What is the best freelance website?

Where can you get the ideal work or client? If you’re a freelancer, we can help point you in the right direction.

We know that freelance work has its perks, and searching for customers isn’t one of them. Marketing your services is indeed one of the most tedious tasks that you can face. This is where freelance websites come in.

However, websites offering freelance work come at varying degrees of reach, work types, and payment terms. If you’re not careful, you can end up wasting time, effort, and, worse, money on platforms with questionable standing.

That’s why we came up with this 20 best freelance websites for beginners and professionals, so you can weed out undesirables and focus on the most reliable ones. After all, time is money. Below, you’ll find it easy to compare the similarities and, more importantly, differences between each platform. Key features to consider include job types, payment terms, and communication channels.

it specialist jobs requiremnets

it specialist jobs

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

The BLS maintains that a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field is the most common requirement for becoming an IT specialist. Relevant majors include computer science, information systems and software engineering. Students in bachelor degree programs generally start by gaining a solid foundation in mathematics, science and engineering. They build a broad knowledge of computer science subjects in courses in data structures, numerical analysis, data management and programming languages.

Take advantage of computer laboratory resources. Institutions that offer computer science programs may also offer sophisticated computer labs for students. You should take advantage of these resources and the opportunity to get hands-on experience with the programs and software that are taught in classes and used in day-to-day operations of an IT specialist.

Also consider completing an internship. Since experience is an important part of finding employment in this profession, entry-level IT specialists may have trouble finding work. You can gain some practical experience and make professional contacts in the field by completing an internship with a local IT firm or the IT department of a company.

Step 2: Gain Professional Experience

According to a survey of job postings from monster.com in September 2012, IT specialist jobs typically require at least 3 years of experience in the field. The BLS indicates that advanced IT management and security analysis positions may require 5 or more years of experience. Typically, less experience is necessary at smaller organizations, so aspiring IT specialists may find this to be the best place to start their careers.

Consider also obtaining certification. Though certification is not required to enter this profession, it may help demonstrate skill and experience to employers. Additionally, employers often require IT specialists to have expertise with specific products. Vendors like Cisco, Oracle and Microsoft offer certification in their software products. Third-party organizations, like CompTIA, also administer certification for multiple vendors. Certification prerequisites and requirements vary by organization, though certification is usually awarded upon successful passage of an exam.

Step 3: Consider Earning a Master's Degree

A bachelor's degree may be the most common level of education required to become an IT specialist, but some employers prefer to hire applicants who have earned master's degrees in computer science or related areas. Also, master's degrees may create more opportunities for individuals seeking career advancement or higher positions in the field. Students in master's degree programs build on the knowledge that they have accrued during their undergraduate education and explore computer science theory and practice more extensively. They may take courses in computer graphics, algorithms, artificial intelligence, computational modeling and computer vision. Independent study and research in computer science, as well as a thesis, may also be required.

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Is Systems Engineering a good career?

application systems engineer

Do you want to be part of software development but also have a desire to work with hardware? If so, a job as a systems engineer may be the ideal hybrid job for you.

A systems engineer helps design and implement software. But what separates this IT professional from a software engineer is that a systems engineer also plays a large role in the infrastructure side of the solution.

Here’s a rundown of what these engineers do, what they earn and what qualifications are needed to be hired for this job.

Job duties and responsibilities

A systems engineer designs, implements and maintains the infrastructure necessary to run traditional client/server platforms, mainframes and web applications. This role includes installing and supporting software, debugging multiple systems and supporting an enterprise’s users. This specialist also performs high-level root cause analysis for service interruption recovery and implements preventive measures.

On any given day, the system engineer’s duties may overlap with those of a software engineer, systems administrator or network engineer.

Use our Salary Calculator to discover starting salaries for systems engineers in your area.

Job skills and expertise

The best systems engineers are flexible employees who thrive in complex and rapidly changing work environments and have a solid mix of technical and nontechnical skills.

On the technical side, an engineer must be able to perform analysis, troubleshooting and systems design. Some employers seek candidates with experience in software development, including specification, documentation and quality assurance. Most hiring managers require at least three years of direct experience in the software or hardware the company uses. Experience in a specific industry is also beneficial. As for education requirements, a bachelor's degree in systems engineering or a related field is generally preferred.

On the nontechnical front, systems engineers spend much of their time working with others to determine requirements and solve problems, so solid soft skills are an absolute must. They need top-notch abilities in communication, customer service, time management and teamwork.

Project management skills can be valuable in an engineering job as well, given the central role the systems engineer has in large projects that involve many different aspects of the enterprise.

