Why choose Computer Information Systems Technology as a career?

Did you know that according to US Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2004 report:

• Software engineers who specialize in applications earn an average salary of $76,260.
• Those who specialize in systems software average $79,790.
  US employment in IT fields was 17% higher than 1999 (5% higher than the year 2000 bubble)
• IT wages since 1999 have averaged 4% annual growth (inflation has averaged 2% annually)
• IT professionals are becoming harder to find, due to baby boomer retirements, restrictions on immigration, and declining enrollments in Computer Science programs

eWeek April 17, 2006 - Hudson Employment Index reports

• 35% (up 2% from last year) of respondents expect their companies to hire more people in 2006
• fears about job security for IT staff continues to decline

You probably already know that companies in all fields, not just IT, make adjustments as the economy changes.   Leading up to the year 2000, lots of companies invested in people, software, and hardware to make sure they were ready for the change from two-digit dates, where "1900" was assumed to four digit dates.  Some downsizing was expected after 2000, but the terrorist attack of 2001 caused a downturn in the entire economy that extended the cutbacks.  In spite of that and outsourcing IT jobs overseas, by 2004 US employment in IT fields was 5% higher than the year 2000 bubble.

Why focus on IBM mid-range systems?

• IBM has been a leader in the computer industry for over 40 years
• Mid-size computer systems handle the most critical corporate data needs for the largest number of firms
  IBM is a leader in developing and securing patents on new technology
• Career paths abound for software engineers, network technicians, E-commerce integrators, researchers, and analysts

Why choose Cincinnati State?

• Low Tuition ($75.65/cr.hr.)
• Small classes (usually less than 18)
• Co-op employment (gain experience + earnings)
• Member of IBM Partners in Education
• Accredited by North Central Association
• Training focused on job skills

NOW is the time!  Even though employment in IT is increasing, there is a down turn in college freshmen enrollment (see chart below).  Lower enrollments in a given major means smaller classes, less competition, and more demand in the job market on graduation with greater potential earnings.

Click on chart to enlarge.