Lesson 2.3: IT Professionals

Question 1

System Administrator

Answer 1

The system administrator is responsible for providing technical support for hardware and software issues end users encounter, such as log-in issues. This position requires an associate’s degree or higher and a basic understanding of network vulnerabilities and security issues. The CompTIA Network+ and the CompTIA Security+ certifications demonstrate up-to-date knowledge and skills.

Question 2

Network Administrator

Answer 2

The network administrator is responsible for designing, planning, setting up, and maintaining an organization’s network. This position requires an associate’s degree or higher, network troubleshooting experience, and effective problem-solving skills. The CompTIA A+, CompTIA Network+, or CompTIA Security+ certification demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills.

Question 3

Database Administrator

Answer 3

The database administrator is responsible for installing and configuring databases. This position also fixes database errors and creates user accounts. This position requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or computer engineering. The MySQL and Oracle Database certifications are examples of certifications that demonstrate up-to-date knowledge and skills.

Question 4

Security Administrator

Answer 4

The security administrator is responsible for installing, administering, and troubleshooting network security issues. This position requires an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a related field. It also requires a deep understanding of IT infrastructures, including protocols, operating systems, and networks. CompTIA Security+ is a certification that demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills.

Question 5

Web Administrator

Answer 5

The web administrator is responsible for troubleshooting error messages employees encounter when attempting to access their organization’s website. The web administrator is also responsible for tracking, compiling, and analyzing website usage data. This role reports security breaches to appropriate personnel. This position requires an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a similar field. However, with the rise in nontraditional education, employers are hiring self-taught programmers as long as they have a solid web portfolio.

Question 6

Cloud Architect

Answer 6

The cloud architect is responsible for overseeing a company’s cloud computing systems. This position requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, or another relevant field. Strong understanding of operating systems such as LINUX, UNIX, and Windows is required. The CompTIA Cloud Essentials certification demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills.

Question 7

Network Architect

Answer 7

The network architect is responsible for designing networks and monitoring traffic. This position is responsible for installing routers and modems and upgrading hardware and software that are essential for the network to function properly. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, information technology, or a related IT field is recommended. Apart from these, the CompTIA A+, VMware Certified Professional, and other industry certifications can help an individual qualify for a computer network architect job.

Question 8

Automation Architect

Answer 8

The automation architect is responsible for modernizing business processes and developing reasons or rationales for or against a process being automated. This position prefers a bachelor’s degree with accompanying hands-on experience of application design and architect experience.

Question 9

Cybersecurity Architect

Answer 9

The cybersecurity architect is responsible for designing, building, testing, and implementing security systems within an organization’s information technology network. An individual within this position requires a thorough understanding of an organization’s IT systems to anticipate possible network security breaches. An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in IT, computer science, or a related field is recommended. Advanced IT security certifications such as CompTIA Security+ may be advantageous for demonstrating up-to-date knowledge and skills.

Question 10

Machine Learning Engineer

Answer 10

The machine learning engineer is responsible for allowing an organization to take full control of its data. Application developers and computer programmers with data analytical skills can transition to become machine learning engineers. Experience in Python, R, or Java with a background in machine learning frameworks is required.

Question 11

Software Engineer

Answer 11

Software engineers design and develop software that makes hardware and software systems work, including operating systems, database systems, and embedded systems. They need to understand hardware and software. Software engineers work with clients and colleagues to understand requirements and perform detailed technical work. Software engineers typically work in IT, electronics, or telecommunication companies in roles such as application programmers, software developers, and software architects. These jobs require attention to detail, analytical and logical thinking skills, and teamwork. Proficiency in working on complex software projects, accompanied by a bachelor’s degree in math, computer science, software engineering, or information technology, is recommended.

Question 12

Network Engineer

Answer 12

Hardware engineers, network designers, and network engineers set up, configure, maintain, and upgrade systems where data resides and that support the exchange of information, including communication systems and networks. Network engineers ensure that the security of data and information is appropriate and that companies have processes and procedures in place to enable business operations to continue in the event of a disaster. Anyone working in the IT department needs to have a deep understanding of networks and systems. However, the network engineer should have the ability to communicate, plan, analyze, and solve problems effectively.

