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IT and Computer Programming Career Guide

IT and Computer Programming Career Guide

Almost everything we do today involves some type of technology. Our world depends on computers, smart phones, and other products to socialize, complete daily tasks, and fulfill our job duties. Technology is constantly improving and for this reason, computer science and programming careers are in high demand. For those who enjoy technology and prefer a challenging and innovative career, this is the way to go. There are various career avenues computer science and programming majors can take which include web design, software programming, and information technology. Continue reading to learn more about various careers in computer science and programming.

Network Administration

The basic job of network administrators is to manage communication and network systems. They solve problems in networks, maintain software and hardware, and ensure that the network is secure, available, and performs to the set standards. Network administrators average an annual salary of about $69,000 and the career field is expected to grow faster than the average of unrelated careers. To work as a network administrator, you will need a graduate or undergraduate degree in systems engineering, network administration, or computer science.

  • Information Systems Degree - This link provides more information on career options for those with an Information Systems Degree including various areas of Network Administration.
  • Average Salary - Here you can learn more about what Network Administrators do, how much you can expect to earn, how the job market is, and about certification.

Computer Scientist

Unemployment for computer scientists is at a low-level meaning there is job security in this career field. Those working in this field perform tasks such as creating robots, the creation and maintenance of websites, organizing data, designing networks, and working with virtual worlds. The annual salary ranges between $49,000 and $100,000 per year. Computer scientists can work in various subfields which include software engineering, telecommunication, statistics, probability, and performance analysis.

  • Career Ideas - This link provides a description of the computer science major, examples of courses that a computer science major may have to take, and direct job opportunities to help you decide which direction you would like to take your career.
  • What Can I Do With a Computer Science Degree? - This guide will help you determine if a computer science degree is right for you, how to explore your career options, how to gain experience, and how to find work in your chosen career.
  • Computer Science Careers - This link provides more information on the skills and qualities of a computer scientist, the job outlook, the average salary, who hires computer scientists, and the various computer science degrees.

Support Specialist

Computer support specialists provide various types of technical assistance to those who use computers. They work with troubleshooting and answering questions as a way to prevent downtime while they enhance hardware and software use. Most computer support specialists have Bachelor Degrees in information systems, computer science, or business. The average annual salary for those in this career field is between $28,000 and $76,000.

  • Computer Support Specialist - Learn what a computer support specialist is, working conditions, qualifications and training, job outlook, and average salary for those in this career.
  • Employment Outlook - This guide provides salary ranges, information on the type of work performed by a computer support specialist, where computer support specialists are employed, and working conditions.
  • Occupational Outlook Handbook - Here you will learn more about the job outlook for computer support specialists, the nature of the work, working conditions, employment, training, qualifications and advancement, and average earnings.

Computer and Information Systems Management

Computer and Information systems managers typically hold a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, information systems, or other technology related areas. They can earn anywhere between $69,000 and $150,000 per year and employment is projected to grow well above average. Most in this career field work is in an office environment. They may end up working more than the typical 40 hour week in order to meet deadlines and it may be required at times to work weekends or nights.

  • Computer Science vs. Information Systems - Learn the difference between computer science and information systems as well as the various career options.
  • Computer Information Systems - Here you can learn more about computer information systems, what someone with this career may be doing, what skills and characteristics those in this career have, where they are employed, and careers related to this field.
  • Computer and Information Systems Managers - This provides more information on the nature of the work, salary, qualifications, training, and related careers.

Systems Analyst and Design

Professionals in this filed analyze scientific or business tasks and then develop and plan software and hardware systems in order to have a computer complete the tasks. Oftentimes they may improve computer systems already being used. They find employment at universities, businesses, government agencies, hospitals and consulting firms. On average these professionals make $66,000 or more per year. Most employers will require a potential employee to hold a degree in computer science or business.

  • Business Analyst and Systems Analyst - This article discusses the difference between the two including the different roles, certificate programs, and typical program delivery.
  • Job Duty Summary - This link provides information on wages, employment projections, and where those in this career are employed.

Computer Programmer

Computer programmers maintain, test, and write detailed instructions followed by computers in order to perform their specific functions. These professionals also test, design, and conceive structures in logic to solve problems using a computer. In order to obtain employment as a computer programmer a certificate or degree is required. Most employers will prefer to hire those with previous experience. On average, those working in this career field can expect to make $49,000 or more per year.

  • Computer Software Engineers and Computer Programmers - This is the occupational outlook handbook for computer programming careers. Learn salary averages, employment, job descriptions, nature of the work, and more.
  • Career Outlook - Here you can learn the job duties, career specialties, working conditions, and opportunities for experience in the field of computer programming.
  • Career Journeys - Here you can read about the major points of a computer programming career, job responsibilities, and educational requirements.

Software and Computer Engineer

Computer engineers implement, design, test, and build software and hardware applications for networks. They work in various settings from bug businesses to home offices. It is required to be fluent in Java, COBOL, C++ and various other programming languages as well as have a strong understanding of the internet. This career has a high employment outlook and on average these professionals earn about $80,000 per year.

  • Career Guide for Computer Software Engineer - This website provides a standard description, the tasks, skills, and knowledge required, as well as training and education. It also provides a link for the salary structure.
  • Computer Software Engineers - Here you can learn a basic job descriptions, skills needed, tasks that will likely be performed, and the salary average for computer engineers in New York.
  • Career Planning Guide - This career planning guide provides simple facts about this career such as physical demands, working conditions, and the work performed.