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Careers in the Technology Industry |
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Careers in technology involve not only people with technical skills, but also those with skills in design, project management and team management. Here are some examples of careers in this sector:
- Engineering Technician
- Equipment/Computer Technician
- Aerospace Communication Technician
- GIS Analyst
- GPS Field Technician
- Quality Control Technician
- Engineering Technology Graphics Technician
- Mechanical Engineering Technician
- Electronic Engineering Technician
- Web Developer
- Software Engineer
- Database Specialist
- Data Manager
- Environmental Analyst
- Computer Programmer
- Customer Support Representative
- Game Designer
- Multimedia Animator
- User Interface Designer
- Network Administrator
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Semiconductor Technician
What Is the Technology Sector?
Spanning a multitude of industries, the technology sector includes the following broad areas:NOLOGY SECTOR STATISTICS
Information and Communications
Includes hardware, software and telecommunications
In BC there are:
- 6,000 companies
- 46,000 employees
- Revenues totaling $9 billion
Includes hardware, software and broadband Internet
In BC there are:
- 220 companies
- 5,200 employees
- Revenues totaling $1 billion
Life Sciences
Includes pharmaceuticals and medical devices
In BC there are:
- 179 companies
- 2,700 employees
- Revenues totaling $800 million
New Media
Includes interactive multimedia, gaming and e?learning
In BC there are:
- 900 companies
- 14,000 employees
- Revenues totaling $1.2 billion
Security Technology
Includes enterprise data and surveillance, environmental monitoring, asset tracking and loss prevention, and solutions for law enforcement, military and homeland defense
In BC there are:
- 400 companies
- 10,000 employees
- Revenues totaling $1.25 billion
Aerospace
Includes engineering, manufacturing and training
In BC there are:
- 190 companies
- 1,550 employees
- $450 million in revenue
Clean Tech
Includes hydrogen, fuel cells, power electronics, energy storage, wind, ocean and solar power, and environmental technologies
In BC there are:
- 1,360 companies
- 22,000 employees
- $2.5 billion in revenue
Source: http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/bus_stat/busind/hi_tech/HTPcurr.pdf
How Do I Get into the Industry?
There are many ways to get started in the technology industry. Professional and technical positions typically require a post-secondary degree or diploma from a technical institute or a design institute. However, that is not always the case, as hands-on experience can be as valuable, particularly in a time of severe labour shortages.
To advance a career in technology, it helps to have a well-rounded palette of skills, including the ability to work with and lead teams, solve problems creatively, communicate with customers and understand business principles. There are also many opportunities to start your own business in the technology sector.
How Much Will I Make?
According to BC Stats, British Columbia’s high tech sector pays significantly more ($1,080/week on average) than the average wage in BC ($740/week). In 2006, tech sector employers paid out 9.8 percent more in employee wages than they did in 2005.
According to Job Futures, the average hourly wage for computer engineers is $35.15; for computer network technicians it’s $22.94; for computer programmers and interactive media developers it’s $26.56; and for information systems analysts and consultants it’s $29.45. The average for all occupations is $18.07.
Sources:
http://www.bcstats.gov.bc.ca/data/bus_stat/busind/hi_tech/HTPcurr.pdf
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