Question 13

Cloud Engineer

Answer 13

Cloud software engineers, cloud security engineers, cloud system engineers, and cloud network engineers use their technical and analytical skills to help companies identify opportunities for migrating a part or all of their infrastructure to the cloud, supporting the more efficient use of resources and improving IT operations. These individuals design and set up automation, cloud storage, data centers, virtual servers, and web services with an emphasis on a particular solution’s cost, benefits to users, and security of data processing.

Question 14

Technical Support

Answer 14

The technical support specialist supports, monitors, and maintains workplace technology and responds to user requests for help. Titles for technical support in an organization include helpdesk specialist and IT support specialist. These roles need a wide range of IT knowledge, problem-solving skills, and patience to help users benefit from the available technology. Most IT professionals start their IT career in a technical support role. No higher education is required for entry-level positions. However, individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, information technology, or a related field are qualified.

Question 15

Systems Analyst

Answer 15

Systems analysts, product specialists, systems engineers, solutions specialists, and technical designers investigate business problems and create information systems to provide solutions. These jobs require both business and technical knowledge and rely on effective communication to understand clients’ requirements. A bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field is recommended. As an organization’s reliance on IT continues to expand, reliance on systems analysts will continue to grow.

Question 16

Data Analyst

Answer 16

Organizations gather data from customers and internal operations to identify opportunities to improve business operations. Data analysts use statistical and other quantitative methods to gain insights that support the organization’s decision-making. Data scientists, data analysts, and statisticians use their analytical expertise and presentation skills to tell the stories hidden in the data.

Question 17

Security Analyst

Answer 17

The security analyst is responsible for monitoring an organization’s network for security breaches. The role of this specific job will continue to grow as organizations continue to encounter network attacks. Most security analysts possess at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, programming, or a related field.

Question 18

Cybersecurity Specialist

Answer 18

Cybersecurity specialists work with organizations to keep their information systems secure and ensure integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data. They determine which users require access to what information, and then plan, coordinate, and implement information security solutions. They use their specialized expertise to help identify and protect against threats such as malware, phishing, viruses, denial-of-service attacks, and information warfare.

Question 19

Technical Consultant

Answer 19

Technical consultants, IT consultants, or IT specialists provide technical expertise by developing and implementing IT systems for external clients. Skills that are of particular importance for these roles include communication, presentation, technical and business understanding, project management, and teamwork. Consultants may work for themselves or for an organization providing third-party IT services.

Question 20

Project Managers

Answer 20

The project manager organizes people, time, and other resources to make sure projects meet requirements and are completed on time and within budget. To successfully manage projects from start to finish, project managers need good organization, problem-solving, and communication skills, as well as an ability to stay calm and focused under pressure. A bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related discipline is recommended.

Question 21

Web Developer

Answer 21

The web developer builds and maintains websites and their infrastructure. Web developers are also called web designers, web producers, and internet engineers. Their tasks range from technical to creative and include multimedia elements and the user interface. Web developers need to understand client-side, server-side, and database web technologies. In addition, web developers must have sharp analytical thinking and problem-solving skills and creativity. Generally, web developers may do some work with the interface, but developers are typically more involved with the infrastructure, such as installing web services, configuring authentication (if any), and managing database connections.

Question 22

Software Tester

Answer 22

The software tester is responsible for creating, documenting, and executing manually created test plans and procedures relating to system anomalies. Software testers apply attention to detail, creativity, and analytical and investigative thinking skills to prepare testing scenarios to discover issues in a system. Test analysts, software quality assurance testers, and other software testing roles try to anticipate all the ways an application or system might be used and how it could fail. They then communicate their findings to the project team to identify solutions that will mitigate the issues. No formal education is required. Experience in various programming languages is recommended.

Question 23

Technical Sales

Answer 23

IT professionals in the role of sales or account managers identify and help clients adopt IT services or technologies. These positions require both technical knowledge and the ability to communicate solutions or services to an organization. Product knowledge, negotiation skills, interpersonal skills, and business awareness are some of the key attributes of successful IT professionals in the technical sales domain.