Community College Pathway to IT and Computing Careers

Are any of these true for you?

Are you somebody who...
  • enjoys finding better ways to get things done and wonders how you might use that in a job?
  • is interested in understanding how technology can help solve some of the world's most pressing problems?
  • wants a good job with good pay, soon?
  • is interested in staying local?
  • is looking for an affordable start to your college education?
Then you might want to enroll in a community college.

diverse college grads stock photoBy enrolling in a two-year college you can pursue these IT and computing career paths:
  • Industry-recognized certifications can qualify you for good jobs in a short period of time.
  • A two-year associate's degree prepares you for computer programming, network administration, computer support, web design, health care information, and other technical jobs.
  • Transfer to a four-year college or university enables you to work toward a bachelor's degree in computer science. If this is your plan, be sure to take community college coursework that will transfer.

opportunity ahead stock photoJobs are available...

IT and computing jobs are among the fastest growing jobs in the U.S. Average projected growth of all U.S. occupations between 2016 and 2026 is 7%. Jobs in computing and IT are expected to increase by 13% during the same period.

...and pay well

Salaries in IT and computing are high and can take less time to achieve than those in other sectors.
With a two-year degree or technical certification...
Some Job Titles Include Projected Growth 2016-2026 2016 Average Annual Wage 2016 Average Hourly Wage
Computer Support Specialist 11% $52,160 $25.08
Computer Network Support Specialist 11% $52,160 $25.08
Nuclear Medicine Technologist 10% $74,350 $35.75
Medical Record, Health Information Technician 13% $38,040 $18.29
Environmental Engineering Technician 13% $49,170 $23.64
Web Developer or Web Site Manager 15% $66,130 $31.79
With a four-year or advanced Computer Science degree...
Sample Job Titles Projected Growth 2016-2026 2016 Average Annual Wage 2016 Average Hourly Wage
Database Administrator 11% $84,950 $40.84
Network & Computer Systems Administrator 6% $79,700 $38.32
Software Developer 24% $102,280 $49.17
Information Security Analyst
C4C Cybersecurity Icon		 28% $92,600 $44.52
Computer Systems Analyst 9% $87,220 $41.93
Computer and Information Systems Manager 12% $135,800 $65.29

Get started now!

  1. Take math, IT, and computer science classes.
  2. Look for extracurricular computing activities.
  3. Do research and meet with advisors at two-year colleges.
     Ask about certification programs recognized by local technology companies.
     Learn which courses apply to a four-year degree or major (if you plan to transfer).
  4. Apply for admission to community college.
  5. Develop a program plan with a faculty member or academic advisor for the degree you're considering.

Sources:
Counselors for Computing (C4C) is a project of the NCWIT K-12 Alliance, made possible by the Merck Company Foundation, Google, Palo Alto Networks, and Apple.

 

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