Washington County Weekend Post

Tech careers continue to boom Technology has changed the world in numerous ways, including creating entirely new industries and a vast array of career options that didn't exist as recently as two decades ago. In its Cyberstates TM report, CompTIA, which publishes a steady stream of new research on IT topics, recently shared some key findings that's news for those who work in tech. • Around 11.8 million peo- ple are employed in tech in the Unites States, and 261,000 new jobs were added in the past year. • Software and web devel- opers make up the largest and fastest-growing segment of tech jobs. • The estimated direct economic output of the tech industry equals $1.8 trillion. The Bureau of Labor Statis- tics predicts technology careers are on the rise, with expected growth of 12 per- cent between 2014 and 2024. Specific fields within the tech industry are expected to experience even stronger growth, as high as 27 per- cent. There's never been a bet- ter time to work in tech, particularly for those who have a knack or affinity for computer operations and networks. Here's a look at some of the promising tech careers, including some of the more lucrative, courtesy of U.S. News' "Best Technol- ogy Jobs of 2019" report. These jobs boast low employ- ment rates and high salaries. 5. Database adminis- trator: A database adminis- trator sets up databases. These highly trained indi- viduals use specialized soft- ware to store and organize data. Some key roles include planning, installation, con- figuration, design, as well as migration. DBAs also will troubleshoot and enhance database security. Median pay is $87,020. 4. Information security analyst: Concerns about security breaches continue to grow as criminals become ever more savvy. Informa- tion security analysts find the best security solutions and carry out measures to protect a company's net- works and systems. The pro- fessionals maintain systems by updating software and recommending security updates to management. Median pay is $95,510. 3. IT manager: IT man- agers are in high demand thanks to increasingly digi- tal workplaces. These indi- viduals coordinate all com- puter-related activities for an organization. Some jobs include recommending soft- ware and hardware needs, securing networks, and searching for new technolo- gies. Median salary is $139,220. 2. Computer systems analyst: A computer sys- tems analyst helps organiza- tions utilize computer tech- nology efficiently and effec- tively. They make sugges- tions on new technology. Sometimes called systems architects, computer sys- tems analysts often study existing computer systems and design more efficient options. Median salary is $88,270, lower than some other IT jobs, but there are 54,400 projected jobs in this area. 1. Software developer: A software developer has the highest rate of projected new jobs, and at a median salary of $101,790, it can be a secure career in the tech field. These developers write new code, fix software bugs, find solutions to outdated programs, and must be both creative and technical. Some developers may specialize in one area of computers or serve as generalists who write code for various types of software. No matter the position, working with technology involves finding creative solutions in a fast-paced, ever-growing environment. 2A • WASHINGTON COUNTY POST • SUNDAY, MARCH 29, 2020 GMTODAY.COM Sundays, April 12 - May 3 in the Washington County Post. Tuesdays & Thursdays, April 14 - May 7 in the Daily News. Ready for a Change? Itching to get at those Home & Garden projects you've been dreaming about? Check out our 2020 Spring Home & Garden publication for home and garden project tips to help save you time and money! Look for the special Spring Home & Garden section inside the April 17th Daily News, April 19th Washington County Post, April 21st News Graphic and April 22nd Ozaukee County Guide. ACROSS 1. As soon as possible 5. Gateway (Arabic) 8. Doctors' group 11. Madder genus of plants 13. A team's best pitcher 14. Ancient Greek sophist 15. Go up 16. Neither 17. Bolivian river 18. Manila hemp 20. Comedienne Gasteyer 21. British School 22. Human reproductive organs 25. Surrenders 30. Dog with long, silky coat and drooping ears 31. Sun up in New York 32. Lead alloy 33. Eastern Asian plant 38. Rapid deployment force (abbr.) 41. Japanese warrior 43. Festivity 45. Interruptions 47. Nonsense (slang) 49. Data mining methodology (abbr.) 50. Calvary sword 55. French river 56. Global business conference (abbr.) 57. Afflicted 59. Con man's game 60. No (Scottish) 61. Jewish spiritual leader 62. Fish 63. Camera term (abbr.) 64. Impudence DOWN 1. A continuous portion of a circle 2. Genus of seabirds 3. Infant's dining accessory 4. Native Americans from Arizona 5. Popular fruit 6. Poisonous plant 7. Scolded 8. Assists 9. Hand (Spanish) 10. Amazon product identifying system (abbr.) 12. Basics 14. Cain and __ 19. Malaria 23. Indicates particular shape 24. Respiratory disease 25. Central Standard Time 26. Imitate 