Applied Technology Careers and Programs

Which Types of Jobs Are Available for Those Interested in Applied Technology?

Individuals working in applied technology focus on how technological innovations can be used in everyday applications, ranging from communications, computer networking, or information technology. Careers in applied technology may fall into three main categories: applied technology analysts, computer engineers, or industrial engineers.

Applied technology analysts plan, execute, and evaluate findings from experiments on the feasibility and usability of advanced information technologies like:

• Data mining and link analysis
• Text search and filtering
• Language translation and audio indexing
• Geotemporal visualization
• Collaborative Web 2.0 platforms

Applied technology analysts generally have backgrounds in military strategy, intelligence operations, and computer science technology.

Computer engineering careers encompass an array of applied computer technology jobs in the fields of hardware and software design, maintenance, and IT management. Some popular computer engineer positions include:

• Computer systems network administrator: These IT professionals allow computers to exchange data with one another through Local Area Networks, Metro Area Networks, Wide Area Networks, and wireless networks.
• Information security specialist: These data security specialists assist hospitals, governments, corporations, banks, and militaries with transferring, storing, and protecting the sensitive information they collect.
• Internet security specialist: Internet security specialists protect Internet users' files and email from intrusion by unknown users.

Patience and problem-solving skills are two essential qualities for computer engineers, as these technicians must keep be able to bring computer systems back up, if and when they do crash.

Industrial engineers consider how to use industry-specific technology alongside business and human management principles. They improve efficiencies in the design, manufacture, and distribution of products and services. Industrial engineers work in applied industrial technologies, including but not limited to robotics, aerospace product and parts manufacturing, and renewable and traditional energy systems design.

Formal Training Requirements to Work in Applied Technology

Applied technology analysts are technology specialists who work as consultants and in leadership positions. A bachelor's degree in computer science, mathematics, or applied technology is the minimum requirement, although graduate degrees are common. Applied technology analysts often require high-level security clearances.

Computer engineers come from all types of educational backgrounds. Some enter the field through a high school internship or after completing a two-year applied technology degree program. Others have bachelor's and advanced computer science degrees.

Regardless of what applied technology degree programs a student attends, obtaining IT certifications, such as Network+, Security+, or CISCO can demonstrate expertise for computer engineers.

While most industrial engineers enter with the minimum qualification of a bachelor's degree, some states also offer two- and four-year engineering technology degrees, which focus on applied engineering skills. All 50 states require licensure for professional engineers. Licensing requires a minimum of four-years work experience and passing a state-agency approved exam.

Typical Career Paths for Applied Technology Professionals

Applied technology degree programs can begin as early as high school and reach as far as a PhD in computer science or military operations. High school technology academies and charter schools specializing in math, computer science, and applied industrial technologies can help students start applied technology careers early.

Enrolling in one of the four undergraduate military academies, paying for applied technology degree programs through ROTC scholarships and other military funding, or enlisting in the armed services are also common ways to begin applied technology careers.

Two-year applied technology degree programs can be found at vocational schools and community colleges. Bachelor's degrees in computer science, industrial engineering, mathematics, or statistics are all good choices for applied technology careers.

While enrolled in an applied technology program, look for hands-on internships and work-study programs. These often lead to first jobs. Most people work several years in applied technology jobs before going on to graduate school. Advanced applied technology degree programs require two to six years of study beyond the bachelor's degree.

Job Outlook and Salary Information for Applied Technology Careers

Along with a wide range of opportunities in the applied industrial technologies sector come top-notch salaries and some of the highest growth career fields in the nation.

As of 2009, the BLS reported the following median annual salaries for the previously mentioned applied technology careers:

• Computer programmers: $70,940
• Operations research analysis: $70,070
• Network and computer systems administrators: $67,710
• Network systems and data communications analysts: $73,250
• Industrial engineers: $75,110

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the creation of 656,400 new computer engineering jobs through 2018. Professionals who graduate from advanced applied technology degree programs should have much better than average job prospects.