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Career Track: Computer Programmer
Article:
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the outlook for
employment for Computer Programmers is expected to grow with
other industries through 2012. Positions for Applications
Programmers and Systems Programmers will be abundant in
consulting businesses, data processing firms and software houses.
Roles and Responsibilities :
The primary role of a Computer Programmer is to write programs
according to the instructions determined primarily by computer
software engineers and systems analysts. In a nutshell, Computer
Programmers are the ones that take the completed designs and
convert them into the instructions that the computer can
actually follow. The instructions are coded into a programming
language. In some cases, programmers are also expected to know
platform specific languages used in database programming. Many
programmers at the enterprise level are also expected to know
platform-specific languages used in database programming.
Responsibilities include updating; repairing, modifying and
expanding existing programs as well as running tests to
authenticate that the program will produce the desired outcome.
Applications Programmers are the ones that actually write
programs to handle very specific jobs, revise existing software
or customize generic applications while Systems Programmers
write programs to maintain and control computer systems software
such as operating systems, database and/or networked systems. In
some smaller organizations, the programmers may also be
responsible for systems analysis and the actual programming. In
many cases, however, technology is replacing the need to write
basic code which doesn't bode well for those considering
entering the field. According to the U.S. Department of Labor,
however, the "demand for programmers with strong object-oriented
programming capabilities and technical specialization in areas
such as client/server programming, wireless applications,
multimedia technology, and graphic user interface (GUI) should
arise from the expansion of intranets, extranets, and Internet
applications. Programmers also will be needed to create and
maintain expert systems and embed these technologies in more
products. Finally, growing emphasis on cyber-security will lead
to increased demand for programmers who are familiar with
digital security issues and skilled in using appropriate
security technology."
Advancement Opportunities :
The advancement opportunities for computer Programmers are many
and usually start with a promotion to a Lead Programmer. A Lead
Programmer position will more than likely include supervisory
duties. System programming is usually the next career step for
Computer Programmers who have completed systems software
courses. Programmer Analysts and Systems Analysts are also
logical steps. Many programmers are also finding that
independent contracting and consulting gives them the freedom to
pick and choose their projects.
Advancement Opportunities :
The advancement opportunities for computer Programmers are many
and usually start with a promotion to a Lead Programmer. A Lead
Programmer position will more than likely include supervisory
duties. System programming is usually the next career step for
Computer Programmers who have completed systems software
courses. Programmer Analysts and Systems Analysts are also
logical steps. Many programmers are also finding that
independent contracting and consulting gives them the freedom to
pick and choose their projects.
Educational Requirements :
Although required skills and training will vary dependent upon
the position and industry in which you're working, the demand
for skill sets is even more driven by technological changes. In
some positions, graduate degrees may be required. While
traditional language knowledge is still important, C++ and Java
are the programming languages of choice. GUI and systems
programming skills are also sought after. In addition, general
business skills will be an asset in any organization. Systems
programmers usually need a 4-year degree in computer science and
extensive knowledge of a variety of operating systems. They are
usually also expected to be proficient in database systems such
as DB2, Sybase and/or Oracle.
Salary Potential : (As reported by the U.S. Dept. of
Labor)
Position Salary Range (2003)
Median Average Earnings $60.290
Starting salary for graduates with B.A. in Computer Programming
$45,558
Salary range for Applications Development Programmers $51,500 -
$80,500
Salary range for Software Developers $55,000 - $87,750
Salary range for Mainframe Programmers $53,250 - $68,750
Industry Certifications :
Computer programmers have a variety of options when it comes to
adding certifications to their resumes. It is strongly
recommended that potential candidates attain Language
certifications as well as vendor or software specific
certifications.
For more visualization of this article along with the screen
shots and more visit
http://www.exforsys.com/content/category/17/253/332/
About the author:
Exforsys is a community of developers specializing in C, C++,
C#, Java, J2EE, .NET, PeopleSoft, SAP, Siebel, Oracle Apps.,
Data warehousing, Oracle/SQL Server/DB2 and Testing. Please
visit http://www.exforsys.com for more tutorials and for IT
Interview questions http://www.geekinterview.com is an open
database. If you are an IT Geek, please visit
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