movie and TV productions and more.
• UX / UI Designers are responsible for enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty by improving the usability and pleasure provided in the interaction between the customer and the company's digital interface. They ensure that all customers who come to a company's website or use an application have a good experience and want to come back.
• 3D Animators create an imaginary world that appears real. They create animated people, cartoon characters, and objects which then move around in realistic looking space. Animators are needed in many areas such as movies, tv, video games and more.

Instructional Technology

put quite simply, is teaching and using technology in education. Instructional technology specialists design, develop, utilize, manage and evaluate processes and resources for learning. These professionals improve educational and training systems in schools, organizational settings, and universities through the implementation of technology equipment and programs.

Different types of instructional technology jobs include:

• Teacher Certification: People who want to teach technology to children in public schools need to be state certified. These individuals should enroll in an instructional technology program that will simultaneously teach them about implementing technology in the classroom and help them earn their teacher's certification. Careers include Computer Lab Teacher or Technology Director.
• Corporate Trainers: Do not need to recieve special certification; their college degrees will be enough. Corporate trainers work in small and large companies. They are are responsible for making sure that employees are kept informed and educated about all new technological developments in their organizations. Students in this field will obtain the necessary skills to work as Corporate Trainers, Instructional Designers, or Staff Developers.

Knowing about these basic tech jobs will help you in your current professional environment or your future one if you're looking to get into the field. Check back for a round of Tech Terms You Should Know later this year! If you’re ready to go from understanding tech concepts to making a great career with them, visit our website or complete the form below to learn more about the programs offered at Touro Graduate School of Technology. It’s the perfect way to get the tech skills you need in everything from web design to information systems and more!

If any of these careers interested you, then find out if they made our list of the 5 Tech Careers You've Never Heard!