Getting an engineering job

To start an engineering career, you need software development experience and the ability to design, implement, and maintain hardware and network infrastructure.

If you’re currently a software engineer, systems administrator or network engineer, you already have many of the qualifications for a career as a systems engineer. To enhance your credentials — and possibly increase your starting salary — consider adding one or more of these certifications to your resume:

Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
Oracle Java certifications
Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
Red Hat certifications
A legacy certification from Citrix

Salary trends

Systems engineers are in high demand. If you have the skills and interpersonal attributes needed to succeed in this fast-paced and multidisciplinary role, becoming one could be a good career move in any industry — especially considering current engineer salary trends.

According to the Robert Half Technology 2020 Salary Guide, the salary midpoint for a systems engineer is $106,000, depending on location, experience and other factors.

This salary increase reflects the strong demand this year for technology professionals in general, and the need for software development expertise in particular. If you have additional skills in basic administration, Cisco networking, Linux/Unix virtualization and Windows, you could be offered an even higher starting salary.

IS IT system engineer or systems engineer?

application systems engineer

An IT software engineer and systems engineer actually have a lot in common.

Both need to understand underlying business and support requirements to design solutions. They must both draw on techniques and processes from multiple disciplines when solving a complex problem or set of problems. And they are both expected to bring several years of experience with various programming languages to their roles, and to collaborate with quality assurance (QA) and hardware engineers.

As for general differences between the two positions: Software engineers tend to focus more on implementing software, while systems engineers work with users and domains. If you’re considering a career in either position, read on for some more details about what to expect and how to train for each:

The software engineer

An IT software engineer designs and creates engineering specifications for building software programs, and should have broad information systems experience. Software engineers typically work with QA and hardware engineers to develop testing plans. Other responsibilities might involve determining what development methodology to use and documenting software requirements.

Minimum requirements for this role, according to Robert Half Technology’s Salary Guide, include a bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering or a related discipline. Most can

The systems engineer

A systems engineer in IT does some of the same work as a software engineer in that he or she develops software components. But systems engineering also involves specifying, building, maintaining and supporting technical infrastructure. That infrastructure can include the build, test and production environments used to deliver Software as a Service, and the systems used to monitor the performance of deployed software solutions. A systems engineer also may be called on to perform high-level root cause analysis for service interruptions, and help bring services back online once a problem is resolved.

The minimum education requirements for the system engineer role mirror those of a software engineer: a bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering or a related discipline. Like systems engineers, software engineers typically have several years of experience working with multiple programming languages and are capable of collaborating with QA and hardware engineers.

Soft skills are especially important for systems engineering professionals, as they must be able to communicate effectively with both technical and nontechnical users. Many employers will want a systems engineer candidate with extensive experience working with specific hardware and software systems, and the ability to demonstrate that he or she can design, analyze and troubleshoot IT at a systems level.didates for software engineering jobs also have several years’ experience in specific programming languages, such as C# and C++, Java or Visual Basic .NET. Programming languages required will vary by employer.

STEPS TO BECOMING A SYSTEMS ENGINEER

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Systems Engineering (4 years)

Anyone considering a career in systems engineering (SE) should begin with an accredited bachelor’s degree in systems, industrial, or another engineering discipline (followed by SE-focused graduate study). The predominant entity which approves engineering programs is the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Though the nature of systems engineering often calls for a master’s education, a bachelor’s degree is usually enough to get graduates in the door. Some schools offer five-year combined BS/MS programs. One can choose from on-site and online degrees.

Admissions Requirements for Systems Engineering Bachelor’s Programs

The competitiveness of systems engineering programs varies from one college to the next, as do admissions requirements. The following are examples of common undergraduate SE admissions criteria drawn from real colleges. Note that online systems engineering programs may have additional requirements.

A high school diploma or equivalent
A cumulative high school GPA of at least 3.5 (varies)
A minimum SAT score of 1250 or ACT score of 28
An admissions essay, which usually addresses one’s education and career goals

Systems Engineering Course Examples

Systems engineering curricula depends on how general or specialized a program is, and even then they vary. The following examples demonstrate the types of courses systems engineering students often take.

Calculus
Linear algebra
Physics
Fundamentals of engineering
Statics and mechanics
Project management
Engineering economics
Engineering quality and reliability

What is application systems?

An application system normally consists of a user interface, business logic and a database of some sort.

The user interface is something that you can see and something that is used to interact with the computer. It could consist of set of screens, web pages or reports. Sometimes the user interface is an input device such as a bar code reader or a voice recognition device.

