Network and User Support Specialists provide technical assistance to computer users. They answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, over the phone, or electronically.
Information Security Analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.
Database Administrators use software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They ensure data is available to users and secure from unauthorized access.
Web Developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the look of the site and its technical aspects, such as its performance and capacity.
Computer Systems Analysts analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns.
Software Developers develop, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. They analyze user needs and develop software solutions.
Network and Computer Systems Administrators design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets.
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians assist scientists or related professionals in building, maintaining, modifying, or using geographic information systems (GIS) databases.
Brandon Larrabee is a geographic information systems specialist for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Larrabee works to create digital representations of geographic areas to help with land restoration projects and environmental analysis.
Emma Overmyer is an associate 3D artist at Pipeworks Studios, a video game developer in Eugene, Oregon. As a 3D artist, Overmyer works on a variety of creative projects with the goal of building immersive worlds.
David Van Hook serves as the Director of Information Technology (IT) at Living Opportunities, a non-profit organization in Oregon. His role involves managing the organization’s technological infrastructure and exploring the use of technology in assisting people with disabilities.
If you enjoy reading technical materials and diagrams, solving technical problems, reasoning clearly and logically to solve complex problems, playing video games and figuring out how they work, or working with computers, a career in Information Technology might be perfect for you. This pathway is ideal for those who are persistent, precise and accurate, big-picture thinkers, have good concentration skills, and are logical/analytical thinkers.
Career Planning
Here are three careers in high demand right now in Oregon.
Education: High School Diploma to Associate’s Degree
Annual Average Wage: $51,000
Duties: Provide technical assistance to computer users. Answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, over the phone, or electronically.
Why it's in demand: With the widespread use of technology in all sectors, the need for technical support specialists to assist users and maintain systems is consistently high.
Education: Associate’s Degree to Bachelor’s Degree
Annual Average Wage: $75,000
Duties: Design and create websites, ensuring the site is functional, visually appealing, and easy to navigate.
Why it's in demand: As the internet continues to grow, businesses and organizations need skilled web developers to create and maintain their online presence.
Education: Bachelor’s Degree
Annual Average Wage: $99,000
Duties: Plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems.
Why it's in demand: With the increasing threat of cyber-attacks, there is a high demand for cybersecurity analysts who can protect data and maintain secure systems.
Career OneStop Take this 30-question interest assessment to help you match your interests with exciting careers.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Career Journeys Watch young Oregonians in high-demand trades share their career journeys and give you a window into their workday.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Oregon Career Pathways: Explore career pathways through the Oregon Employment Department to understand the education and training needed for different occupations. Learn which jobs are in highest demand and what they pay.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */Community & Workforce Training: The Business and Management Career Learning Area focuses on the business and entrepreneurial needs of Oregon’s students as they prepare to enter and succeed in the world of business. The careers in this area span virtually every industry in the world.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */The Oregon Career Information System (CIS): provides a system of occupational and educational information to help Oregonians learn about the world of work and education. We work with schools, colleges, social agencies, and businesses who provide career guidance and employee development services. They use CIS products with their students, clients, customers, and employees to assist them with the process of career planning or career transition.
/* Your custom link styles with !important */
Career Connected Learning is a partnership between the Oregon Department of Education and the Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Committee. Site design, implementation and content development by Southern Oregon Education Service District, in partnership with Inflexion and the Journalistic Learning Initiative.
