- An information technology representative is responsible for the implementation and management of an information system for a client firm as delegated by the information technology manager. The representative must perform periodic maintenance of the servers, research methods of increasing data security and provide progress reports to the manager. In order to perform these functions, the representative must work alongside other information technology departments. An information technology representative may also work with the information technology project manager in order to ensure that operating costs are within the client firm's budget.
- Extensive knowledge in the creation and maintenance of databases, particularly performance tuning views and indexes is a basic necessity for job performance. The knowledge of SQL and PLSQL are required. The most basic programming languages required are C++, scripting, HTML and web-based languages. All of these technical skills are expected to be attained by completion of an academic training program in a computer science related discipline.
- An information technology representative must have excellent interpersonal communication skills as the representative's ability to create and implement an information management systems plan that meets the requirements set forth by the manager is highly dependent upon this ability. Thus, the representative must follow direction well and exhibits excellent team working abilities. As the representative provides troubleshooting assistance to the client firm, it is important that the representative is able to deconstruct technical issues in an easy to understand manner. An understanding of the client's industry and business practices is helpful in understanding the function of an information system within the company.
- A bachelors degree in information systems, management information systems or computer science, is required. In some instances, a bachelors degree may be forgone if several years of experience working in information technology or a certificate proving specialization in a specific software or hardware program is attained. Certificate programs are administered by the software or hardware manufacturer.
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a faster than average job growth for computer network, systems and database administrators for the 2008 to 2018 decade. This translates to a 23 percent job growth for this industry. The catalyst for demand is an increase in mobile technology by global firms and a reliance in technology as the means of communication. An increase in information security is another point of importance for firms with extensive information technology systems.
The BLS states the median salary for computer network, systems and database administrators to be $66,310, as of May 2008. The lowest 10 percent earn less than $41,000 and the highest 10 percent earn greater than $104,070.
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