What is Information Technology? A Beginner's Guide to IT

Let’s begin by answering the question “what is information technology?”

For many people, information technology (IT) is synonymous with the individuals we call for help when our computers aren’t working. While this view isn’t necessarily incorrect, information technology encompasses much more. IT involves the governance and maintenance of computer systems and their operations, along with the development and management of infrastructure such as networks and software.

Information technology comprises everything from computer hardware and software to networks, cloud computing, data security and technical support. It includes the design and development of apps and tools, analysis and data management, IT infrastructure planning and implementation, cyber security and more.

There are many different career paths  in the information technology field, and the demand for IT professionals continues to grow. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts 15% growth in information technology occupations on a national level between 2021 and 2031.1 This is much faster than the average for all occupations, with about 418,500 job openings projected for each year, on average. This growth is projected on a national level and will vary by location. These projections are also not specific to DeVry University graduates and may include earners at all stages of their career and not just entry level. 

At its core, information technology serves to solve business or organizational problems on a broad scale. Without functioning IT systems, work in many organizations would likely grind to a halt. It would be difficult to find a business anywhere that doesn’t rely at least partially on computers and the networks that connect them.

And as competition rises among markets, many businesses find it necessary to implement more sophisticated programs and solutions. Having strong IT systems can potentially help set businesses apart from their competitors by outsmarting, outpacing and out-delivering them.

Under the larger umbrella of information technology are many specialties and subspecialties. Most align to a handful of core concepts that touch all aspects of computing, across every type of business and industry. These include:

In our interconnected world, personal and sensitive data lives on our devices and online at banks, healthcare providers, e-commerce sites and anywhere else we conduct business. We frequently hear of breaches or hacks that compromise data; although major incidents make headlines, these instances affect only a small fraction of the sensitive data stored online.

Cyber security professionals work behind the scenes to keep your data safe from cybercriminals. People who specialize in this area are skilled at assessing threats, developing countermeasures, ensuring network security, auditing system usage and implementing disaster recovery plans. They also have the knowledge to trace and identify the source of threats using computer forensic techniques.

Cloud computing company Domo released their annual Data Never Sleeps infographic which shows how much data is generated every minute. The 1.7 million pieces of content shared on Facebook, 2.43 million snaps on Snapchat, 231.4 million emails sent and $443,000 spent on Amazon per minute in 2022 gives you some idea of how widespread the exchange of data has become and drives home the need for information technology professionals to manage and protect it.

Businesses of all sizes depend on the accurate and timely sharing of data to get the job done. IT professionals who specialize in database management are adept in data storage and retrieval, database management system (DBMS) architecture, data backup and recovery, data archives and more.

Database professionals often work alongside network managers and analysts who understand how data is transmitted from person to person and from device to device. These specialists excel in network design, in-house company networks, cloud computing, mobile networks and network security.

Ever have a problem with your computer that required professional help? Then you already understand the basics of computer technical support. Whether you call it the help desk, the service desk or desktop support, there is hardly a more useful resource to a frustrated user than the technical support employee who can solve their computer problem.

Successful support professionals are patient and understanding, with the ability to ask the right questions and get to the root of an issue. They have a broad-based understanding of hardware, software and systems, oftentimes with knowledge of and training in specific applications and software packages relevant to the industry in which they work. The technical support team is typically organized in tiers, with entry-level employees escalating complex problems to their more experienced colleagues.

Software developers are sought after by businesses that seek to update existing programs or create new proprietary applications. Developers work closely with business analysts and users to audit and upgrade systems, generate code for new software solutions, maintain and test software and document how programs and apps work.

Some developers specialize in types of software (apps, databases, operating systems), while others focus on specific industries like finance, healthcare, gaming, ecommerce and others. Many developers work on technology product teams, but there are some who work solo to develop their own apps for sale on the open market.

Modern information technology encompasses a broad array of devices, methodologies, systems, programming languages and connectivity. But even with all its complexities, it can still be broken down to two major parts: hardware and software.

The physical equipment required to manage information is referred to as hardware. This IT component consists of the devices we rely upon daily to communicate and to manage, process and store information such as mobile phones and laptop computers. It also includes peripheral devices like printers, switches, servers and routers that are used in different configurations by work-from-home individuals and giant data centers alike.

The software component of IT has two basic parts: system software and applications. Systems software manages basic computing functions. Without it, your computer or mobile phone would not know how to run the myriad applications that we use every day.

Examples of system software include:

As you might guess, the right degree for you depends on where your interests lie. Do you want to be a hands-on developer? Help solve complex problems for users? Manage systems, networks or data? Become an IT leader?

The good news is that no matter what your goals are, there are technology degree programs at all levels – associate, bachelor’s and master’s, as well as undergraduate and graduate certificates. Some of these degrees include, but are not limited to:

Information technology degree jobs may go by different names depending on the organization, but some of the titles you might come across include:

Certifications are an important consideration in information technology. They are intended to validate the skills you’ve learned and can help you stay competitive as a candidate for a new job in IT. They can also help you stay on top of the latest technology and industry best practices throughout your career. That’s why at DeVry, we’ve designed several of our tech programs with industry-recognized certifications in mind. Each certification has its own prerequisites and exam characteristics, such as the cost, duration, number of questions and passing score.

Sought-after certifications in the areas of cloud computing, data privacy, cyber security, data management and project management include:

If you’re preparing to pursue a career in information technology it’s important to know that, as in many other career paths, technical, or what’s known as hard skills are important, but you should also understand the importance of the various non-technical, known as soft, or interpersonal skills that could help make you a more attractive candidate as your career progresses, especially if you’re working toward IT management positions.

Hard skills for IT professionals include hardware and software deployment, database management, cloud computing, and machine learning and artificial intelligence. Technical proficiency in these areas can help you to troubleshoot issues as they arise and better understand your organization’s information technology goals.

No matter what level your position is, knowing how to work well with others is vital to developing strong working relationships, which is where soft skills come into play. As an IT manager, these skills become even more important. Depending upon the size of the organization and its IT department, your management responsibilities could include interviewing and hiring team members, leading IT department meetings, supervising and training IT specialists and evaluating employee performance, leading IT department meetings, and setting goals and managing budgets for teams, projects and initiatives.

But no matter your role or level, having well-developed relationship skills like these will help you be as effective a team player as possible. Examples of these skills are:

Salaries for IT professionals can vary based on experience, education and the company or industry in which they are employed. For a general understanding of earning potential for information technology degree jobs, we recommend referencing the occupational data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There, you can learn more about median salary ranges, education requirements and more.

Deciding what degree is best for information technology careers depends on your goals and areas of interest. However, there are some commonalities that make for a successful program. Look for:

Achieving your goals may be closer than you think. Explore our information technology degree and certificate programs and contact us to start building a path toward your future.