Information architecture is present in nearly every aspect of every business, website, and media we interact with. How can you move your career into this lucrative IT path?
The modern workplace seems jam packed with ever newer, ‘trendy terms’, abbreviations, acronyms, and initialisms. These neologisms can often have an excluding effect, if you find yourself not up to speed with them, not to mention many employers, particularly in the IT and technology industry, are looking for employees whose knowledge of their industry is bang up to date and supported by relevant certifications.
In this article we’ll be learning more about Information Architecture, finding out what it is, discovering why it’s so important, who uses it as well as what careers it’s used in, and what the best qualifications and certifications to have within this field are.
What is Information Architecture?
Similar to traditional architecture, Information Architecture (IA) concerns itself with the building and construction of IT media, (hence the ‘information’ prefix). IA is used in just about every piece of digital or internet media we encounter, from apps, to software, and websites.
If we think of IA in regards to a physical space, Information Architecture is what ensures corridors lead neatly into the correct rooms, such as how clicking a hyperlink to another article on a website’s domain moves you swiftly from one webpage to another.
It makes sure that an app or download is easily navigable, just as how an architect would ensure the floorplan of a building was logical and accessible to the intended audience.
One could even go so far as to say that IA is the unsung hero or cornerstone of our digital experiences in the 21st century. Even those at the bottom spectrum of IT literacy can tell when a webpage is poorly constructed, links may be broken, or finding the information they need may become a tedious task.
Oftentimes this can cause a consumer to switch to a domain they believe to be more efficient, and with the internet now being such a competitive platform, it is safe to say that poor IA implementation can make or break some digital businesses.
Who uses IA?
In short, everyone. From consumers benefiting from accessible media, to marketing agencies wanting to place their product in the best possible way to increase sales, anyone using the internet, or printed media, or apps on their phone is an IA user.
What Careers Utilize IA?
As with the prior question, any 21st century company with a digital presence will feature careers involving IA.
In regards to job titles, while being an Internet Architect is a career within itself, other job titles that work with IA most frequently within their day to day working lives include; web designers, digital marketers, network administrators and engineers, Enterprise Architects, app developers and IT security systems architects.
While this is by no means represents an exhaustive list, as this article has already proven just how widespread IA can be, if you’re looking for employment within one of the fields listed above, or are currently employed and looking to improve, there are many different courses and qualifications that can quickly help you in becoming IA savvy.
Microsoft Azure
For a solid, all round foray in to IA, becoming certified in areas surrounding Microsoft Azure may be beneficial.
Built by Microsoft as a tool to build, test, deploy, and manage applications, and perfect for beginners or the newly qualified, as it does not require you to create your own infrastructure, becoming Azure aware is useful for many careers involving IA.
Depending on the course, you can become clued up in as little as 6 days (or 12 if you opt for a combined course), allowing you to quickly move one step closer to your career goals.
There are a whole range of more specialized Azure courses available too, from those suited to IT admins, system administrators, infrastructure specialists, and solutions architects.
MCSD Training
In certain sectors of IA central careers, becoming MCSD trained, may be beneficial, If not essential.
Standing for Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer, MSCD represents the highest level of excellence in technical competency for many employers. Often working in tandem with Microsoft Azure, training in this certification can include App Building or Web Applications.
As MCSD certification is recognized as an elite qualification by Microsoft, being able to state on your resume that you are a Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer, is bound to help you stand out from the crowd, particularly when applying for more specialized or higher paid jobs.
Seeking your Certifications
There are a whole host of websites which offer IA certification courses. Certification Camps offer all of the courses mentioned within this article, at reasonable prices.
With regularly scheduled courses, and the option of on-site or off-site learning, as well as comprehensive packages, including flights, accommodation, and exams, not to mention highly qualified course leaders, Certification Camps knows just what certifications you need, to achieve the career path you deserve.