Entry Level IT Jobs with Job Descriptions and Duties
Here’s a “representative sample” of the entry level IT jobs that are available now according to Robert Half Technology.
Robert Half Technology
Glossary of Job Descriptions for Technology
1/11/10
Help Desk (Tiers 1, 2 & 3)
All help desk personnel need excellent problem-solving, communication and interpersonal skills, along with patience, a positive, customer-friendly attitude and the ability to work in a team environment. In addition, they should have a strong technical understanding of the various hard¬ware, software and networking systems being supported. Employer requirements depend on the help desk position level. Tier 1, an entry-level position, normally requires less than two years of work experience and may require an associate’s degree or completion of coursework at a technical school. Tier 2 positions typically require two to four years of work experience and may require a bachelor’s degree or a two-year degree and additional, equivalent work experience in a help desk setting. Tier 3 positions often require four or more years of help desk experience, a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field and/or professional certification, such as HDI’s Customer Service Representative or Support Center Analyst (SCA) or the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) designation.
Typical duties include:
Tier 1
• Taking initial telephone or e-mail inquiries and troubleshooting and managing relatively simple hardware, software or network problems that can be resolved in five minutes or less
• Recognizing and escalating more difficult problems to Tier 2 support
• Logging call activity
Tier 2
• Resolving more complex issues requiring detailed systems and applications knowledge; these issues have been escalated from Tier 1 support and may require five to 15 minutes to settle
• Using judgment and making the decision to generate a trouble or work order ticket for issues that cannot be resolved via telephone or e-mail and will require an on-site visit to the user’s PC or workstation
Tier 3
• Researching and resolving the most difficult and complex problems that other help desk levels have been unable to resolve
• Analyzing and identifying trends in issue reporting and devising preventive solutions
• Mentoring other help desk personnel on hardware and software problem analysis and resolution
Software Developer
Software developers need to be detail-oriented and have excellent problem-solving and analyti¬cal abilities. They should have good communication skills and be able to work independently and as part of a development team. Employers normally require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a similar field but may accept a two-year technical degree if combined with sev¬eral years of practical experience. Equally important are programming skills in languages and frameworks such as C#/C++, HTML, Java/Java Enterprise Edition/J2EE, Microsoft .NET and SQL Server. A minimum of two to three years of programming experience is a typical requirement. Complex projects may call for additional years of demonstrated achievement.
Typical duties include:
• Coding, testing and debugging programs according to computer engineering specifications
• Modifying, expanding and updating applications
• Communicating with a team that includes analysts, engineers and quality assurance testers in order to coordinate and document application development and testing
• Developing software prototypes
Telecommunications Specialist
Telecommunications specialists need a detailed understanding of telecommunications theory and practice. They should have solid technical skills as well as interpersonal and organizational abilities. Employers may seek an associate’s degree in electronics or a related field but are equally interested in several years of hands-on experience with communications equipment. Experience working with the specific hardware used in the company’s telecommunications system, as well as with cabling and transmission test equipment, is highly valued.
Typical duties include:
• Installing, configuring and maintaining voice, data and video equipment
• Installing and testing cabling
• Investigating and resolving trouble ticket items; making necessary equipment repairs
• Resolving circuit issues
• Maintaining system logs and records
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Business Analyst
For ERP business analyst positions, employers seek candidates with a demonstrated ability to translate business requirements into ERP solutions. Because ERP business analysts work closely with colleagues in technical and business departments, strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential. Project management experience also may be required. Specific technical requirements vary by employer, but strong technical and functional knowledge of the employer’s preferred ERP solutions is a must. Candidates also should have a thorough understanding of business processes, as well as an IT- or business-related bachelor’s degree.
Typical duties include:
• Analyzing and defining ERP systems, functions, and business process and user needs
• Performing functional configuration and maintenance for ERP systems based on changing operational and business needs
• Researching transactional issues, identifying root causes and driving resolutions
• Creating documentation such as policies, procedures, workflows and user guides
Database Developer
Database developers need a thorough understanding of relational database theory and practice. They must be analytical and adept at problem-solving. They also should be good communicators. A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field often is sought, although data¬base experience can be substituted with some employers. Familiarity and experience with major enterprise database programs such as Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle or IBM are essential, and professional certification (Microsoft Certified Database Administrator or Oracle 10g Database Administrator Certified Professional, for example) in these programs is a plus. Since many web applications now interface with databases, experience in Internet technologies also is valuable.
