General Computer Question 20:

General Computer Question 20: What types of  computer jobs are available?

Answer:   The invention and evolution of the computer has resulted in millions of new types of computer-related jobs. From those who enter the data to those who maintain the largest computer systems, there continues to be a worldwide demand for workers who are trained to play a role in the development and use of computer technology. There are a number of schools and training programs that teach  data input skills. This type of program provides training in the kind of skills needed for entry-level jobs in the computer industry. Skills related to the use of the basic types of applications programs will often be sufficient for those who want to be involved in the data input process. Because computers are used to store vast amounts of data, there is a great need for people who can use a keyboard, or other input devices, to get data into the system. As companies have become computerized, much of the training of employees to use computers has taken place on the job. Often this training takes place on the fly: data-entry people learn how to use a word processor while using it to do their job. When they get stuck, they refer to manuals and they ask questions. However, many companies have learned that it is more profitable in the long run to use a more realistic approach that provides in-house training or payment to employees who attend courses offered elsewhere.

As the use of computers has become more common, many businesses now are more likely to require potential employees to have computer skills before they are hired.

 Technical support people help in the installation of hardware and systems software. After installation, they are involved in maintenance of the equipment. They also maintain networking hardware and data communications systems. These employees should be familiar with diagnostic procedures and electronics and they should be able to read and understand technical manuals. These jobs require at least two years of college, but often a bachelor's degree is preferred.  Customer support technicians are needed by many different types of companies. They hire employees to help customers use technical devices. For example, manufacturers of computer hardware and computer software usually hire technical support personnel to answer user's questions related to the company's products. These people need to know not only about their company's products, but also how the products interface with other systems. Retail stores that sell computer hardware and software may also have positions for technical support people in order to keep their customers satisfied. Technical support personnel usually have a background in computer technology before they are hired; nevertheless, since these positions require knowledge of a great variety of potential hardware and software problems, these employees will usually receive additional specialized training.

 Technical writers, those who can write instructional manuals describing about how to use computers and related technologies, are always in great demand. All of today's hardware and software products include user manuals, references guides, and often a variety of other technical documents. Technical writers may also work with computer trainers to produce training materials and they may be called upon to produce specification sheets, product information sheets, brochures, and newsletters.

The technical writer must be skilled at translating technical jargon into a simplified language that can be readily understood by users of the product. Today, the technical writer is frequently called on to produce  camera-ready copy for their employers. This requires special training in the use of desktop publishing and graphics programs, as well as knowledge of page design and a variety of other publishing skills.

For large projects, the technical writer may also become a project manager who works with technical editors and document-production staff during the production of the manual. As part of the production of technical documents, technical specifications must be deciphered, interviews with engineers and programmers must often be conducted, and arrangements must be made with data-entry people, desktop publishers, artists, photographers, and printers. The more of these skills a technical writer has, the more they can offer to potential employers. Sometimes technical writers are hired as outside consultants. Since technical writers must demonstrate knowledge of computer technology and possess excellent writing skills, they often have extensive experience and considerable education. An applicant for a technical writing position must usually show potential employers copies of manuals they have previously written.

With the proliferation of hardware and software products designed to facilitate the creation of high-quality graphics, there is a growing demand for people who have the skills to put them to use. They are known as  Computer artists. Ad agencies and design houses are now using microcomputers to create professional marketing documents and other types of advertising. Magazines, newspapers, and book publishers are hiring designers and graphic artists who are able to do their work on computers. Computer artists usually have completed specialized training in art and in the use of computer graphics programs.

Many types of organizations are now hiring trainers to develop and implement computer-based training programs for their employees. These training programs may be entirely or partially delivered by computer. The designer of a computer-based training program, the  computer-based training specialist, must have a great deal of knowledge about the topics being taught  and about the hardware and software that is used in the training. These specialists must have education and experience not only in computer technology, but they must also have skills as a teacher. They must have training in instructional technology, in instructional methods, and they must possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. They may also be responsible for developing the training manuals and instructional materials that often accompany computer-based training programs.

