Information Technology

Information Technology (IT) – technology relating to computer systems, both software and hardware involving the development, maintenance, storage, and processing of data.

Artifacts

IT graduates should prove increased skills in the use of technology for personal purposes. I chose to write a personal blog because it is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the principles of organization and navigation in hypertext documents. The blog captures my day-to-day exploits as a homemaker in a suburb of Tampa, FL since becoming a full-time student. My family frequently chuckles over my adventures with my book club nicknamed “The Housewives of Fish Hawk,” making it great material for a personal blog.

Personal Blog at WordPress.com: Life Is A Kerfuffle: exploits of a book club diva http://lifeisakerfuffle.wordpress.com

Next, is a Job Analysis Essay that I prepared in ENC3246, Communications for Engineers. This project demonstrates my ability to gather, analyze, and report data. This type of work is my strength, as I depended on these skills working as an accountant. I gathered 50 IT job postings from the internet for business analysts and general entry-level IT. I analyzed the ad contents, creating spreadsheets to breakdown the required skillsets, education requirements, and programming languages. I then created various charts and graphs to represent the results of my research.  

Areas of Strength / Improvement

I worked with the analysis of sophisticated energy derivative trade data for seven years as an accountant. I used advanced-level Excel skills to create spreadsheets with links to XML files and pivot tables. I see these skills as an asset. Proficiency with writing SQL queries will round out my technical expertise. I should also know how to query large data sets using T-SQL. I already have reporting experience using Crystal Reports and Business Objects. Upcoming coursework in Data Structures and Algorithms and Database Systems will improve my IT competency. My goal is to be certified in SAS Analytics once I attain the needed work experience. I can then function at a high level as a Data Analyst.