Computer Careers Nature and Background

Computer Careers

Nature and Background of Work

Job Opportunities within the Computer Profession

Working Conditions

Advancement Opportunities

Compensation

Educational and Other Requirements

Future Opportunities

Conclusion career in computers is perceived today to be one of the most high-paying and respected opportunities for the new millennium. Obviously rapid technological advancements in both the workplace and in society in general make computers a huge market of opportunities. Specialization in computers will then provide the computer professional with a myriad opportunities to advance his or her own knowledge as well as helping businesses remain at the cutting edge of technology and competition.

The profession itself evolves according to new technological advances, and even occupational titles within the computer profession change according to these advancements. Current titles that could be held include systems analysts, database administrators and computer scientists. Changes in technology are then also coupled with changes in preferences and practices of employers, thus necessitating the dynamic nature of a career in computers. It is therefore a career with a large number of opportunities not only in terms of financial gain, but also in terms of professional growth.

Systems analysts for example serve the business community through ensuring the smooth operation of computer systems, as well as implementing new systems according to the specific needs of an organization. Current systems may be upgraded and developed, while new systems are also created. According to these functions, some professionals are named systems developers or architects, according to their creative function.

Database administrators then work with databases incorporated within the systems created and installed by analysts. Communication needs and the rapid expansion of information systems such as the Internet are often handled by both database administrators and systems analysts. Often these two areas are handled by a single person or group of computer experts (Wiliams, Pers. Comm.). Networking between computers within an office or among various offices are then also handled by these experts.

Computer professionals can then be involved in both of the above areas, while also acting as experts in the implementation and expansion of the Internet. Several new professions have also been created as a result of the Internet and its popularization. The design and maintenance of Web sites for example are part of the duties handled by Internet developers or Web designers. The technical aspects such as speed and performance issues are generally known as Webmasters.

Computer scientists on the other hand work at the highest level of specialized and technical theory relating to the profession. Opportunities in computer science range from academic institutions to computer laboratories, where some are self-employed innovators and programmers. The design and evolution of information technology, computer programs, artificial intelligence and computer games (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

It is therefore clear that a career in computers offers a wide range of opportunities and directions of specialization. Accordingly, it is also a career where the benefits include a wide range of compensation possibilities with mostly excellent working conditions. The latter usually entails offices or laboratories. The hours range from 40 hours to more per week, according to the specific requirements of the job. In cases where deadlines or specific problems are involved, a workday may extend into the evening or even to the weekend. Telecommuting is often an option that appeals to computer professionals, as much work can be done by means of remote connections. Although the profession allows for more benefits than many others, computer professionals do face a number of risks. Long hours in front of the screen may for example result in eyestrain, back discomfort and problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome, which relates to the hands and wrists (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Employment and advancement opportunities for persons in the computer profession are many, depending on the specific area of expertise that the professional chooses, as well as the initial education taken in order to enter the profession. Most businesses require at least some formal education from prospective employees, which could range from a 2-year degree to a more formal Bachelor's degree. However, the specific training and education requirements depend very much on a company's specific needs. Previous computer experience is also of vital importance, as is a diversity of related skills. Employers are currently requiring a larger base of diverse skills around the focus of technical expertise. Elements such as interpersonal skills and creativity may be combined with the technical requirements of the job, for example (Brock, Pers. Comm.).

The greatest concentration of workers are in the systems design and related industry. Internet service providers, web search portals, as well as data processing and related service firms are the main industries requiring the services of computer professionals. The government, computer manufacturers, financial institutions and universities also employ computer specialists, and the list is growing. As the 21st century advances it is likely that an increasing amount of firms will become computerized and thus need computer services either on a contract or full-time basis (Brock, Pers. Comm.).

Opportunities for advancement then exist in terms of heading teams of computer experts and becoming involved in the hiring and consultation process. Those in the private industry could then advance to managerial positions, whereas others employed by academic institutions could become heads of departments or published authorities. Promotion opportunities for systems analysts may include senior or lead analyst or project managers (Parent & Rawson).

A growing sector of these professionals prefer to work on a contract basis for a number of companies, which entails the opportunity to open a consultation business or shop of one's own. The requirement for this would of course be to maintain continuous research with regard to the newest available technologies and ensuring that these are available to one's clients (Brock, Pers. Comm.).

Financial compensation depends largely upon the level of education and skills, as well as seniority at the place of employment. In 2003 for example starting offers for persons with a master's degree in computer science was $62,806 on average per year, while those with a bachelor's degree were offered $47,109 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). A person seeking to enter the profession may begin to do so by means of internships, co-op programs and computer science training courses. Background information regarding industries within the focus location of a prospective computer career is also beneficial. This may be obtained by entering a non-computer occupation such as financial services in order to gain background information that can later be transferred to specific computer professions (Williams, Pers. Comm).