IT Career Framework

Applications Development

Application Development analyzes requirements, designs and evaluates existing or proposed systems and devises computer programs, software and related systems to process data. Positions in this role perform tactical and technical planning, prepare program specifications and diagrams, and develop coding logic flowcharts. Additionally they encode, test, document, install and support the operating programs and procedures.

Business Analysis

The Business Analyst role carries out a variety of analyses (business process, needs assessment, cost/benefit, etc.) in an effort to align business initiatives with information technology solutions. Positions in this role make recommendations on how capabilities of automated systems can be used to improve business processes and solve business problems to support the short- and long-term direction of the business. Additionally they prepare functional, system and program specifications and make recommendations on hardware/software procurement to support business goals.

Database Administration

The Database Administration role defines and resolves information flow and content issues to translate business requirements into environment specific databases. Positions in this role monitor and analyze performance metrics and allocate database resources to achieve optimum database performance. Additionally they implement and perform backup and recovery procedures for the databases, develop the tools and techniques to access data in a secure environment, contribute to a common set of standards, methods and procedures used for all database development work, and recommend software and hardware upgrade paths. May include database analysis as well.

Network Administration

The Network Administration role designs, installs, configures, and maintains information network systems. Positions in this role participate in capacity planning, contribute to the creation and the maintenance of network disaster recovery plans, and monitor all network performance and connectivity activities. Additionally they develop technical standards and application interface, design and implement appropriate network security measures and procedures, and make recommendations for improvement/upgrades.

Project Management

The Project Management role is responsible for the oversight of the entire project lifecycle from project initiation to implementation for all types of projects which may utilize information technology solutions. Positions in this role develop the initial project charter including the scope, define project guidelines, and business and information technology sponsor approvals. Additionally they develop project plans and schedules, assemble the project team, and determine and acquire ancillary resources needed to successfully complete the project. They are also responsible for the ongoing management of the project which includes status updates, risk management, budget management and issue resolution. Project Management is typically responsible for managing the project team members and their performance and enabling the team by removing roadblocks.

Quality Assurance

The Quality Assurance role ensures that all information systems programs and projects meet organizational standards for usability, operability and performance and meet and end-user requirements. Positions in this role test applications for proper operation and freedom from defects, perform work-flow analysis, document all problems, and work with Project Team and Business Stakeholders to resolve them. Additionally they devise improvements to current procedures, develop models of possible future configurations, and recommend new processes, software and/or systems to improve internal information systems efficiency. Follows quality assurance life cycle methodology and best practices and provides recommendations on design usability.

System Administration

The Systems Administration role analyzes and resolves systems hardware (such as servers, operating systems and drivers) and software problems and develops technical solutions. Positions in this role formulate and define systems scope and objectives based on user needs. Additionally they coordinate and prepare detailed documentation for system installations and maintenance including user and technical manuals.

Systems Analysis

The Systems Analysis role implements, integrates and supports vendor supplied applications. They are often familiar with a variety of programming languages, operating systems, and computer hardware platforms. Because they often write user requests into technical specifications, the systems analysts are the liaisons between vendors and IT professionals. They may be responsible for developing cost analysis, design considerations, and implementation time-lines.

Technical Support

The Technical Support role provides technical support to end-users for software, hardware, networks and various related devices. Positions in this role configure and deploy all types of personal computing devices and peripherals and perform application and operating system software installations and upgrades. Additionally they train users on software and hardware, troubleshoot and resolve user problems, and maintain related user, inventory and warranty records.