Typical duties include:
• Developing database objects and structures for data storage, retrieval and reporting according to project specifications
• Implementing and testing database design and functionality, and tuning for performance
• Providing support to database administrators and interfacing with business users to ensure the database is satisfying business requirements
• Designing and developing back-end database interfaces to web and e-commerce applications
Developer/Programmer Analyst
Developer/programmer analysts must have strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. They must understand and conceptualize applications from both a technical/programming perspective and a business point of view. Because they deal with both technical personnel and business managers/administrators, as well as participate on project teams, they need strong interpersonal and communication skills. Excellent programming abilities in common languages and frameworks such as C#/C++, Java Enterprise Edition/AJAX and Microsoft .NET are needed for the coding aspects of the position. Most employers look for at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science or management information systems, and relevant job experience.
Typical duties include:
• Analyzing business application requirements for functional areas such as finance, manufacturing, marketing or human resources
• Writing code, testing and debugging software applications
• Recommending system changes and enhancements
• Documenting software specifications and training users
Web Designer
Web designers must be creative and possess excellent design and conceptual skills in combina¬tion with in-depth knowledge of the technology and software applications used to create web pages. They need to be familiar with HTML, XML, JSP, CSS, PHP, AJAX and similar web proto¬cols as well as the following Adobe web page and design applications: Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat, Dreamweaver and Flash. The ability to multitask and adapt to changing priorities and new technologies also is essential. Employers may require a bachelor’s degree in fine arts, graphic design or communications, but often are more interested in three or more years of design and production experience and a strong portfolio of web designs.
Typical duties include:
• Working with design teams, marketing staff and developers to create a consistent and compelling visual style for a company’s website
• Designing and formatting web pages
• Testing and troubleshooting web page features
• Creating artwork to appear on web pages
Web Developer
Web developers should have in-depth knowledge of Internet protocols and applications in addi¬tion to a solid understanding of business strategy. They need strong communication skills and the ability to work both individually and as part of a team. Employers typically seek individuals with a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, plus at least several years of web-related experience. Work experience can sometimes be substituted for the educational requirement. Sample code and web links to sample work are often requested. Candidates should be well-versed in web technologies and tools such as AJAX, ASP, ColdFusion, JavaScript, SOAP, HTML/DHTML, LAMP and others.
Typical duties include:
• Gathering business requirements and developing specifications for web-based applications
• Providing technical assistance to web administrators
• Integrating websites with back-end systems such as databases
• Writing test plans and test results
IT Auditor
IT auditors must have broad knowledge of the technical infrastructure and architecture of computer systems as well as exposure to a variety of platforms such as operating systems, networks, databases and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems. These professionals must possess excellent interpersonal skills, including communication, presentation and leadership abilities. Employers typically seek at least a bachelor’s degree (a master’s degree may be pre¬ferred) in computer science, information systems, business administration, finance or a similar field. A Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) accreditation also may be required.
Typical duties include:
• Testing and evaluating IT systems and controls for conformity with industry standards of efficiency, accuracy and security
• Providing independent verification of compliance with statutory requirements and similar regulations
• Making recommendations for systems operations and process improvement
• Developing risk-based audit plans
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Business Analyst
Employers seek CRM business analysts with proven analytical and problem-solving capabilities, as well as extensive technical and functional experience with specific CRM systems. Because CRM business analysts serve as liaisons between IT and business groups, strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential. Employers also may require a demonstrated understanding of sales, marketing and other business processes. CRM business analysts must be able to anticipate the organizational impact of process changes. A bachelor’s degree in a computer- or business-related discipline is typically required, as is thorough knowledge of the employer’s existing CRM applications.
Typical duties include:
• Translating business requirements into user and functional requirements
• Conducting root cause analysis in support of process improvements
• Planning, conducting and directing the analysis of complex business issues to be solved with process changes and information systems
• Working closely with business users to resolve ongoing functional issues
