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What is an information technology generalist and how to become one
An information technology generalist is responsible for performing all information systems planning, implementation, and administrative procedures. He/She provides technical support to both in-house and remote users. He/She maintains and troubleshoots IT infrastructure to ensure optimum use. Also, he/she evaluates systems upgrades and new software. Additionally, he/she installs and implements this software. Besides this, he/she tests the software to ensure compatibility and to address any related issues. These experts are employed in manufacturing firms and computer systems design.
Most employers seek candidates with a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, management information systems, or a related area and at least two years of related experience. Having specific certifications is a plus. Core skills for this role are computer skills, attention to detail, troubleshooting, multitasking, organization, teamwork, and customer service skills. You'd earn an average annual salary of $56,033. This falls between $38,000 and $82,000.
What general advice would you give to an information technology generalist?
Ranganathan Chandrasekaran
Professor and Director of Graduate Studies, University of Illinois
Several businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, and they have rolled back their offers made to students for internships and jobs. Businesses have also resorted to downsizing and layoffs, and we are likely to see that continue, at least in the near term. However, two sectors that are showing promises of a quick turnaround are technology and healthcare.
It might take many months for the economy to get back on track, but the demand for information systems graduates is likely to grow, as a large number of businesses have turned to increased use of technology in this pandemic period. As more companies go digital, we need more professionals to manage the remote-work, technological infrastructure and meet the other demands of the business. Students pursuing education in information systems, computer science, and healthcare are going to be in greater demand.
On the positive side, the uncertainties induced by the pandemic have also helped students to prepare themselves better for a tougher job market. I found many students rise up and use the lockdown period to have a serious introspection and invest their time and effort in upgrading their knowledge and skills. The internship drought and rescinding of job/internship offers brought their dreams crashing down, but I found several students to quickly get over their disappointments, and engage in improving their skillsets utilizing the pandemic lockdown as an opportunity. I am aware of many students, especially in the information systems disciple, who spent time doing online courses, completing certification programs, and take up DIY projects on data analysis, developing analytical and forecasting models, and visualization of various aspects of the pandemic. The pandemic has resulted in massive amounts of data, released by several organizations worldwide, that have provided a stimulant for students to indulge in DIY-projects. I had several students approach me over summer to do some projects, and we have done some interesting projects using public datasets related to COVID-19.
Avg. Salary $63,551
Avg. Salary $59,228
Growth rate 10%
Growth rate 0.3%
American Indian and Alaska Native 0.41%
Asian 11.89%
Black or African American 9.88%
Hispanic or Latino 16.58%
Unknown 5.40%
White 55.84%
Genderfemale 23.39%
male 76.61%
Age - 41American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%
Asian 7.00%
Black or African American 14.00%
Hispanic or Latino 19.00%
White 57.00%
Genderfemale 47.00%
male 53.00%
Age - 41Stress level is high
7.1 - high
Complexity level is challenging
7 - challenging
Work life balance is good
6.4 - fair
Information technology generalist career paths
Key steps to become an information technology generalist
Explore information technology generalist education requirements
Start to develop specific information technology generalist skills
Skills Percentages Printers 8.13% Troubleshoot 7.28% Computer System 5.51% Technical Support 5.12% Windows Server 4.41% Complete relevant information technology generalist training and internships
Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New information technology generalists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an information technology generalist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real information technology generalist resumes.Research information technology generalist duties and responsibilities
- Lead enterprise-wide virtualization effort, overseeing and completing vendor/hardware qualifications, architecture/design, installation, configuration, migration and documentation.
- Provide first-level networking support for routers, switches, WAPs, and firewalls.
- Utilize various types of equipment to test, troubleshoot, and identify network problems.
- Champion the selection and ultimate use of Java and object-orient design and programming on a web-base financial inventory management system.
Prepare your information technology generalist resume
When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your information technology generalist resume.
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Apply for information technology generalist jobs
Now it's time to start searching for an information technology generalist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:
- Browse job boards for relevant postings
- Consult your professional network
- Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
- Watch out for job scams
How did you land your first information technology generalist job
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Average information technology generalist salary
The average information technology generalist salary in the United States is $63,551 per year or $31 per hour. Information technology generalist salaries range between $40,000 and $99,000 per year.
What am I worth?
How do information technology generalists rate their job?
Information technology generalist reviews
You get to help a lot of people in many different ways as well as learning new things about technology
I have aids now due to the painfulness of sitting down all day
Working with The people
There was nothing to like. Everyone was polite an hard workers
I decided to go to technical support because I've been fascinated by technology all my life and I love working with the people as well. I want to use my technical know-how to solve directly the problems that customers have. I want to be the person who makes life easier and more enjoyable for people who have had a problem. This is what I like most as a technical Support.
I don't like sitting around being inactive. So I'll keep my self always busy
Updated January 8, 2025
