Question:
Is programming needed for an I.T. job?
?
2014-05-11 11:22:21 UTC
\I'm working towards my I.T. degree right now but my worry is that I will have to have knowledge of programming languages to get a job. I really don't like programming/coding at all. Should I switch majors or will I be fine? I've looked up other sites but I prefer a more concrete anwser. Is JavaScript, Java, ect. knowledge needed?
Six answers:
?
2014-05-12 10:21:08 UTC
There are plenty of jobs that don't require any programming. I've always been the software developer type in IT, it makes you way more marketable if you can do some minimal coding. If someone says "I have this 20,000 line config file and I want to add this to every instance of that and add 1 to the field if it has that but not this and total on field x but identify duplicates"



Takes 10 minutes to code, takes 2 days by hand.



If you do web stuff, java script helpful. If you do Java web stuff or Java deployment, then you need Java.

Real companies have some guys who do Java, and that is what they do. You aren't the Perl or PHP or Python guy or SQL guy and tell him to whip up some Java for you!
Jan
2014-05-13 00:56:36 UTC
Most IT jobs require programming/technical skills as it is a pre-requite in IT. However, there are other professions that don't need much of these. Graphic design, logo maker, data entry are just one of them. They are considered as "easy jobs" in IT but definitely a worth it course to take as they get great traction as well especially in online jobs. Check this infographic - http://biz30.timedoctor.com/salaries-around-the-world-awesome-new-infographic/



" Is JavaScript, Java, ect. knowledge needed?"

- If you're in the techie aspect, yes, these skills are needed.
Richard L
2014-05-19 03:59:04 UTC
There are many IT jobs that don't require programming. Here are a few:



Computer Technician - Works on computer hardware at user location or in service center. (entry level IT Job)

Service Center Coordinator - Schedules the repair of user community computers, orders spare parts, schedules staff, establishes priorities, maintains loaner laptops and non-US laptops for travel outside of US.

Help Desk Staff - answer questions and resolve problems for the user community. (entry level IT Job - Tier 1 support)

Storage Administrator - in charge of mass storage servers and devices.

Network Administrator - Works on routers, switches, hubs, cables, load balancers and all the other hardware that handles LAN and WAN network traffic. Also, may be responsible for IP phone service.

Systems Administrator or Systems Engineer- Works with servers, laptops and desktop computers to keep them free of problems and secure the data they contain. Responsible for Security group creation and memberships, server patching, anti-virus protection updates, password changes and any automated mechanisms that make these changes. These positions may be divided into server and desktop teams. Tier 2 support.

Enterprise Administrator - Handles Enterprise support and design issues. Tier 3 support.

Active Directory Administrator - Designs and administers Active Directory infrastructure, AD policies, access permissions, roles, group policies, separation of duties.

Exchange and Messaging Administrator - maintains mail systems servers, other mail related devices and the company messaging infrastructure.

Backup Administrator - Maintains backup devices and determines backup strategies so data that was deleted accidentally or intentionally can be recovered. Design and control how and when data is backed up, where the backups are stored and how long the backups are retained. They will test to be sure backups are valid and usable.

Disaster Recovery Specialist - Plans for disaster events so the company data and infrastructure can be brought back online as quickly as possible after a fire, flood, earthquake, terrorism or other disaster event. Plans for failover of services to alternate locations, if the primary location is not available.

Database Administrator - Maintains the company databases which may include customer and sales records, billing information, inventory and other data.

Computing Security Specialist - A company's biggest asset is its data and the Computing Security Specialist will work to try to keep that data protected from loss. They may be dealing with and defending against viruses, hoaxes, malware, keyloggers, phishing attacks, internal attacks and domestic and foreign intrusion. Develops monitoring and interception systems, filters and strategies and works with appropriate government agencies.

Ethical Hacker – performs intrusion and vulnerability testing of systems. Works with Computing Security to insure intrusion prevention systems are working correctly.

Corporate IT Acquisition Specialist - Works with acquired outside companies to establish migration into the corporate computing infrastructure.

Data Center Administrator - Maintains the data center facilities where the company's servers and other devices reside. They are responsible for physical security and may review badge reader and camera information to be sure that only individuals with proper access are getting close to the company's servers and other critical devices. Also, maintain backup power devices (UPS or generators).



In a small business the list of jobs above might be performed by one or two people doing all these jobs. In a large Enterprise environment this could be hundreds of people.



Best wishes!
anonymous
2014-05-12 04:28:52 UTC
Most of the it jobs are related to programming however you can try networking or it hardware or testing.
The Lone Wolverine
2014-05-11 17:35:03 UTC
When I see "IT degree" I don't know what that means. What kind of curriculum are you taking at your school? What are you learning?



Because "IT" is a very general umbrella term with a lot of subfields under it, with programming and software development being only one. There's also networking, hardware/repair, security, servers. A lot of people start out with a tech support or help desk job, then move on to being a system admin or server admin. Most people who study something IT-related don't become programmers.



I would think that an IT curriculum would expose you to all of those subfields, and you could get some idea of what you like and would rather do. I didn't study IT, Comp Sci or anything like that in college. I learned from working tech support and help desk that I absolutely hate networking, though. I learned from doing hardware repair that I can't make enough money to live doing that work for the rest of my life. I realized from messing with phone apps that programming might be interesting to me, and now that's what I'm focusing on learning. This is the kind of self-discovery you should be doing in college and from your curriculum; you should not still be thinking "IT"=programming.
PatriciaB
2014-05-11 12:36:12 UTC
Not all IT jobs require knowledge of programming but it sure helps if you have a general understanding. In our very large (80,000 employee) healthcare company, IT people do everything from working in the resolution center to project management for new system installations. IT people contribute to our understanding of certain business system to developing the infrastructure that keeps our nation wide company connected. To figure out where you want to specialize, go to Monster.com or a few large company websites and read the open IT job listings. That should give you a good idea about what skill sets you need to develop. Good luck.


This content was originally posted on Y! Answers, a Q&A website that shut down in 2021.
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