Month: May 2018

Most people have a narrow view of what the IT field entails, thinking that it starts and ends with basic support jobs like IT consulting in Miami. In reality, though, when you commit to the IT field, you have a wide variety of different options. From networks service in Miami to working in software design, the IT umbrella has plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the standouts.
Computer Support

This is probably the base option you think of when it comes to working in IT. Basically, people in this job work to keep the machines of computer users up and running. Just about any company or institute either has a job specifically for this purpose or a company they reach out to for help with various issues. In addition, those who go to higher levels of education or experience may go on to become tech support specialists, who provide guidance and support to other computer support professionals. Part of the reason why this is so popular is that unlike other IT jobs, you don’t need a bachelor’s degree. National statistics show that the median pay for computer user support specialists was $50,210. In addition, if you are looking for side work in IT, this is probably the way to go.

Computer Programming
If you go this route, you’re going to want to start preparing for college, making sure you learn one or more relevant programming languages during your education. This is because programmers write the code that powers these programs, from games to apps to databases. Generally, a programmer works alongside software engineers and business analysts to put together a program for a pre-designed purpose. Compared to something like a network administrator, this career path is a bit more well-suited for introverts than other ones. The median pay for computer systems analysts in 2017 was $88,270.

Network Administrators
Speaking of which, network administrators are in charge of the network that a company uses. Their daily duties, on top of fielding questions and tackling issues, they handle adding and deleting users as appropriate. At higher levels, network administrators may also design and implement networks of their own. The median pay as of 2017 was $81,100, according to national statistics. In addition to a degree, you may need to pursue additional certifications in order to qualify for jobs in this field. However, it makes sense. When you consider how important networks are for the daily operation of many companies, it’s little surprise that you want the best people in these positions.

Computer Systems Analysts
If you’re a person who’s interested in numbers, this may be the job for you. Analysts take a look at existing systems as well as the companies that use them. Their insight helps companies decide where they need to go for system upgrades, development, as well as other ways to overall improve their efficiency. The median pay for a computer systems analyst in 2017 was $88,270. Many companies seek out consultants for their analytical needs.

IT is a wide spectrum of opportunity, from running a managed IT service in Miami to serving as a consultant/analyst to a variety of different countries. However, as many people will tell you when you’re applying for work, you don’t want to paint with too large a brush. A good hiring manager can detect a weak, templated resume or cover letter from miles away—the last thing you want. With all the earning potential in IT, you don’t want to let a golden opportunity slip through your fingers. Here are some ways you can stack the deck in your favor.

Ideally, you’re making the right moves before you ever get to the job application process but making sure you are prepared in terms of education. Aside from the most basic IT support in Miami jobs, the bulk of IT careers are going to require a bachelor’s degree, and while a basic computer science degree is a good start, you want to make sure that your focuses match your career. For example, a software designer or engineer will need to specialize in learning several programming languages to increase their chances of getting hired. However, someone looking to become a systems administrator may want to take a closer look at how to manage the technology rather than create it.

In addition, education goes beyond the classroom. When you’re looking at internships, much of the same mindset comes with choosing your initial degree. Make sure that your internship will teach you valuable skills when it comes to your future career of choice, or has a company name that will impress people for entry-level jobs.

Of course, you may need to look beyond an internship to round out your education. This means certifications, and if you listen to IT pros, getting relevant certifications are key to increasing your earning power. The trick, along with choosing the right schools and organizations for your certification, is also to always stay on top of the newest tech and platforms. You don’t want to waste your money and time learning something outdated. These also make for great chances to network, as you will be surrounded by people who are in IT and also highly motivated to improve.

Where all these things come together is putting together the perfect IT resume. When you’re trying to organize all the relevant skills you’ve amassed from school and beyond, generally, a basic list will do. However, be sure that you read the job listing when creating said list. Highlight and showcase things that match what they are looking for. Technical summaries are good for this is because many companies use tools that search for specific keywords before even getting into a person’s hands.

Another thing that you want to make sure you do when you talk about your past experience in an IT resume is making sure that you don’t neglect your accomplishments. A hiring manager wants to see how you’ve benefitted a company, and the easier it is for you to provide proof, the better.