Some application systems have non-visual interfaces. These application systems exchange data electronically with other applications via a network.

Programming logic consists of one or more computer programs, scripts or other type of computer instructions that are used to validate data, perform calculations or navigate the user through the application system. Most large computer systems use multiple computer languages.

A database is a repository of data that is used to store information of interest to the organization in a structured format. The database could be a set of flat files and/or database tables. The structure of the database is designed to facilitate data access and/or updates.

A computer system is simply a set of computer components that are assembled into an integrated package. The components can be large or small and can be designed for a single purpose or for multiple purposes.

Application systems engineer

application systems engineer

This Systems engineer job description template is optimized for posting in online job boards or careers pages and easy to customize for your company when recruiting and interviewing. This IT systems engineer job description can be modified and shared to your technical candidates with a background in computer systems engineering and analysis.

Systems Engineer responsibilities include:

Managing and monitoring all installed systems and infrastructure
Installing, configuring, testing and maintaining operating systems, application software and system management tools
Ensuring the highest levels of systems and infrastructure availability
Job brief

We are looking for a Systems Engineer to help build out, maintain, and troubleshoot our rapidly expanding infrastructure.

What does a systems engineer do?

You will be part of a talented team of engineers that demonstrate superb technical competency, delivering mission critical infrastructure and ensuring the highest levels of availability, performance and security. Qualified systems engineers will have a background in IT, computer systems engineering, or systems engineering and analysis.

What is a specialist job title?

An information technology specialist applies technical expertise to the implementation, monitoring, or maintenance of IT systems. Specialists typically focus on a specific computer network, database, or systems administration function. Specialty areas include network analysis, system administration, security and information assurance, IT audit, database administration, web administration, and more.

Certification Requirements

Education requirements vary depending on the IT specialty. While some IT specialists work their way up with professional certifications, most experts begin their careers with an information technology degree at the associate or bachelor level. IT certifications are useful for building specialist expertise and staying up to date on the latest advances in a specific area of information technology.

Distance learning is a type of education, typically college-level, where students work on their own at home or at the office and communicate with faculty and other students via e-mail, electronic forums, videoconferencing, chat rooms, bulletin boards, instant messaging and other forms of computer-based communication.

Most distance learning programs include a computer-based training (CBT) system and communications tools to produce a virtual classroom. Because the internet and web are accessible from virtually all computer platforms, they serve as the foundation for many distance learning systems.

Info tech specialist

info tech specialist

The Role of an IT Specialist

An information technology specialist has a multitude of roles to fill. Today, nearly all transactions in business and personal activities involve a computer: recording a sale, computing payroll, keeping track of inventory, paying bills and more. In this age of high technology, every organization with a computer needs to have an IT specialist available, either on-site or on-call, to deal with the problems that will certainly occur.

Someone has to keep all of this software and hardware working correctly. Those are the duties of an IT specialist.

Computer support technicians have a multitude of responsibilities and specific skills. The following job descriptions are samples of the applications of the technological know-how of IT specialists.

Job Descriptions for an IT Specialist

Help desk: The unfortunate fact is that hardware and software programs don't always work the way they're supposed to. And most of us don't have the tech know-how to find the problem and fix it. As a result, someone places a call to the IT specialist; he is usually available 24/7.

Computer support specialists give advice and help to anyone who uses a computer in an organizatomton. They receive the phone calls for help and respond to handle the problems. Most of the time, the IT specialist can solve the problem remotely, but they are also available to make on-site visits.

IT support technicians have the skills to set up and install computer equipment and make most repairs. They can train employees on how to use new computer hardware and software. This includes using word-processing software, operating printers and even providing instructions on how to send and receive emails.

information technology specialist job

This free information technology job description sample template can help you attract an innovative and experienced information technology to your company. We make the hiring process one step easier by giving you a template to simply post to our site. Make sure to add requirements, benefits, and perks specific to the role and your company.

Information Technology Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced, skilled information technology candidate to join our growing organization. In this position, you will be responsible for supporting network databases and systems, updating system hardware and software, troubleshooting for system errors, and assisting team members in supporting all data security and optimization. An extensive background in technology and computer science, with experience in maintaining and installing IT systems, is a must.

