Best Jobs for Gadget Geeks by Rachel Zupek, CareerBuilder.com writer
OK, OK -- I apologize for calling you a geek.
But what better term is there to describe one who is obsessed with his or her iPhone/BlackBerry/iPod/Twitter/Gmail/everything else that's technology related?
Let's go with ... gadget addicts. Now that we've cleared that up, let's get back to business.
We all know someone who fits the description of a "gadget addict." Whether he's addicted to his iPhone, iPod, video games or hybrid cars, there's no doubt that this little infatuation is probably stealing time and productivity from his 9-to-5. Why not make everyone happy and get started in a career that aids the obsession?
Here are five careers that can keep gadget geeks -- er, addicts -- on the pulse of latest technology and help to feed their addictions.
1. Applications architect
Applications architects build essential parts of computer applications, from Web 2.0 apps like blogs and wikis, to user interface or infrastructure. They also design code and make sure that all software projects adhere to a company's technology and business standards.
Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems; several years of work experience.
Salary*: $57,798
2. Marketing manager
Marketing managers are in the know of -- guess what -- the marketplace. If you're a technology marketing manager, you are up to speed on what consumers want and how to get it to them. It's your job to make sure you know what the industry demands and what your competitors are doing so that you can get your company and products to do it better.
Qualifcations: Employers prefer a bachelor's or master's degree in business administration with an emphasis on marketing.
Salary: $85,747
3. Project manager
Project managers oversee a company's technology projects. Got a new software application coming down the pipeline? As a PM, you'll develop these projects from start to finish, planning, designing, budgeting, setting deadlines and priorities, and implementing the finished product.
Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in IT or a business-related field; experience in managing complex projects. Certifications in project management are also valued.
Salary: $51,109
4. Product reviewer
Did you research hundreds of digital cameras or cell phones before you bought one? If you're a techie and have decent writing ability, a product reviewer might be the job for you. In this role, you'll research and test several technology products, from HDTVs to MP3 players. Then, you'll write columns describing which goods are the best -- and worst -- and why.
Qualifications: A degree in communications or business communication, in addition to great writing skills, will be beneficial.
Salary: N/A
5. Social media manager
Social media is the new black for successful companies. In fact, a recent study from Wetpaint and the Altimeter Group shows that companies who are actively engaged in social media like Facebook, Twitter, wikis and discussion forums grew company revenues by an average of 18 percent over the last 12 months, while the least engaged companies saw revenues drop 6 percent over the same time period.
Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in communications, advertising or marketing is preferred; awareness of social media platforms.
Salary: $67,537**
*U.S. national average salary according to CBSalary.com, powered by SalaryExpert
**Media manager salary
Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ
OK, OK -- I apologize for calling you a geek.
But what better term is there to describe one who is obsessed with his or her iPhone/BlackBerry/iPod/Twitter/Gmail/everything else that's technology related?
Let's go with ... gadget addicts. Now that we've cleared that up, let's get back to business.
We all know someone who fits the description of a "gadget addict." Whether he's addicted to his iPhone, iPod, video games or hybrid cars, there's no doubt that this little infatuation is probably stealing time and productivity from his 9-to-5. Why not make everyone happy and get started in a career that aids the obsession?
Here are five careers that can keep gadget geeks -- er, addicts -- on the pulse of latest technology and help to feed their addictions.
1. Applications architect
Applications architects build essential parts of computer applications, from Web 2.0 apps like blogs and wikis, to user interface or infrastructure. They also design code and make sure that all software projects adhere to a company's technology and business standards.
Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems; several years of work experience.
Salary*: $57,798
2. Marketing manager
Marketing managers are in the know of -- guess what -- the marketplace. If you're a technology marketing manager, you are up to speed on what consumers want and how to get it to them. It's your job to make sure you know what the industry demands and what your competitors are doing so that you can get your company and products to do it better.
Qualifcations: Employers prefer a bachelor's or master's degree in business administration with an emphasis on marketing.
Salary: $85,747
3. Project manager
Project managers oversee a company's technology projects. Got a new software application coming down the pipeline? As a PM, you'll develop these projects from start to finish, planning, designing, budgeting, setting deadlines and priorities, and implementing the finished product.
Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in IT or a business-related field; experience in managing complex projects. Certifications in project management are also valued.
Salary: $51,109
4. Product reviewer
Did you research hundreds of digital cameras or cell phones before you bought one? If you're a techie and have decent writing ability, a product reviewer might be the job for you. In this role, you'll research and test several technology products, from HDTVs to MP3 players. Then, you'll write columns describing which goods are the best -- and worst -- and why.
Qualifications: A degree in communications or business communication, in addition to great writing skills, will be beneficial.
Salary: N/A
5. Social media manager
Social media is the new black for successful companies. In fact, a recent study from Wetpaint and the Altimeter Group shows that companies who are actively engaged in social media like Facebook, Twitter, wikis and discussion forums grew company revenues by an average of 18 percent over the last 12 months, while the least engaged companies saw revenues drop 6 percent over the same time period.
Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in communications, advertising or marketing is preferred; awareness of social media platforms.
Salary: $67,537**
*U.S. national average salary according to CBSalary.com, powered by SalaryExpert
**Media manager salary
Rachel Zupek is a writer and blogger for CareerBuilder.com and its job blog, The Work Buzz. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues. Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CBwriterRZ
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