When you’re working in a small business, from providing marketing services to other business or offering IT support in Miami, you always try to look for ways to save money however you can. This instinct is essential in a lot of different ways, but can also work against you when it comes to getting the added help you need. A major example of this is bringing on help from skilled consultants. These can help you patch together major holes in the skillset your staff has without taking on the full financial commitment of a new employee. Of course, this only works if you choose the right type of consultants. Here’s how to make that happen.

1. Check their experience: The number reason that you use a consultant is for the skills they offer, but when it comes to the selection process, you may want to weigh experience more heavily than you do with a typical employee. A major reason for this is a time investment. With a long-term employee, it may make sense to start with someone with less experience and help them develop. But for say, IT consulting in Miami, you may need someone who can contribute in a major way, right away. They may not have worked for your company before, but see if they have experience in the same field or in a company with similar structure to you. The less time you spend training, the more you get from your investment.
2. Utilize your resources: If this is the first time that you’re looking for a consultant, like one who specializes in managed IT service Miami, it can be a bit of a daunting task. The easiest way to cut through all your options is to rely on your network for recommended consultants. Failing this, industry associations are also a good place to get unbiased opinions on what consultants are a good match and why. If you have a shortlist of consultants, getting references can also help in this area.
3. Make sure they can communicate: A consultant’s ultimate role is to help you, but in order to actually deliver said help, they need to be able to communicate it effectively, whether they primarily do so in person, in writing, or both. As an added note, communication is a two-way street. You also want someone who can listen to suggestions, guidance, and tips that you provide in order to properly do their job. This also helps build up trust, which is key, as consultants are often privy to many different private facets of your business.
4. Make sure they are reliable: This is a bit of a difficult trait to measure, but is part of what makes everything else on this list work. To explain, a good networks service consultant in Miami is a rock in unsteady waters, someone you should be able to rely on either for advice or to take on work that is too much for your staff. When you are going through references and interviews, ask how your potential consultant demonstrated this, so they can do the best job for your business.

For any business, a consultant fills a valuable role as a source of unbiased counsel and a professional with the ability to fill in where your staff may be lacking. But when we get into specific jobs, like running a managed IT service in Miami, they have more to offer. There are several different reasons that your business will be better off for bringing on one of these professionals: from the practical to the more esoteric.

Make Your Company Better
For starters, when it comes to tech-based fields, it is easier than ever for what was once current to suddenly become outdated. This applies to the technology itself, but also to different approaches and styles of leadership. As a result, if a business owner is too busy putting their nose to the grindstone to look up and see how the industry around them is changing, they may be working hard at something that is no longer useful. Bringing on IT consulting in Miami is a way to protect from being caught in this type of scenario, by having a professional who’s tuned in to the outside world and trends as they change.

Even if it’s not an issue of staying current, consultants are used in the IT world because, in many ways, this world is one of specialization. Many people in upper management of larger companies may not realize that an IT professional in Miami with a background in desktop management or IT support isn’t necessarily ready to take on running a data center. IT consultants make sure that you’re not trying to plug in square pegs in round holes, so to speak.

Address A Problem
While larger companies may have IT consultants on retainers to try and avoid situations like the type we mentioned before, there are also situations where you may need them for more practical concerns, like a single project that the company is behind on or to cover things while an employee is on a leave of absence. This is extremely useful, especially at the smaller business level. A lot of times, you may not have the funds to bring on a full-time IT professional, but don’t necessarily need one either. A consultant meets that happy middle area, while also being able to get started right away rather than needing a lot of training or preparation.

In some cases, you may need a consultant not necessarily for a task itself, but managing several ones. Project management and communication are something that many networks service consultants in Miami are inherently skilled at, which makes sense, considering that they often work with a variety of different clients and need to be able to quickly switch modes to fit each job. This same expertise can be applied to managing various projects.

Consultants are a valuable resource, but like any other resource, what you invest determines your return. The most skilled consultants demand high salaries and wages, but they are deserved—bringing one means you can plug a talented, experienced worker in almost any scenario.