Information Technology Duties and Responsibilities

Administer network and data security, including directory, group policy, firewalls, virus protection, and email security
Perform data backups to ensure all company-owned work is saved
Install and update network system improvements
Install and configure wireless networking equipment
Monitor servers, LAN/WAN, and Wi-Fi to ensure full coverage
Assist with the design, implementation, and support of new software and features
Evaluate connectivity issues, equipment, and software and hardware
Respond to IT issues; hardware maintenance, software, networking, etc.
Provide helpdesk and technical support either by phone, remote access, or site visits
Oversee troubleshooting for system errors
Set up equipment for new users and employees
Consult with vendors and clients to integrate and update company technology
Ensure system optimization for all technology resources

information technology support jobs

information technology support jobs

Information technology (IT) is a sector with abundant opportunities for tech graduates to earn a substantial income and develop a satisfying career. Which are the best jobs for entry-level candidates ready to launch their IT careers?

There are many job opportunities that offer both high earnings and a strong employment outlook.

TEKsystems surveyed 250 hiring managers and asked them which entry-level roles within the industry provided the best opportunities for recent college graduates.1 The following jobs were most frequently recommended by hiring managers.

Top 7 Entry-Level IT Jobs

1. Applications Developer

Applications developers create software or applications for computers and mobile devices to enable users to process information efficiently. They analyze the needs of users and incorporate feedback from tests to modify applications.

Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), applications developers earned a median annual wage of $103,620 in May 2018. The lowest 10% of software developers earned $61,660, and the highest 10% earned more than $166,960.

Employment Outlook: The BLS estimates that opportunities for application developers will grow by 26% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than for other occupations.

2. Technical Support Specialist

Technical support specialists resolve problems that end users and customers have while operating computer systems and software. They train users to utilize computer software, hardware, and systems and provide updates on system enhancements. Technical support specialists maintain networking and internet systems, troubleshoot problems, and make necessary repairs.

Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), technical support specialists for computer networks earned a median annual wage of $62,770, while technical support specialists for users earned $50,980 in May 2018.

Employment Outlook: The BLS estimates that opportunities for technical support specialists will grow by 10% from 2018 to 2028, faster than for other occupations.

3. Business/Systems Analyst

Business/systems analysts consult with managers and staff to assess an organization's need for IT systems. They evaluate emerging technology and review options to optimize information processing. Business/systems analysts recommend new systems and oversee their implementation.

Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business/systems analysts earned a median annual wage of $88,740 in May 2018. The lowest 10% earned $54,360, and the highest 10% earned more than $142,220.

Employment Outlook: The BLS estimates that opportunities for business/systems analysts will grow by 9% from 2018 to 2028, faster than average for other occupations.

4. Web Developer

Web developers communicate with management and end users to determine their needs for web-based technology. They create websites with an eye toward speed, functionality, appearance, and relevance to organizational missions. Web developers collaborate with other IT staff to integrate other applications into websites; they also address and resolve website user issues.

Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), web developers earned a median annual wage of $69,430 in May 2018. The lowest 10% earned $37,930, and the highest 10% earned more than $124,480.

Employment Outlook: The BLS estimates that opportunities for web developers will grow by 13% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than for other occupations.

5. Network/System Administrator

Network/system administrators recommend, install, and maintain local area networks, intranets, and organizational communications systems. They resolve network problems and take measures to optimize network performance. Network/system administrators also evaluate threats to systems and establish security protocols.

Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), network/system administrators earned a median annual wage of $82,050 in May 2018. The lowest 10% earned $50,990, and the highest 10% earned more than $130,720.

Employment Outlook: The BLS estimates that opportunities for network/system administrators will grow by 5% from 2018 - 2028, about as fast as other occupations.

6. Database Administrator

Database administrators oversee the implementation and maintenance of software to organize records and data needed by staff to carry out their duties. They modify databases to reflect user needs as they emerge. Database administrators ensure the security of organizational databases from threats.

Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), database administrators earned a median annual wage of $90,070 in May 2018. The lowest 10% earned $50,340, and the highest 10% earned more than $138,320.

Employment Outlook: The BLS estimates that opportunities for database administrators will grow by 9% from 2018 to 2028, faster than for other occupations.

7. Systems Engineer

System engineers are responsible for creating or modifying computer systems for their clients or employers based on their specifications, and they work extensively with hardware engineers, software engineers, system administrators, hardware technicians, programmers, and product development staff. In addition to developing computer systems, system engineers may also customize computer systems, which are purchased from vendors.

Salary: According to Payscale, systems engineers earn a median annual wage of $77,875. The lowest 10% earned $57,000, and the highest 10% earned more than $122,000.

Entry-Level IT Jobs for Candidates with Associate's Degrees

Graduates with two-year degrees will often be targeted by employers for technical positions where they provide support to IT professionals.2 Common titles for such positions include “network technician,” “support technician,” “help desk associate,” “web developer,” and “IT operations specialist.”

