Technology is the collective term for the array of skills, practices, systems, and procedures employed in the achievement of specific objectives, including scientific discovery or the design of new products. The scope of technology is enormous. It permeates almost all aspects of human activity in all parts of the world. Some types of technology are general, like communications, information, and entertainment; others are narrower, such as physical sciences and engineering, manufacturing, information technology, and medicine. The breadth of technology has grown tremendously over time.

A technologist can perform many tasks. He can be an architect, designer, technician, computer programmer, and product developer. A technologist can also work in the field of education, medicine, business, and manufacturing. Technologists are expected to possess an intellectual curiosity and a sense of creativity. They must be good problem solvers and excellent analytical and communicative skills.

In order to become a technologist, one needs to attend and pass a series of educational courses that cover all the subjects on technology. A bachelor’s degree is usually required to study technology at a university. The length of a bachelor’s program varies by school and often times can take two years. After graduation, most graduates seek jobs in industry or consultancies, or work in government agencies.

There are numerous job possibilities available to a technologist. A number of businesses are willing to place technologists in their positions. Some notable examples include NASA, Cisco, Honeywell, AT&T, Daimler-Chrysler, Xerox, Motorola, Apple, Microsoft, and Prudential Securities. A technologist can also find work in academic and community organizations. He may find employment at research laboratories and universities, which require a bachelor’s degree and experience in a scientific or engineering capacity.

The demand for qualified technologists is expected to grow substantially in the next few years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “technologists” will make up 4.5 percent of the workforce by the year 2021. This is expected to be a steadily growing percentage as more people choose to work in this field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects this trend to continue. As the demand for qualified technicians increases, the salary range for these professionals will increase as well. In addition, many employers are offering incentives, including pay raises and advancement opportunities, for individuals who choose to work in their particular fields.

Finding employment as a technologist can be challenging. Many schools cannot admit them into their programs. At times, there are gaps in certification between vocational schools and the University level. Some may be able to grant admittance to a bachelor’s degree program. Job placement assistance should be obtained from a number of sources, including universities, community colleges, vocational schools, the Department of Labor, the American Society for Testing and Materials, employers, the unemployment agency, the National Association of Manufacturers, the Department of Education, and other employment and training resource centers.