Computer Programmer

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Computer Programmer
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Career Description

• Computer programmers write, test, and maintain
  programs, that computers must follow to perform
  their functions. Programmers also conceive,
  design, and test logical structures for solving
  problems by computer.
• Computer programmers are individuals whose main
  job function is programming they have a wide
  range of responsibilities and educational
  backgrounds.

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Tasks

• After the design process is complete, it is the
  job of the programmer to convert that design into
  a logical series of instructions that the
  computer can follow. The programmer codes these
  instructions in a conventional programming
  language.
• Many programmers update, repair, modify, and
  expand existing programs.
• Programmers test a program by running it to
  ensure that the instructions are correct and that
  the program produces the desired outcome. If
  errors do occur, the programmer must make the
  appropriate change and recheck the program until
  it produces the correct results. This process is
  called testing and debugging.

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Working Conditions

• Programmers generally work in offices in
  comfortable surroundings.
• Many programmers may work long hours or weekends
  to meet deadlines or fix critical problems that
  occur during off hours.
• Telecommuting is becoming common for computer
  programmers. As computer networks expand, more
  programmers are able to make corrections or fix
  problems remotely.

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Hazards

• Computer Programmers are susceptible to
  eyestrain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist
  problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome, due to
  their long hours in front of a computer.

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Money

• Median 62,890
• Middle 50 percent earned 47,580 - 81,280 a
  year.
• Lowest 10 less than 36,470
• Highest 10 more than 99,610
• Starting salary for graduates with a bachelors
  degree 50,820

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Training Needed

• High school graduate or less 8.3
• Some college, no degree 14.1
• Associate degree 10.2
• Bachelor's degree 49.1
• Graduate degree 18.3
• Employers look at Experience

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Industry Trends

• Higher Degrees will be required for employment
• Jobs arent growing that fast as more code is
  automated with CASE tools
• Continuing Education is required as new
  technology and codes are developed.

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Knowledge

• programming languages need to be learned
• COBOL -Prolog
• Java -C
• ACTOR -Fortran
• XML
• Programmers generally know more than one
  programming language and, because many languages
  are similar, they often can learn new languages
  relatively easily.

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Bibliography

• Occupational Outlook Handbook-http//www.bls.gov/o
  co/ocos110.htm
• http//www.princetonreview.com/cte/profiles/dayInL
  ife.asp?careerID43
• http//www.iseek.org/sv/13000.jsp?id100045