Develop your own career assessments

Useful career assessments should include those elements that are most important to you. That's why you should visit www.itsworking.org. The site offers a great deal of information to help you develop your own career assessments covering many different jobs, titles and responsibilities. This site is particularly helpful if you're interested in career assessments that relate to technology.

Career assessments related to your level of technical skills

Itsworking.org has a special section dedicated to career assessments relating to your use of the on-the-job technology. Here you can find specific information about career opportunities for Technology Users, Technology Administrators, Technology Producers and Technicians. You'll get to see assessments on what's needed to succeed in the many career opportunities available in each of these categories.

Technicians today are far more than Mr. Fix-its

Today, qualified technicians are needed to build, install, test, evaluate and maintain electronic equipment. They work in numerous areas such including field service, sales and manufacturing. Technicians use specialized test equipment, PC hardware and software, systems documentation and schematics, as well as basic hand and power tools.

To succeed in this growing field, technicians require a broad educational background that encompasses far more than simply building, testing and troubleshooting circuits and systems. They must be able to use word processing and spreadsheet software as well as be able to design using CAD systems. They should understand digital and microprocessor systems and be able to write software to check and upgrade these systems.

Technicians who specialize in wireless communications and telecommunications networks need to be able to construct and analyze data communications systems. This includes installing and troubleshooting both local area networks and Internet hardware. Some technicians even go on to manage cell phone and satellite systems.

Specialists in the area of industrial controls require specific training in setting up and adjusting these systems. They must be able to work with programmable logic controller systems in addition to analyzing and troubleshooting robotic systems.

Technology producers are involved in product development as well as installation and maintenance

Like Technicians, Technology producers often work on teams with others to design, develop, produce, test and maintain complex products and services. They take a "hands-on" approach to this work, which involves troubleshooting and working with end users.

To succeed in this field, you need an education that provides you with professional level skills in electrical circuits and systems. This could include an introduction to design, DC/AC circuit analysis, electronic circuits and signal processing. You'll also need courses in digital and microprocessor systems such as an overview of digital circuits, digital systems, microprocessor architecture and programming, microprocessor peripherals and embedded microprocessor systems.

Technicians and Technology Producers must also be communicators.

All professionals involved in technology are often called upon to communicate to not only other technical specialists but also to clients and company management. They are often called upon to write letters, proposals, memos, reports and proposals. They may also be involved in producing and giving presentations to general and technical audiences.

An outstanding future begins with an education

Itsworking.org provides a complete list of opportunities available to those with a technician's associate degree. They also give you further information on opportunities for those who wish to complete a bachelor's degree and become a technologist. These job titles are listed alphabetically and each also includes the national salary level for working professionals.