Lecture Notes: IT Infrastructure Program Overview

Introduction

• Presenter: Jim Dixon
• Role: Faculty team member for IT Infrastructure program
• Objective: Provide information on the IT Infrastructure program, its benefits, potential career paths, and answer common questions.

Program Overview

• Focus: Operations area of Information Technology (non-software development)
  • Key Areas:
    • Network equipment
    • Server hardware and software
    • Cloud computing platforms
    • User devices
• Goal: Support infrastructure for software developers.

Who Should Enroll?

• Individuals interested in IT but not programming.
• Programmers seeking IT operations skills.
• Graduates from IT-related fields seeking further education.
• Graduates from non-IT fields aiming to transition into IT.
• IT professionals seeking formal education to enhance experience.

Benefits of Completing the Program

• Career advancement opportunities:
  • Better job access
  • Ability to move within IT fields

Technical Requirements

• BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Program:
  • Personal laptop required.
  • Windows/Mac acceptable (Parallels not required for Mac).
  • Recommended: 16GB memory, SSD storage, and 15-inch screen.
  • Required: Wired networking adapter, webcam.

Campus and Facilities

• Location: Waterloo campus.
• Facilities:
  • Networking labs with workbench-style desks.
  • Access to a private cloud for systems work.
  • Remote access to equipment for off-campus work.

Career Opportunities

• Types of Positions:
  • Support teams: Problem-solving and analysis.
  • Administrative roles: IT infrastructure maintenance and automation.
  • Fieldwork: Product/vendor relations and client interactions.
  • Consulting and data analysis/design.
• Industries:
  • Insurance, manufacturing, banking, logistics, healthcare, education, digital security.

Common Questions

• IT Experience Required: No prior experience needed, though a related background can ease the process.
• Higher-Level Positions Post-Program: Depends on prior education and experience, and excellence in the program.
• Hands-On Work: Highly applied, with practical skills development.
• Continued Education: Opportunities to specialize further, e.g., IT Network Security.

Conclusion

• Contact Information: Provided for further questions.
• Thanks for interest in IT Infrastructure program.