Innovative companies and individuals continue to explore logical and creative solutions to enhance the ways we use computer applications and hardware in our businesses and our personal lives. Fast-growing occupations include systems analysts, computer scientists, and database administrators. Advertised positions often require relevant work experience and a bachelor's degree for many jobs. More complex situations also call for a graduate degree. Overall, 86% of growth in employment is anticipated from 2000-2010.
Related occupations include system architects, systems developers, computer programmers, computer software engineers, computer and information systems managers, web designers, web developers, quality assurance analysts, network administrators, and financial analysts, among others. In fact, new occupations are being created to match new developments.
Working conditions for these types of professionals usually include a 40-hour workweek in an office or laboratory, commonly in comfortable surroundings. However, evening or weekend work may often be necessary due to tight deadlines or problems that require immediate resolution. Some companies allow telecommuting. This work usually requires a high degree of concentration, often amid surrounding activities. The long hours spent on the computer in the same position, using repetitive motions, make such workers prime candidates for eye strain, back problems, and problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome or cumulative trauma disorder.
Computer scientists, for example, are enmeshed into theorizing, researching, and inventing solutions and new technology. Some work in academic institutions, perhaps on ". . . multidisciplinary projects, such as developing and advancing uses of virtual reality, in human-computer interaction, or in robotics." In private industry, computer scientists may ". . . work in areas such as applying theory, developing specialized languages or information technologies, or designing programming tools, knowledge-based systems, or even computer games." The Internet and electronic business have created a need for useful data storage, management, and extraction, where database administrators excel.
Deciding to prepare for a career in this area becomes a lifelong project. To keep up with the rapid changes in technology means continual study to maintain one's range of skills. Employment and advancement depend not only on technical skills but also on a broad background and excellent interpersonal skills. Some jobs may require only a 2-year degree or a certificate based on immersion in the area; such training usually leads to employment in a specific occupation. People with degrees in other areas also find positions in computer occupations. Rules such as webmasters or developers may also require training and experience in art or graphic design.
Opportunities are projected to be abundant for computer software engineers during the decade from 2000-10. Employers are expected to favor those with bachelors or advanced degrees in computer engineering or computer science. Those with practical computer experience will have an advantage in the employer's eyes.
Like others in the computer industry, computer software engineers must keep up with new developments and master new skills continually due to the extremely rapid rate of advancements in computer technology. Further areas of specialization will become available. Workers use their combined knowledge of engineering, mathematics, and computer science to perform tasks such as analysis of systems and applications toward innovation and improvement. This might include envisioning, designing, developing, and testing software applications, operating systems, and network distribution. They may also be called on to solve problems that arise at the companies they work for or at client sites. These engineers typically have strong programming skills, although these tasks comprise only a portion of their work.
Computer hardware engineers, in contrast, typically design, develop and test computer hardware. Their work may involve " . . . computer chips, circuit boards, computer systems, and related equipment such as keyboards, modems, and printers." Like other workers in the computer industry, computer hardware engineers must continuously update their skills and keep abreast of developments.
Nearly 60,000 workers were employed as computer hardware in 2000, a relatively small percentage of the computer technology workforce.
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