Jobs in IT

Software development is the process of creating software applications, apps and programs. This process goes through several stages. The first step is to create a concept. This is followed by implementation (more precisely, programming) and testing, right up to the release (publication). Even after the release, software is never finished. It must be continuously maintained and further developed in order to withstand the varying requirements of external factors such as operating system updates. After a software has been put into operation for the first time, it is often improved by updates and extended with new functions. Within software development, a distinction is made between front-end and back-end development. The frontend is the user interface of a program. Put simply, it is what users see and interact with. The backend, on the other hand, comprises the logic and data processing in the background of the software. Software is written in different (programming) languages by programmers (software developers). Programmers are therefore one of the most important professions in the IT industry.

Hardware development is dedicated to the design, development and manufacture of physical electronic components and devices such as computers, cell phones and other electronic devices. While the development of computers and cell phones for end users is now dominated by large suppliers on the market, hardware development also plays a fundamental role in industry. While many machines used to function purely mechanically, most machines today are software-controlled. Robotics are used in many areas of the manufacturing industry.  This requires individual hardware that has to fulfill its purpose in conjunction with the software.

System, network and database administration are sub-areas of IT administration and are used to set up and maintain the IT infrastructure. They have different focuses and tasks.

System administration mainly focuses on the management of individual computer and operating system environments. In concrete terms, this means that you carry out the centralized installation, configuration and maintenance of operating systems, software and hardware. This benefits those employees who use the relevant software and hardware for their work. The installation and management of tools for e-mail and chat communication within companies, such as Microsoft Teams and Outlook, are particularly important in this segment.

The area of responsibility of system administration also includes the support of so-called ERP programs (from the English: Enterprise Resource Planning).  ERP software can be used to control company processes. This includes the management of resources such as finance, human resources, production, warehousing, procurement, sales and customer relations. ERP programs are usually tailor-made for each company in order to meet individual requirements. The setup, maintenance and administration is either the responsibility of the system administration or - in the case of large companies - even in separate departments that focus solely on this.

Network administration is dedicated to the configuration and management of network infrastructures and servers, as well as monitoring system performance and troubleshooting problems. Closely related is database administration, which is specifically concerned with managing databases and ensuring their performance and integrity. An important area of responsibility in all three IT infrastructure fields is IT security. This involves protecting computer systems, networks and data from unauthorized access, data loss or other threats, e.g. by implementing firewalls, encryption and access controls.

IT project managers record and define the content requirements for software and thus develop a roadmap for the development team. They take on the planning, coordination and implementation of IT projects, including resource allocation, scheduling, risk management and communication with stakeholders. By taking on these activities, they keep the software developers' backs free so that they can focus on programming.