Post job

Information technology internship vs information technology specialist

The differences between information technology interns and information technology specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an information technology internship and an information technology specialist. Additionally, an information technology specialist has an average salary of $81,241, which is higher than the $35,342 average annual salary of an information technology internship.

The top three skills for an information technology internship include java, customer service and python. The most important skills for an information technology specialist are customer service, troubleshoot, and computer system.

Information technology internship vs information technology specialist overview

Information Technology InternshipInformation Technology Specialist
Yearly salary$35,342$81,241
Hourly rate$16.99$39.06
Growth rate10%10%
Number of jobs147,638122,519
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Average age4242
Years of experience22

What does an information technology internship do?

When it comes to an information technology internship, one of the primary responsibilities is to follow directions from supervisors and gain practical experience. Most of the tasks revolve around lending assistance in generating codes and building a database, participate in troubleshooting, and developing network systems under the supervision of more experienced colleagues. Furthermore, the tasks will vary on the directions handed, which is why it essential to coordinate with team members at all times and adhere to the guidelines and policies of management.

What does an information technology specialist do?

An Information Technology Specialist, also known as a Computer Professional or IT Specialist, is responsible for the computer support of an establishment or individual. Most of the duties require extensive and proactive knowledge of Information Technology, such as in the aspects of network and systems administration, security and information, hardware and software management, troubleshooting, and more. The tasks of an IT Specialist are diverse. It is not limited to installation or activation, as it also involves monitoring, management, and analyzation.

Information technology internship vs information technology specialist salary

Information technology interns and information technology specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Information Technology InternshipInformation Technology Specialist
Average salary$35,342$81,241
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $47,000Between $58,000 And $113,000
Highest paying CityLos Angeles, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateHawaiiCalifornia
Best paying companyAlixPartnersGoogle
Best paying industryManufacturingTechnology

Differences between information technology internship and information technology specialist education

There are a few differences between an information technology internship and an information technology specialist in terms of educational background:

Information Technology InternshipInformation Technology Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common majorComputer ScienceComputer Science
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaStanford University

Information technology internship vs information technology specialist demographics

Here are the differences between information technology interns' and information technology specialists' demographics:

Information Technology InternshipInformation Technology Specialist
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 77.0% Female, 23.0%Male, 77.8% Female, 22.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.8% Asian, 14.8% White, 54.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 12.2% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 11.9% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between information technology internship and information technology specialist duties and responsibilities

Information technology internship example responsibilities.

  • Manage internal company email software Linux programming to include making and changing file directories, installing programs via terminal command prompt.
  • Manage backups, replications and disaster recovery plans of company mission critical servers and database files to ensure redundancy.
  • Diagnose and resolve network issues; verify IP addresses for network connectivity.
  • Contact hundreds of employees to assist with computer replacements using VMWare.
  • Used VMware to expand virtual servers in addition to providing backup snapshots.
  • Distribute and install new desktop hardware/software, switches, and printers throughout classrooms.
  • Show more

Information technology specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage VmWare servers across the network to include patches, upgrades, move and cloning.
  • Manage devices by configuring network topology and making DNS records updates/creation.
  • Manage the configuration and performance management of all PC systems and telecommunications.
  • Perform second tier help desk support for U.S. Treasury web-base financial management system.
  • Learned Linux troubleshooting as well as basic HTML, CSS as well as learning the very base of SQL and PHP.
  • Assist with data cabling, setting up router, switches, WAP systems on LAN.
  • Show more

Information technology internship vs information technology specialist skills

Common information technology internship skills
  • Java, 13%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Python, 6%
  • Troubleshoot, 6%
  • C++, 5%
  • Data Entry, 3%
Common information technology specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 24%
  • Troubleshoot, 10%
  • Computer System, 7%
  • Database, 5%
  • DOD, 5%
  • System Software, 4%

Browse computer and mathematical jobs