Career in Computers

Typical Job: Computer Operator, Computer Programmer, Systems analyst, systems developer, Information systems manager, technician, computer design, computer theory, information technology

Typical Work
The field of computing is very varied and encompasses a great deal of jobs. You can work in many different fields whether it is as a designer, designing and building new electronic components, a theorist, studying the fundamental theories that let a computer solve problems or as an information technologist, creating and managing information systems that operate businesses and organizations. There are so many different career opportunities in computers that many people do a basic degree in computer science or computer engineering and then go onto specialize in one particular area. Obviously working in a career with computers you will need to do most of your work on or with a computer. Mostly you will work as a professional in an office or computer lab setting. There are many employers for people wishing to work in the computer industry. Typical employers are companies in the high tech sector, telecommunications companies, Internet providers, computer manufacturers or software designers, federal governments and medium to large businesses.

Education Necessary
For a career in computers obtaining post secondary education is almost a necessity. You can choose to do a variety of programmers at Universities or colleges, or you can do a technical degree at a community college or trade school. There are different programs for different professions. For example to become a computer scientist or a theorist you will need to obtain at a minimum a bachelor's degree in computer science from a recognized university. This can take anywhere from 2-5 years to complete. This degree is an excellent base to enter the world of computers. To enter the IT sector many times you will only need to obtain a technical degree or trade from a community college or technical school. These diplomas are much more focused on one area of computers than the post secondary degree. One thing is certain a career in computers will require life long learning. The field changes so rapidly that you will need to keep as up to date as possible. New technologies in computers are discovered everyday so in order to be an ideal candidate for employment or advancement keeping an up to date knowledge of the field is important.

Skills and Interests
Obviously you should have skills working with computers to get pursue a career in the computing industry. You can be interested in the field of operating systems, internal components, design, software, or any of the other various apparatus that make up computers. Sometimes you will need theoretical or analytical skills while other times you will need skills with mechanics and electronics, it is such a varied field that you can choose to focus on one particular area or broaden your horizons and learn numerous skills. Interests should include computers, how they operate, how to use them, what makes them solve problems and pretty much all other aspects of a computer. You should also have interpersonal skills, communication skills, and customer service skills because many times in this industry you will be working as part of a team or directly with the consumer.

Salary Range
Working in the computer industry you can expect to make a very decent living. The range is from anywhere of $25,000 (sales and troubleshooting) to $250,000 (computer engineer in the high tech sector).

Associations and Organizations
Association for computing machinery http://www.acm.org/
National Association of programmers http://www.naponnet.org/
Institute of Electronics and Electronic Engineers http://www.ieee.org/portal/index.jsp
Australian Computer Society http://www.acs.org.au/
Computer and Communications Industry Association http://www.ccianet.org/index.php3

Other career choices