Have you reached your golden years, but find that retirement isn't all it's cracked up to be? Maybe you enjoy being productive and miss having a career. Or maybe your financial situation isn't as golden as you'd hoped, and a more income would be nice.

Whatever the reason, there are plenty of IT careers that could be a good choice at any stage of your life. The New Generation Computer systems support the overall operations of businesses and other organizations. And because technology is evolving so quickly among many fields, those with a master's in IT should be sought after to handle these advancements across a variety of sectors.

Are you always up to date on the latest gadgets and gizmos, and fascinated by all things high-tech? Then grab your state-of-the-art laptop, and get to work on a master's in information technology. And IT & information systems program could help you cultivate your knowledge and help prepare you to pursue a career in this technology-driven marketplace.

IT professionals wear many hats and go by different names, depending on their area of expertise-engineer, programmer, website producer, and network administrator, to name a few. The range of IT jobs is vast. And the skills needed to set up an office network-install the cables, configure the computers, and keep them running-are quite different from those required to set up and customize an automated-payroll software system. A database specialist needs still other skills to administer the ever-changing complex of information generated by enterprise software applications and the company website, including files on visitors who have signed on as members or purchased something.

But no matter what job they do, all IT professionals focus on improving the usability and efficiency of technological systems and processes. Their goal is a smoothly functioning computer network-free of bugs, glitches, and interruptions-that provides an effective flow of information so the company can keep on improving its work processes, customer retention and acquisition, and other aspect of it’s business requirement.

• Projected employment growth: 29 percent
• IT career median pay: Between $60,000 to $97,200
• Potential career paths: IT project manager, software developer, IT specialist