IT Coordinator

Do you have good communications and technology skills? Are you looking for a fun and rewarding career working with technology and people? Then becoming an IT coordinator could be just the thing for you. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, careers of this type are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations over the next decade.

What is an IT Coordinator?

An IT coordinator is an information technology professional who acts as a liaison between a business or department's IT team and its users. They troubleshoot problems; solve them if possible; or, connect with those who can. They are also responsible for keeping the IT system up-to-date, installing new hardware and software, and ensuring the safety and security of the whole system.

Job Responsibilities

IT coordinators perform administrative duties to keep businesses running smoothly as well as serving as a bridge between the users and the IT professionals. They are generally responsible for the following:

• Reviewing and responding to help requests
• Monitoring computer performance for potential problems
• Tracking computer-related orders and bills
• Maintaining licenses
• Renewing upgrades
• Installing basic software
• Providing updates
• Troubleshooting computer issues
• Managing website domains
• Restoring lost data
• Purchasing new equipment
• Managing servers
• Creating networks
• Building and maintaining databases
• Installing new computers
• Running regular back-ups

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Career Outlook for IT Coordinators

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that occupations of this type will grow 11 percent between 2016 and 2026 and, according to the BLS, computer and information technology occupations in general will grow 13 percent during this time frame. This is faster than the average for all occupations.

Demand for IT coordinators should increase due to the prevalence of cloud computing and the need for greater information security. You can expect to see over half a million new jobs added to the IT sector in the next decade. 

To secure one of these positions, you will need to distinguish yourself early. A networking technology associate degree from Bryant & Stratton College could be just what you need to get your foot in the door to this fun and fulfilling career.

What can I do with a Networking Technology Associate Degree?

A networking technology associate degree will prepare you for a position as an IT coordinator. You will receive a diverse education that focuses not only on theory, but also gives you hands-on IT practice. You will develop the skills you need to install, configure, secure, administer and troubleshoot network systems. You will also become familiar with networking components and learn to work with modern voice and data networks.

Keeping up with technology is important, so Bryant & Stratton students work through simulation labs to stay abreast of current trends and practices within the IT field.

Further, this degree program will prepare you to take three important certification exams: the CompTIA A+, Security+ and Network+. The networking technology associate degree curriculum meets the requirements that are evaluated by these exams. And, your tuition will cover the cost of one of them.

In addition, having completed this program, you will be able to design, install and administer nearly any organization's computer systems, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs) and wireless networks. You will understand how to identify, install, and maintain components of an information system. And you will be able to apply logical, legal and ethical principles in the planning and implementing of information systems.

Additional Training/Requirements

Once you've completed your networking technology associate degree, how do you show potential employers that you really know what you are doing? After all, if you are going to be the go-to person in the organization for IT issues between the users and the technical staff, you really need to be knowledgeable. The answer to that question is through the certifications mentioned above, among others.

You will be given the skills you need to pass the CompTIA A+, Security+ and Network+ exams within the framework of your degree program. The CompTIA A+ is a basic skills exam. The Network+ exam highlights your knowledge and skill at designing, configuring, managing and troubleshooting any wired or wireless networks. Such certification holders are in demand.  The Security+ exam is just as the name implies; measuring your competence in IT security.  There are also many more specialized certifications, both through CompTIA and several other well-known sources. It is a good idea to keep striving toward those certifications which highlight your skills and abilities as you go forward with your career as an IT coordinator.

In addition to certifications, you could choose to further your education with a bachelor's degree in information technology from Bryant & Stratton College. This degree will delve deeper into management and accounting principles, operations management and other business-oriented courses.

Employment Settings for IT Coordinators

 According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2016, the largest employers of computer and information systems managers, a similarly situated employee group, was computer systems design and related services at 22 percent. Another 11 percent were employed in information, while 11 percent were employed in finance and insurance. About 10 percent were employed in management of companies and enterprises, while an additional 8 percent were employed in manufacturing.

This is generally a full-time job, but due to the duties involved, it can lead to overtime in some cases. On occasion, it may be necessary to work weekends to solve problems that arise.

While this information may help you in determining the right career path for you, understand that job market data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook is intended to provide insight into occupational opportunities, and is not to be construed as a guarantee of salary or job title. Bryant & Stratton College cannot guarantee employment in any field.

For insights into a career as an IT coordinator, please visit the Technology & Design section of our blog. Here you will find valuable information about IT careers and certifications, as well as a more in-depth look at the networking technology associate degree. Explore the website and be sure to visit the Networking Technology Associate Degree page.