27. Golf score 28. A place to lay your head 29. Three cards of the same suit 34. Not in 35. Human gene 36. Ancient Chinese philosophic concept 37. French river 39. Thinks up 40. Type of geological deposit 41. Helps little firms 42. Area units 44. A device to remove 45. Secret political clique 46. Polite interruption sound 47. Foundation 48. Clare Boothe __, American writer 51. Swiss river 52. Prejudice 53. Actor Idris 54. Resistance fighters 58. Speak disrespectfully of ANSWERS FOR THIS WEEK'S CROSSWORD Careers in the video game industry are highly desirable, and for good reason. Working for a video game company can be rewarding, and equally important, turns a favorite pastime into an exciting career. However, for tween and teen girl gamers, the prospect of one day working in the video game industry may seem daunting. While 46% of the U.S. gamer popu- lation is female, women account for only 22% of video game developers. Women are taking the reins developing, designing and marketing video games. Lisa Wackenhuth Svan- stram, a 3D Artist at Star Stable Entertainment, a multiplayer game full of horses, magic and adven- ture, offers career advice to young women who may want a career in the video game industry: 1. What inspired you to build a career in the video game industry? I am a life-long gamer, artist and digital creator and now, my official title at Star Stable is 3D Artist. Working for a company like this allows me to unite my interests and skills to create magic for girl gamers around the world. The artis- tic process of designing the 3D horses inspires me the most. It is so rewarding to have an idea in my mind, sketch out a new design and work with all the visuals such as 3D models, charac- ters, textures, environments, props and ultimately release the final product for horse- loving girls who play our game every day. 2. What are the types of jobs for women in the development studio? To build a game, artists (3D, 2D, VFX and animators), designers and programmers need to work closely together from start to finish. Artists work on the overall creative vision. Designers work with the mechanics and features. Then, programmers use their coding knowledge to bring it all to life. We work with producers to make sure that all tasks associated with the development process are completed on time and track- ing with the overall vision of the project. As the industry continues to grow and evolve, developers focused on mobile and virtual/mixed reality are in high demand, as are tech animators, who use a combination of cre- ative and animation skills to solve issues related to art production. 3. What other types of jobs do women have in the industry outside the devel- opment studio? I have built my career in game art, but it takes dozens of people with specific skillsets for a video game company to succeed. Com- munity managers interact with players daily to ensure they are having a positive experience with the game and make sure fan feedback is implemented. We also have women running the business at the executive level and as product man- agers and business develop- ers. There are multiple opportunities, inside and out of the development studio, so you must embrace your skills and interests to find which career path you would enjoy most. 4. What are the most important skills needed to succeed? I recommend that bud- ding video game developers find a network, get to know different game engines, become familiar with 2D and 3D software, and try new games all the time. Then, become a specialist in the aspect that interests you the most. Developing specific skills is important but devel- oping into a well-rounded person with a broad view of the world is equally impor- tant. It is also good to dive into sports, learn the arts, take a computer class or explore theater. Never stop learning and challenging yourself. 5. What advice do you have for young girls who want a career in video games? A career in the video game industry, perhaps born out of a hobby or passion, is legitimate and can be prof- itable too. Today, there are dedicated game developing programs at universities. And, whether a teen dream- ing of a future career, a uni- versity student or already in a career, finding a role model is key. I am fortunate to work with smart, talented women across all disciplines in the business of video games, each of whom bring some- thing different to the table. Seek opinions from col- leagues or bosses who have different work than yours - find a marketer, back-end programmer or member of the executive team and learn from them. It's also important to find a company that embraces women in all roles and embodies a culture of inclu- sivity and accessibility - the Star Stable team is more than 50% women. Finally, give back. If every woman who is part of the 22% proac- tively mentors other young women, imagine the next generation who will one day grow up to become our colleagues! Q&A: How girls can build careers in the video game industry

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