Today, technology is at the heart of every industry — from healthcare and finance to entertainment and government. If you’re considering a technology career path, you’ve likely come across two popular fields: information technology (IT) and information systems technology (IST).
At Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), students have the opportunity to build a strong foundation in either field through specialized programs designed to equip them with in-demand skills. In this article, we’ll explore questions such as:
- What is information technology?
- What is information systems technology?
- What is the difference between IT and IST?
- What are some IT and IST career paths?
- How can you get started on a successful IT or IST career?
What Is Information Technology (IT)?
Information technology is the use of computer systems or devices to access, store, transmit and manipulate information. IT is responsible for a significant portion of modern workforce operations, business processes and data access, making it an integral part of our daily activities. If you’re using a smartphone, accessing cloud-based storage or communicating through messaging or email, you’re relying on information technology.
Are you interested in learning more about earning an IT degree? NOVA’s Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in information technology will help you build a solid foundation in IT as you prepare for entry-level positions in a variety of industries.
What Is Information Systems Technology (IST)?
Information systems technology is a fusion of both information technology and information systems (hardware, software, data and people) covering the development of a system as well as the technology behind it. IST can include everything from basic IT support to high-level network development and helps improve decision-making processes within organizations. IST professionals help ensure that infrastructure is efficient, secure and up to date.
Are you interested in learning more about earning an IST degree? NOVA’s Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in information systems technology will prepare you to excel in the IST field. NOVA also offers a variety of career studies certificates in areas like data analytics, network administration, mobile application development and others.
What Is the Difference Between IT and IST?
While both IT and IST focus on technology, they differ in their scope and application. IT primarily deals with the development, maintenance and security of computer systems and networks, ensuring that organizations have reliable and efficient technological infrastructures.
IST, however, integrates technology with business processes, focusing on how information systems can be used to enhance decision-making, improve workflow efficiency and support organizational goals.
Skills you’ll need for IST or IT career paths
If you choose to pursue an IT career path, you’ll need to develop skills in areas such as:
- Network administration and security
- System and database management
- Cybersecurity best practices
- Technical troubleshooting and support
- Cloud computing and virtualization
- Coding and scripting languages (Python, Java, etc.)
For those who choose an IST career path, you’ll need to develop skills in areas such as:
- Business analytics and intelligence
- Database design and management
- Systems analysis and project management
- Software development and implementation
- IT governance and compliance
- Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems
What Are Some IT and IST Career Paths?
With an associate degree in Information Technology (IT) or Information Systems Technology (IST) from NOVA, you’ll be ready to pursue well-paying jobs across a range of industries. You’ll also be stepping into a fast-growing field with strong career prospects and job security. According to Lightcast, there are 4,226 entry-level IT jobs and 4,198 entry-level IST jobs available in NOVA’s service area, with salaries ranging from $83,000 to $108,000 for IT roles and $56,000 to $73,000 for IST roles.
Nationwide, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that overall employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from now through 2033. About 356,700 openings are projected each year, on average, in these occupations due to employment growth and attrition.
Here are some examples of IT and IST career paths available to graduates with an associate degree: