Computer Programming Careers, Jobs, and Training Information.Parts 2

 *Career job information for job seekers and find good  employment  job

Many computer programmers work independently as contractors or consultants for companies needing specialized knowledge in areas of computer languages and application. An organization, such as a marketing firm, may contract with an independent programmer or an agency to provide debugging services in order to begin running any kind of management software application. Hiring programmers through contractual agreements rather than as permanent employees is an efficient way of harnessing people with the specific skills needed without having to train or re-train newcomers. Contractual agreements range from a few weeks to more than a year.

Computer Programming Training and Job Qualifications

Educational experience is becoming a more common need among employees with the rise in skilled and specialized job candidates. The most qualified applicants will have a bachelor’s degree or, at the minimum, a certificate of a two-year computer programming degree. Many new computer programmers entering the field hold associate degrees, and many colleges and institutes offer this kind of degree in related computer information and science-related fields.

Employers typically seek computer programmers with specialized experience in a particular area. Graduatescan enroll in courses at a technical or college institution to gain specialized training in a certain area. Although having a college degree is very helpful, more employers are preferring candidates with practical working experience or possessing a vocational computer programming degree.

Many programmers have a degree in a computer science field, while some have simply enrolled in courses as educational supplements. As employers require more training and education, there should be a substantially higher number of programmers with college educations and degrees.

The need for a particular set of skills varies according to the different fields, whether it is in engineering, mathematics, scientific, or business applications. Emerging programming languages are creating a competitive field of applicants with the relevant knowledge. Candidates with skills in special languages that involve such technical features as graphic user interface (GUI) are highly demanded. Also, highly qualified job applicants will have business and management skills. These and other skills can be acquired through internships or on-campus work programs.

Systems programmers typically have a bachelor’s degree to complement an expansive knowledge of computer science. These programmers should be able to configure database (including Oracle, Sybase, and DB2) and operating systems within different organizations.

The most qualified applicants for programming jobs will have analytical and logical thinking skills along with patience and creativity in designing better programs. Software programs are often very sophisticated and abstract and thus systems programmers should also be able to exercise strong problem-solving and technical skill. The ability to effectively communicate within a team is also preferable among employers.

Amateur programmers just beginning their career may work alone or within a team, depending on the difficulty of the project. Some kind of supervision is always required at first, and programmers should constantly modernize their knowledge of new technology through offered courses.

Advancements opportunities for programmers include becoming a chief manager or supervisor. This depends on the respective programmer’s current skills and knowledge level. Programmers with the acquired skills and education may also move between specialized fields, such as systems, management, or research or media technology. These and opportunities, including consulting opportunities, should grow as employers continue to hire programmers in specialized areas.

Job applicants can enhance their qualifications by becoming certified in programming. In addition to gaining certification through voluntary means, different programs exist including those offered by software and product companies.

Computer Programming Job and Employment Opportunities

Programming job increase is projected to grow at an equal rate with other jobs over the next decade. Experts predict that computer sectors in which design and software services are related will be among the most rapid growing sectors during this time period. Programmers will grow in demand, as evolving technologies require companies to adapt to new language and computer systems. Moreover, job turnover will create more openings for programming applicants.

Programming growth rates, however, are expected to not exceed the growth rate of specialists in other computer-related fields. Changing technology is changing the scope of programmers’ responsibilities, as code writing can be accomplished through automated computer programs without the need of manual work. This change in scope is also due to the growing use of software packages and the ability of users to write their own programs. Technological advancement also means that firms will seek lower costs through out-sourcing jobs to foreign countries.

Despite these changes, businesses will remain to seek programmers for management and programming needs. Programmers will thus need to maintain their skills, especially as they relate to networks, wireless hardware, and Internet and Intranet communications. The growth of these online communications should necessitate larger numbers of programmers to develop client/server, media, graphic user interface (GUI), and wireless operations. Also, programmers will continually be needed to implement technological security system with its growing use.

As programming becomes more complex, four-year college graduates will become more highly competitive. Those with skills in language programming—including languages for network, database, and Internet management—will become highly favorable. Programmers seeking jobs should stay abreast of the current technologies that employer’s need. They will also benefit in gaining practical experience to supplement that knowledge.

Historical Earnings Information

Salaries for computer programmers range from $35,000 for the lowest 10% to $100,000 or more for the top 10 percent. Average middle earnings in 2002 were around $60,000.

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