 Customer support staff are often employed by manufacturers of computer hardware and software to provide information and advice to customers. If the customer is purchasing a complex computer system, these employees may have to spend a great deal of time at the customer's office during installation. They are there to assure that no problems arise during and after the installation. These employees must know how to work with programmers and engineers. Usually they have experience and training in systems analysis and programming. They may also be involved in training the customer's employees to use the products.

There are a large number of jobs available for  sales people in the computer field, people who have the skills to sell computer hardware and software. These people may work for the manufacturers of products or they may work for retail or wholesale houses that sell hardware or software products. The growth of the computer industry has also resulted in technical sales positions with publishers of technical books and magazines and a number of other businesses related to the use of computers. In addition to having skills in sales, these employees must have knowledge of the products they are selling.

 Database managers (database administrators) are employees responsible for the development of an organization's database-management system. Or they may be responsible for the maintenance of a system already in place. They generally do not have to be hardware specialists, but they must have completed extensive training on using database-management software. In addition, they must have excellent communications skills because they will often be working with users to solve problems related to the organization's data. These positions generally require at least two years of specialized training. An applicant with a college degree will have an advantage when applying for these positions.

Because data is so important to businesses and other organizations, it is important to have a mechanism for checking the accuracy of data input into the system.  Data control employees are responsible for double-checking data that is input by other people. They keep records and conduct periodic checks to be sure procedures are being followed. These employees usually have completed at least two years of training at a college or technical school.

In addition, an organization may hire one or more individuals who are responsible for managing and protecting the organization's data storage media. These employees who keep track of active and backup copies of data may also be responsible for the protection of data and programs against theft or damage. Often these employees need at least two years of college or technical school training.

 Computer operator people keep complex computer systems running. They may be involved in scheduling data analysis, and maintaining program and data files. There are a number of different levels of these positions. The entry-level position usually requires at least a degree from a two-year college or training at a technical school. Experience and on-the-job training can lead to advancement to higher-level positions. A college degree in a technical field is generally required for the highest-level (management) positions in computer operations.

The development of new hardware and software and the installation and maintenance of computer systems are areas that are handled by professionals with extensive training in computer science; they are known as  computer professionals.

 Engineers and programmers (software engineers) are responsible for the development of hardware and systems software. They are generally hired both by manufacturers of commercial computer software and by large organizations that develop software in-house. These employees may work with a  systems analyst in the design and implementation of data-management systems. Engineers and programmers are generally classified into trainee, junior, or senior (lead) levels. Trainees may have as little as two years of college, but more often a college degree is required. Often trainees have little or no practical experience with the organization's computer system and must therefore work under the supervision of others. With more experience and specialized education, trainees can move to the junior level. Often additional specialized education, such as a graduate degree in a technical field, along with a great deal of experience is required before a junior employee can become a lead engineer or senior programmer.

 Systems analysts are often responsible for developing and implementing new computer-based, data-management systems. They are also responsible for maintaining and implementing changes to existing computer systems. A systems analyst may be an engineer or a programmer and they often have specialized skills related to the overall design of an organization's computer system. They must also have the organizational and communication skills (written and verbal) to serve as a liaison between all the users of the computer system. This person must have education and experience in computer technology and should have knowledge about computer programming and training in the type of organization where employed. A bachelor's or master's degree in computer science with additional training in business administration or a related technical field may be required.

In addition, experienced managers of the departments that are responsible for overseeing an organization's computer operations are always in demand. There are a number of jobs available for people-oriented individuals who want to be involved at the management level. Managers are needed throughout the computer industry as well as in companies and organizations that have installed extensive computer systems. Managers of operations, information systems managers, database managers, managers of systems development, product managers, managers of technical support, and managers of end-user support are all needed in today's computer-using organizations.