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Career Path Forecast
 According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics,
computer scientists and database administrators are projected to be one
of the fastest growing occupations over the next decade. Strong
employment growth combined with a limited supply of qualified workers
will result in excellent employment prospects for this occupation and a
high demand for their skills.
The computer scientists and database administrators occupation is
expected to grow 37 percent from 2006 to 2016, much faster than average
for all occupations. Employment of these computer specialists is
expected to grow as organizations continue to adopt and integrate
increasingly sophisticated technologies. Job increases will be driven by
very rapid growth in computer systems design and related services, which
is projected to be one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S.
economy.
The demand for networking to facilitate the sharing of information, the
expansion of client-server environments, and the need for computer
specialists to use their knowledge and skills in a problem-solving
capacity will be major factors in the rising demand for computer
scientists and database administrators. Firms will continue to seek out
computer specialists who are able to implement the latest technologies
and are able to apply them to meet the needs of businesses as they
struggle to maintain a competitive advantage.
 As
computers continue to become more central to business functions, more
sophisticated and complex technology is being implemented across all
organizations, fueling demand for computer scientists and database
administrators. There is growing demand for network systems and data
communication analysts to help firms maximize their efficiency with
available technology. Expansion of electronic commerce -- doing business
on the Internet -- and the continuing need to build and maintain
databases that store critical information on customers, inventory, and
projects are fueling demand for database administrators familiar with
the latest technology. Because of the increasing reliance on the
Internet among businesses, information security is an increasing
concern.
The development of new technologies leads to demand for various kinds of
workers. The expanding integration of Internet technologies into
businesses, for example, has resulted in a growing need for specialists
who can develop and support Internet and intranet applications. The
growth of electronic commerce means that more establishments use the
Internet to conduct their business online. It also means more security
specialists are needed to protect their systems. The spread of such new
technologies translates into a need for information technology
professionals who can help organizations use technology to communicate
with employees, clients, and consumers. Explosive growth in these areas
also is expected to fuel demand for specialists who are knowledgeable
about network, data, and communications security.
 Computer
scientists and database administrators should continue to enjoy
excellent job prospects. As technology becomes more sophisticated and
complex, however, these positions will demand a higher level of skill
and expertise from their employees. Individuals with an advanced degree
in computer science or computer engineering or with an MBA with a
concentration in information systems should enjoy favorable employment
prospects. College graduates with a bachelor's degree in computer
science, computer engineering, information science, or MIS also should
enjoy favorable prospects, particularly if they have supplemented their
formal education with practical experience. Because employers continue
to seek computer specialists who can combine strong technical skills
with good business skills, individuals with a combination of experience
inside and outside the IT arena will have the best job prospects.
In addition to growth, many job openings will arise from the need to
replace workers who move into managerial positions or other occupations
or who leave the labor force.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US Department
of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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