INTRODUCTION
With the advent of computers and the dawn of the ICT age, a great part of our lives and what we do are now enhanced by the use of computer technology. IT or Information Technology refers to the use of computers and telecommunication for the collection, processing, storage, packaging and circulation of information. This technology opens up a whole reservoir of electronically stored information and services. Texts, sounds, pictures, videos, documents and designs can be transferred and shared. The computer serves as an information appliance that combines the functions of telephone, fax, television etc. It allows instant and constant communication worldwide.

Those who opt for a career in the IT line may be employed by IT users and suppliers, educational and training institutions or research and development (R&D) departments. Trained IT professionals are currently in great demand, considering the rapid increase in the use of computer technology.

JOB DESCRIPTION
Types of jobs available in the IT profession include:

(a) Computer Operator (Console Operator, Systems Operator)
- Operates computer systems using consoles and on line terminals.
- Identifies source of problems and takes corrective action in the event of faults occurring.
- Loads computers with magnetic disks or tapes which carry programmes and data.
- Cleans and maintains equipment, keeps records, makes reports and assists users with the use of computer equipment.

(b) Engineer
(i) Field Engineer (Customer Engineer, Support Engineer)
- Attends to customers' service calls when they meet problems with their computers.
- Helps maintain customers' computers in good working order.
- Helps to install equipment for computerised operations.
- Manages a team of technicians in the development of maintenance programmes and schedules to enhance the computer equipments' performance.
- Helps IT suppliers to push sales of computer hardware and software to end-users.

(ii) Network Engineer (Communications Specialist, Telecommunications Engineer)
- Plans and designs new communication software for computers which are network-linked.
- Installs new networks and services.
- Analyses current network and assesses the relevance of equipment and services.
- Modifies and improves the equipment, facilities and services.

(iii) Research Engineer (Research Scientist, Software Engineer, Technical Staff, Technology Application Staff)
- May work on the development of innovative products and user applications.
- Ensures that developed products meet users' needs.

(c) Programmer
- Writes programmes for the computer to perform specific tasks.
- Designs programmes according to the requirements of the systems analyst.
- Prepares diagrams, tables and flowcharts to show the sequence of operations carried out by the computer.
- Codes instructions in a language that the computer can understand.
- Tests programmes and does corrections if necessary.

(d) Sales Representative
- Solicits orders and sells computer hardware and software to users.
- Needs to be able to point out merits of the equipment and present or give a demonstration of the company's products.
- Quotes prices, credit terms and delivery conditions, offers reductions in certain circumstances and gives information concerning probable price trends.
- Forwards orders and makes reports of business transactions.
- Keeps up with the latest developments in the computer field.
- Studies trade periodicals and stays informed of price changes and other marketing conditions.
- Collects payments and issues receipts for products sold.

(e) Service Technician
- Sells products, supplies or services using specialised knowledge of technology.
- Advises on the utilisation and maintenance of equipment sold.
- Advises customers on the application, installation and operation of equipment.
- Calls on potential customers to explain merits of the company's products.
- Installs, maintains and repairs computer equipment.

(f) Systems Analyst (Software Engineer, Information Technologist)
- Decides where and how best to use computers to improve operations.
- Finds out what prospective computer users hope to achieve.
- Prepares a plan specifying the computer-based procedures which details the task that will be performed, the cost involved and the computers needed.
- Tests and installs new systems, organises, guides and monitors efforts of programmers.

(g) Systems Programmer (Systems Engineer)
- Researches, designs and develops programmes which control the internal operations of computer systems.
- Produces software for sophisticated operations.
- Evaluates, tests, installs and maintains systems software.
- Determines problems and works to identify and solve them when errors occur.
- Provides technical support to the sales team.

(h) Technical Writer
- Plans, designs and writes user manuals and technical references for both hardware and software products.
- Writes promotional materials and newsletters for users.
- Writes descriptions of computer products