Technology

Help Desk Technician

All help desk personnel need excellent problem-solving, communication and interpersonal skills, along with patience, a customer-friendly attitude and the ability to work in a team environment.

In addition, technicians should have a strong technical understanding of technology, including the various hardware, software and networking systems being supported.

Employer requirements depend on the help desk position level.

Tier 1, an entry-level position, normally requires less than two years of work experience and may require an associate’s degree or completion of coursework at a technical school.

Tier 2 jobs typically require two to four years of work experience and may require a bachelor’s degree or a two-year degree and additional, equivalent work experience in a help desk setting.

Tier 3 positions often require four or more years of help desk experience, may require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, and/or professional certifications such as HDI’s Customer Service Representative or Support Center Analyst or the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) designation.

Technology

Information Systems Security Manager

Successful candidates should have a strong technical background in systems and network security, along with excellent interpersonal and leadership abilities.

Superior analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as exceptional written and verbal communication skills, are also essential.

It is important that candidates keep abreast of industry security trends and developments, as well as applicable government regulations.

Employers normally seek five or more years of systems and network security experience. One or more years of managerial experience may also be required.  Industry certifications such as the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or the CompTIA Security+ also are commonly sought by employers.

Typical duties of an information systems security manager
Providing leadership, guidance and training to information systems security personnel
Reviewing, implementing, updating and documenting companywide information security policies and procedures
Managing security audits and vulnerability and threat assessments, and directing responses to network or system intrusions
Ensuring fulfillment of legal and contractual information security and privacy mandates, including providing executive management with compliance reports and audit findings
Preventing and detecting intrusion

Technology

Mobile Application Developer

Mobile application developers need strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.

Employers require previous experience building mobile applications and mobile websites for Android, iOS, Symbian, Windows Mobile or Windows Phone.

Common languages and platforms include Java, Java EE, Java ME, JavaScript, JSON, Objective-C, .NET and HTML.

Typical duties of a mobile application developer
App coding, testing, debugging, documenting and monitoring
Interacting with different departments within the organization regarding new deployments
Contributing to the development of project schedules and workflows
Recommending changes and enhancements to software applications

Technology

Network Architect

Successful candidates need an extensive background in all aspects of networking technology and must possess excellent communication skills.

Employers generally seek at least seven years of experience with network operating systems such as Cisco, Novell and Windows Server. A networking certification from sources such as Cisco, Microsoft or Novell also is highly valued.

Network architects should also have experience working with routers, switches, cabling and other essential network hardware.

Typical duties of a network architect
Assessing business and applications requirements for corporate data and voice networks
Planning, designing and upgrading network installation projects
Establishing and maintaining backup, version-control and viral defense systems
Troubleshooting network architecture and making recommendations for system findings and enhancements
Making recommendations for leveraging network installations and reducing operational costs