With top rankings for high tech job growth and pay, Georgia should be on your mind if you're considering earning an associate degree in computer information systems.

By Jessica Santina
RWM Columnist
October 19, 2006

A report released this year by AeA (formerly the American Electronics Association) indicates that Georgia is ranked 11th nationally for its number of high tech workers, and 10th for its number of high tech establishments. Not only that but high tech workers in Georgia earn an average salary of $68,000 per year -- that's 78 percent more than the state's average private sector wage.

In 2004, the AeA found that there were roughly 11,500 high tech establishments in the state of Georgia, and that venture capital investment in the state had increased 88 percent over the previous year, bringing the amount of investment to a full $585 million. And in 2005, while employment in the state declined by two percent, high tech occupations in Georgia grew by 9,000 jobs.

That's excellent news for those considering earning an associate degree in computer information systems.

What You'll Learn
At most technical schools, the associate in computer information systems is designed for those with little or no computer information systems experience, to prepare them for a wide range of entry-level high-tech careers in computer support, networking, database management and web development. You'll learn to maintain, monitor and repair computer systems, operate software, design web pages, maintain databases, design and maintain networks, and understand wireless technology. You'll also gain many valuable communication and business skills. Your course work will also prepare you to take certification exams, such as CompTIA.

A Career in Ones and Zeros
Upon graduation with your associate degree in computer information systems from one of Georgia's technical schools, you'll be ready for a career as a computer support specialist, also called a help desk technician, which is one of the nation's fastest growing career fields. The median annual salary for these professionals in 2004 was $40,430, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

You'll also be qualified to work as a network and computer systems administrator. In this position, you'll install, configure, and troubleshoot computer networks, network segments, the Internet, and intranet systems, says the BLS. You'll provide regular administrative support for software users, and plan and implement various network security measures. Network and computer systems administrators earned a median annual salary of $58,190 in 2004 -- that's a great return on your associate degree investment!

And graduates of Georgia's technical schools will be glad to know that high tech occupations in the Peach State exist at higher rates than the national average -- that includes jobs that your associate in computer information systems qualifies you for. So start looking into what a technical school in Georgia can do for your future.

Source
Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Computer support specialists and systems administrators" Georgia Tech Research News

About the Author
Jessica Santina is a freelance writer with a background in media and marketing. She also teaches first-year writing courses at the University of Nevada, Reno.