IT is considered to be a “show me” field, so associate’s-degree holders with a resume or portfolio showcasing freelance or internship experience and/or certifications will be considered by some employers for software/applications developer, network administrator, and other professional roles.3

How to Be a Competive Candidate

The more experience you have, the better your chances of being a competitive candidate. The IT skills you have acquired will also boost your candidacy, so don’t hesitate to apply if you meet the requirements listed for the position.

If you're short on qualifications, consider one of the easy work-from-home computer jobs that don't require much experience.

What Are Technical Skills?

info tech specialist

A technical skill is the ability to carry out a task associated with technical roles such as IT, engineering, mechanics, science or finance. Typical technical skills are programming, the analysis of complex figures or the use of specific tools. The majority of technical skills require experience and sometimes extensive training to master.

As job hunting becomes more competitive, graduates need to work even harder to differentiate themselves from other candidates, and acquiring technical skills is one way to achieve this.

Why do Technical Skills Matter?

Technical skills are important for a number of reasons. They can help you work more efficiently, boost your confidence and make you a more valuable candidate for employers.

Candidates who have a technical skill are often more confident when applying to certain industries than those who don't. In addition, employees with a technical skill are often better at multitasking in a challenging and complex role. With sufficient technical ability, you will be able to speak to colleagues and clients more confidently using your specialist expertise.

Graduates who take the time to learn a technical skill often receive higher pay. Businesses are always on the lookout for knowledgeable staff, as their clients expect to work with highly skilled teams who they have confidence in to deliver the results they need.

Technically skilled graduates can also save employers money, as they don’t require so much training to get to a particular level. Plus they can prevent technical issues from occurring, increase customer satisfaction and reduce technical problems before they arise.

What is a professional IT specialist?

technologies specialist
Should I Become an Information Technology Specialist?

An information technology (IT) specialist is a computer support and security administrator who assists companies and organizations with managing hardware, software, networking and solving problems. These professionals go by a range of titles, including information security analyst and network administrator. They can find work in a wide variety of industries, like business, government and manufacturing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), network and computer systems administrators earned a median salary of $87,070 in May 2018.

A bachelor's degree is commonly required, but some employers prefer a master's degree in computer science, information science or a related field. Employers also want to see at least 3 years of IT experience, with 5 to 10 years of experience for upper-level positions. The skills needed as an IT specialist include analytical, organizational, leadership, communication and decision-making skills. You need familiarity with project management software, customer management software, server operating systems, and web platform development software. You should also be capable of using computer equipment, such as servers and network analyzers. While certification is voluntary, it is common within the field.

What do IT support technicians do?

Job Description for an IT Support Technician

IT support technicians offer support to users who are experiencing problems with their computers or software. Support can be provided in person, over the phone or online. They address issues ranging from network systems to individual desktop computers.

IT support technicians can work for computer software or hardware companies, assisting customers with products. More generally, IT support technicians can work in a company's IT department, providing computer support internally to company employees. These technicians are responsible for maintaining the company's computer services and equipment. Their duties can include troubleshooting to detect and solve technical problems, installing or updating required hardware and software and recommending computer products or equipment to improve company productivity.

Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment for all computer support specialists will increase faster than average by 10% between 2018 and 2028. This increase can be attributed to the growing use of technology and computer systems in most businesses. The mean annual wage for computer support specialists in May 2018 was approximately $55,050 (www.bls.gov).

Education Requirements for IT Support Technicians

IT support technicians usually hold an associate's degree in computer science or a related field. However, on-the-job training might be provided to a candidate, with only a high school diploma, who demonstrates exceptional communication, problem-solving and analytical skills. An IT support technician who holds a bachelor's degree in computer sciences, information systems or a similar field is the most likely to find advancement opportunities.

Professional Certification Options

In some cases, IT support technicians can substitute a professional certification for postsecondary education. Such certifications demonstrate professional dedication and expertise to prospective employers. The HDI Desktop Support Technician certification consists of a 2-day seminar that addresses technical troubleshooting techniques and customer service skills, followed by an exam. The Microsoft Certified Desktop Support Technician is awarded to IT support technicians who have 6-12 months of work experience and pass required exams on Windows operating systems and desktop applications.

IT support technicians are essential members of today's workforce because of the widespread presence of computer technologies in businesses. With excellent customer service skills and a knack for solving problems, those who choose a career as an IT support technician should have favorable job prospects. An associate's degree is usually the minimum requirement, but professional certification may be acceptable in place of formal education.