The Computer Technology Specialist option places more emphasis on advanced Internet topics and is for people who like to be more creative, generally working on smaller projects, and usually with more cutting edge technology. These graduates work with the Internet and Corporate Intranets, dealing with the design, development and maintenance of Websites. They may also work with Local and Wide Area Networks (LAN and WAN), and other data communications systems. Earnings in these jobs are similar to the Programmer/Analyst option, with a wide range depending on your technical skills.

Webmasters are responsible for the technical aspects of website maintenance, such as improving access speeds and other performance issues, and approving site content. Web Developers, on the other hand, are responsible for site design and creation, and usually work on several sites on a daily basis. A CIS Associate Degree from OCC could get you either one of these jobs!

Occupations in the computer industry are expected to grow the fastest and rank in the top 20 for number of new jobs created between 1998 and 2008. (US Dept. of Labor) The more formal education, the more quickly employees can advance. The nature of evolving technology forces workers to be flexible and adapt to rapid changes in the industry. A well-rounded degree program can prepare you for the inevitable career transitions. "Communication is the key. Employers are looking for people with strong writing, speaking, and presentation skills. The computer guru can no longer be hermited in front of the monitor," says Don Mann, Computer Systems faculty member at OCC, Orchard Ridge.

The CIS Associate Degrees are intended to help students prepare to get into the workplace in two years. However, becoming Computer Scientists, Software Engineers or Network Administrators with earnings up to $80,000/year encourages students to go for even higher education. About 25 percent of OCC's CIS students transfer to a university and earn their Bachelor's Degree. If a student is planning on transferring to a four-year school, Mann advises contacting a counselor at that school to see which CIS credits will transfer. Most schools accept credits for classes only when they have an equivalent offering, but Walsh College regards the OCC program so highly that they accept 100 percent of all OCC CIS credits unconditionally.

Technical certification is often required by employers as a measure of competency and/or quality -- and they'll pay more for it. Oakland Community College offers four certificate options for students who desire specific training in Computer Information Systems, but do not plan to pursue a degree. Students who want to be employable sooner may become certified first, then finish their degrees. Individuals who already have an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in another field also find the certificate to be a great option.

The Computer Programmer (CPC) and Computer Technology Specialist (CTT) Certificates correspond to the respective Associate Degree options, but do not include the core general education classes. People with these certificates can become Computer Support Specialists, Help Desk Technicians, or Customer Service Representatives.

Potential earnings are about $22,000 to $35,000 per year. The third certificate offered is the Computer User Certificate (CUC), designed to provide extensive exposure to the small computing environments typically found in industry. Emphasis is placed on the development of personal computer practical experience and a solid foundation in computer based systems concepts. "People certified in this program generally work in small businesses, such as dentists’ or real estate offices, with computer networks of six to twelve workstations," says Mann. Being the most basic certificate, you may expect to earn from $20,100 to $31,100, according to Career InfoNet.

The Multimedia Communication Certificate (MMC) program is an exciting new offering at OCC. This program prepares students for the emerging technology of blending many media types such as film, photography and desktop publishing with computer generated special effects and animation.

The majority of these classes are housed in the Art and Photography department, but the program is under CIS because of the computer enhancement element. You have seen these multimedia effects in such films as The Matrix and Titanic and in many television commercials. The trend of the advertising industry in Detroit is quickly exploiting this new technology, and the demand for people with these skills will skyrocket in the near future. People with these hot skills are also working in Sales and Marketing, Communications and Video Development, such as digital presentations seen at the auto show and training films. Is there money to be made?

According to industry sources, the Multimedia Communication Certificate is worth about the same pay as the Computer Technology or Programmer Certificate right now.

There are tons of opportunities in the Information Technology (IT) field right now, but you have to be sharp. Employers are looking for the best. "It's very important to stay fresh," says Don Whitaker, IT Recruiter for Entech Corporate in Troy. "The market for students coming out with a CIS degree is unbelievable. It will continue to grow on all levels from entry- to senior- management," he says. Entech's IT department places people on contract, usually for a six month trial period that transitions into a permanent position if the fit is right. The Web Design and Development jobs are hottest right now, paying from $22 to $27/hour.

Both Entech and Web Group stress that you need to find your niche in the computer industry and get all the education you can. The job market flexes, but if you can get your foot in the door with certificates or a degree, moving around within the industry is easier.