computer careers
DESCRIPTION
General Information about careers working with computers and technologyTRANSCRIPT
Careers in the Computer Industry
Chloe FosterNET 101November 6, 2013
THE COMPUTER INDUSTRYWith billions of dollars in annual revenue, the computer industry is one of the larger worldwide industries. This industry has created thousands of high-tech jobs, even in companies whose primary business is not computer related. Job opportunities in the computer industry generally are available in one or more of these areas:• General business and government
organizations and their IT departments• Computer equipment field• Computer software field• Computer service and repair field
(Shelly & Vermaat, 2011, pp. 786)
CERTIFICATIONSCertification is the process of verifying the technical knowledge of an individual who has demonstrated competence in a particular area. Companies often require certification to ensure quality and workmanship standards and to confirm their workforce remains up to date withrespect to computers and technology.
Computing professionals typically obtain a certification by taking and passing an examination. Preparation for a certification exam requires experience or special classes, many of which are offered by trade schools, communitycolleges, and adult education centers. After certificationrequirements are met, proficiency in an area is acknowledged with a certificate.
Many vendors, such as Microsoft and Cisco, offer technical certification programs for their Products in areas such as network administration, hardware repair, security.
(Shelly & Vermaat, 2011, pp. 800-801)
CERTIFICATION BENEFITSCareer: A certification is one of the firstaccomplishments an employer notices on aresume. It provides a benchmark, or a means, tomeasure a person’s skills. It can set an individualapart from other potential candidates who maybe vying for a similar advancement or position.
Professional: Certification is a personalachievement that adds credibility among peersand employers. Certification also authorizesthe certificate holder to use the product’sofficial logo or symbol on personal items,such as business cards and Web pages. As anadditional bonus, some certification trainingcan be used for college credit. Althoughnothing guarantees job security, certificationhelps give the IT professional an edge overemployees without certification.
Salary: Numerous salary surveys show thatcertification helps influence pay increases.Individuals with more than one area of certificationcan command even higher salaries.Companies often pay
(Shelly & Vermaat, 2011, pp. 800-801)
PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONSProfessional Organizations and PersonalNetworks Computer professionals with common interests and a desire to extend their proficiency form computer-related professional organizations to share their knowledge. Two organizations that are influential in the computer industryare the Association for Computing Machineryand the Association of Information TechnologyProfessionals.
Attending professional meetings as a guest or student member provides an excellent opportunity for students to learn about the IT industry and to meet and talk with professionals in the field. Often, student chapters of professional organizations exist on college campuses. The student chapters provide students with the opportunity to develop leadership skills and to become acquainted with professionalswho speak at their chapter meetings.
(Shelly & Vermaat, 2011, pp. 797)
General Business & Government IT Departments
Businesses and government organizations of all sizes use computers. Without computers, very few organizations could operate in today’s economy. Employees of all types, from office workers to shop foremen, use business software such as word processing to prepare basic documents.
(Shelly & Vermaat, 2011, pp. 786)
SELECTED IT DEPARTMENT JOBS(Shelly & Vermaat, 2011, pp. 787)
Management directs the planning, research, development, evaluation, and
integration of technology.
Required CredentialsAssociates, Bachelors, or
Master’s in Computer Science or Similar Degree Field and
Vendor Certifications
Technical Services evaluates/integrates new technologies, administers
organization’s data resources, and supports the centralized computer operating system
Required CredentialsAssociates, Bachelors, or
Master’s in Computer Science or Similar Degree Field and Vendor
Certifications
Trainingteaches employees how to use components of the information
system or answers user questions.
Required CredentialsAssociates, Bachelors, or Master’s
in Computer Science or Similar Degree Field and Vendor
Certifications
Securitydevelops and enforces policies that
are designed to safeguard an organization’s data and information
from unauthorized users.
Required CredentialsAssociates, Bachelors, or
Master’s in Computer Science or Similar Degree Field and Vendor
Certifications
Computer Equipment Field
The computer equipment field consists of manufacturers and distributors of computers and computer-related hardware such as magnetic and optical drives, monitors, printers, and communications and networking devices. In addition to thecompanies that make end-user equipment, thousands of companies manufacture components used inside a computer such as chips, motherboards, cables, and power supplies.
(Shelly & Vermaat, 2011, pp. 790)
SELECTED COMPUTER EQUIPMENT JOBS(Shelly & Vermaat, 2011, pp. 787)
AssemblyCreates items for computers such as motherboards and
other hardware.
Required CredentialsAssociates, Bachelors, or
Master’s in Computer Science or Similar Degree Field and
Vendor Certifications
PackagingGathers assembled materials for shipping to customers and stores
Required CredentialsHigh School, Associates, Bachelors, or Master’s in
Computer Science or Similar Degree Field and Vendor
Certifications
DistributionEnsures that ordered products are delivered to the desired location.
Required CredentialsHigh School, licenses, other pertinent experiences, and
Vendor Certifications
IT DepartmentOversees any technical issues with
the computers used to manufacture and distribute equipment.
Required CredentialsAssociates, Bachelors, or Master’s in
Computer Science or Similar Degree Field and Vendor
Certifications
Computer Software Field
The computer software field consists of companies that develop, manufacture, and support a wide range of software. Some softwarecompanies specialize in a particular type of software such as business software or utility programs. Other software companies, especiallylarger firms such as Microsoft, produce and sell many types of software.
(Shelly & Vermaat, 2011, pp. 790)
SELECTED COMPUTER SOFTWARE JOBS(Shelly & Vermaat, 2005, pp. 790)
Project Managerdirects and oversees the planning, research, and
development of new software
Required CredentialsAssociates, Bachelors, or
Master’s in Computer Science or Similar Degree Field and
Vendor Certifications
Programmer writes and tests computer
Programs by themselves or with a team of programmers.
Required CredentialsAssociates, Bachelors, or
Master’s in Computer Science or Similar Degree Field and Vendor
Certifications
Technical Leadguides the design, development,
and maintenance tasksand serve as interface between
programmer/ developer and management.
Required CredentialsAssociates, Bachelors, or Master’s
in Computer Science or Similar Degree Field and Vendor
Certifications
Computer ScientistInvents and develops
innovative solutions to complex software requirements or problems.
Required CredentialsAssociates, Bachelors, or Master’s in
Computer Science or Similar Degree Field and Vendor
Certifications
REFERENCESShelly, G. & Vermaat, E. (2011). Discovering Computers 2011: Living in a Digital World. Boston, Massachusetts: Course Technology