Thursday, September 27, 2007

Job Descriptions: Computers and Information Technology (IT)


As computer technology continues to grow, so does the need for qualified computer-savvy employees. Computers are used in almost every aspect of our lives today: at work, at home, and even in our cars. From programmers to simple data entry to computer repair, the possibilities are endless.

Careers in the computer field are so wide-ranging and far-reaching, it’s difficult to even say what a “computer career” is. But nearly every aspect of the field shares one trait: the jobs continue to pay well and grow fast.

Opportunities will be best for those who keep up-to-date with the latest technology, so formal computer-related training is recommended.In fact, for many jobs, a certification or advanced degree is required. But with the proper know-how, hundreds of rewarding careers become available to you. A few common computer-related occupations include:


Computer Programming

Computer programmers write, test, and maintain the detailed instructions, called programs, that computers must follow to perform their functions. They also conceive, design, and test logical structures for solving problems by computer. Programs vary widely depending upon the type of information to be accessed or generated. Programmers write programs according to the specifications determined primarily by computer software engineers and systems analysts.

In some organizations, particularly small ones, workers commonly known as programmer-analysts are responsible for both the systems analysis and the actual programming work. Advanced programming languages and new object-oriented programming capabilities are increasing the efficiency and productivity of both programmers and users.

Get the career training or continued education you need for your career as a computer programmer from top colleges and universities featured on Career Explorer.


Computer Animation

Multimedia artists and animators create the movie "magic." Through their imagination, creativity, and skill, they can create anything required by the script, from talking animals to flaming office buildings and earthquakes. Many begin as stage technicians or scenic designers.

Computer skills have become very important in this field. Some areas of television and film production, including animation and visual effects, now rely heavily on computer technology. Although there was a time when elaborate computer animation was restricted to blockbuster movies, much of the three-dimensional work being generated today occurs in small to midsized companies.

Get the career training or continued education you need for your career in computer animation from top colleges and universities featured on Career Explorer.

Computer Design & Engineering

Computer hardware engineers research, design, develop, and test computer hardware and supervise its manufacture and installation. The work of computer hardware engineers is very similar to that of electronics engineers, but, unlike electronics engineers, computer hardware engineers work exclusively with computers and computer-related equipment.

In addition to design and development duties, computer hardware engineers may supervise the manufacture and installation of computers and computer-related equipment. The rapid advances in computer technology are largely a result of the research, development, and design efforts of computer hardware engineers. To keep up with technological advances, these engineers must continually update their knowledge.

Get the career training or continued education you need for your career in computer design and engineering from top colleges and universities featured on Career Explorer.

Computer Networking

Given the importance of networking and the expansion of client/server, Web-based, and wireless environments, organizations will look for programmers who can support data communications and help to implement electronic commerce and Intranet strategies. 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.

Get the career training or continued education you need for your career as a computer networking specialist from top colleges and universities featured on Career Explorer.

Computer Systems Administration

Computer Systems Administrators design, install, and support an organization's LAN (local-area network), WAN (wide-area network), network segment, Internet, or intranet system. They provide day-to-day onsite administrative support for software users in a variety of work environments, including professional offices, small businesses, government, and large corporations.

Computer Systems Administrators also maintain network hardware and software, analyze problems, and monitor the network to ensure its availability to system users, as well as plan, coordinate, and implement network security measures.

Get the career training or continued education you need for your career in computer systems adminstration from top colleges and universities featured on Career Explorer.

Computer Information Management

Computer and information systems managers plan, coordinate, and direct research and design the computer-related activities of firms. They help determine both technical and business goals in consultation with top management, and make detailed plans for the accomplishment of these goals.

Computer and information system managers need strong communication skills. They coordinate the activities of their unit with those of other units or organizations. They confer with top executives; financial, production, marketing, and other managers; and contractors and equipment and materials suppliers.

Get the career training or continued education you need for your career in computer information management from top colleges and universities featured on Career Explorer.

Computer Multimedia Design

Stiff competition is expected for the more glamorous jobs-writers, actors, producers, and directors; other workers-multimedia artists and animators, and film and video editors, among others-should enjoy better job prospects. Although many films are shot on location throughout the United States and abroad, employment is centered in several major cities, particularly New York and Los Angeles.

Opportunities will be better in some occupations than in others. Computer specialists, multimedia artists and animators, film and video editors, and others skilled in digital filming, editing, and computer-generated imaging should have the best job prospects.

Get the career training or continued education you need for your career as a computer maintenance technician from top colleges and universities featured on Career Explorer.

Web Design and Web Development

The growth of the Internet and the expansion of the World Wide Web (the graphical portion of the Internet) have generated a variety of occupations related to the design, development, and maintenance of Web sites and their servers. For example, webmasters are responsible for all technical aspects of a Web site, including performance issues such as speed of access, and for approving the content of the site. Internet developers or Web developers, also called Web designers, are responsible for day-to-day site design and creation.

Certification is a way to demonstrate a level of competence in a particular field. Some product vendors or software firms offer certification and require professionals who work with their products to be certified. Many employers regard these certifications as the industry standard.

Get the career training or continued education you need for your career in computer web design and development from top colleges and universities featured on Career Explorer.

Computer Animation

Multimedia artists and animators create the movie "magic." Through their imagination, creativity, and skill, they can create anything required by the script, from talking animals to flaming office buildings and earthquakes. Many begin as stage technicians or scenic designers.

Computer skills have become very important in this field. Some areas of television and film production, including animation and visual effects, now rely heavily on computer technology. Although there was a time when elaborate computer animation was restricted to blockbuster movies, much of the three-dimensional work being generated today occurs in small to midsized companies.

Get the career training or continued education you need for your career in computer animation from top colleges and universities featured on Career Explorer.




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