Occupations in the computer and data processing services industry require varying levels of education. The level of education and type of training required depend on employers’ needs. One factor affecting these needs is changes in technology. In the past, there has been strong demand for workers with skills related to the Internet, sending employers scrambling to find workers capable of implementing “hot” new technologies. As the job market for computer specialists has become more competitive, employers have become more selective in the hiring process. Formerly, employers might hire an applicant with less computer-related education or experience in efforts to keep up with the fast growth in this industry. Growth in the numbers of qualified workers, as well as shrinking of the technology job market from its peak in 2000, has made employers more selective, hiring those candidates with more education and more experience. Another factor driving employers’ needs is the timeframe within which a project must be completed.
Computer programmers commonly hold a bachelor’s degree; however, there are no universal educational requirements. Some hold a degree in computer science, mathematics, or information systems, while others have taken special courses in computer programming to supplement their study in fields such as accounting, inventory control, or other areas of business. Because employers’ needs are so varied, a 2-year degree or certificate may be sufficient for some positions, so long as applicants possess the right technical skills.
Most computer systems analysts and computer engineers, on the other hand, usually have a bachelor’s or higher degree and work experience. Many hold advanced degrees in technical fields or a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in information systems, and are specialists in their fields. For systems analyst, programmer-analyst, or even database administrator positions, many employers seek applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems (MIS). For computer and information scientists, a doctoral degree generally is required due to the highly technical nature of their work. For some networks systems and data communication analysts, such as Webmasters, an associate degree or certificate generally is sufficient, although more advanced positions might require a computer-related bachelor’s degree.
Persons interested in becoming a computer support specialist generally need only an associate degree in a computer-related field, as well as significant hands-on experience with computers. They also must possess strong problem-solving and analytical skills as well as excellent communication skills, because troubleshooting and helping others are such a vital part of the job. And because there is constant interaction on the job with other computer personnel, customers, or employees, computer support specialists must be able to communicate effectively on paper, via e-mail, or in person. They also must possess strong writing skills when preparing manuals for employees and customers. As technology continues to improve, computer support specialists must constantly strive to stay up to date and acquire new skills if they wish to remain in the field.
Computer and information systems managers usually require a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related occupation, combined with work experience. Employers, though, often prefer a graduate degree, especially an MBA with technology as a core component.
The size of the firm and the local demand for workers also may influence training requirements for specific jobs. Smaller firms may be willing to train informally on the job, whereas larger organizations may pay for formal training or higher education. For example, many of the marketing and sales workers are able to secure entry-level jobs with little technical knowledge but quickly learn the technical knowledge necessary for their company and product. With more formal education, employees may advance to completely different jobs within the industry. Education or training in a specialty area may provide new opportunities for the worker and allow the establishment to offer new services.
As technological advances in the computer field continue, employers in all areas demand a higher level of skill and expertise. Employers, hardware and software vendors, colleges and universities, private training institutions, or professional computing societies offer continuing education and professional development seminars. Technical or professional certification is a way by which employers ensure the competency or quality of computer professionals. Certification can be obtained voluntarily, though many vendors now offer or even require professionals who work with their products to be certified.
Voluntary certification is available through organizations such as the Institute of Certification and Computing Professionals (ICCP) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Computer Society. Although professional certification is not mandatory, it may provide a jobseeker a competitive advantage. ICCP offers the Certified Computing Professional (CCP) designation to those who have at least 2 years of experience and a college degree. Candidates must pass a core examination testing general knowledge, plus exams in two specialty areas, or in a specialty area and two computer programming languages. The IEEE Computer Society recently created a certification process for software engineers who pass an examination.
Entry-level computer programmers usually start working with an experienced programmer, updating existing code, generating lines of one portion of a larger program, or writing relatively simple programs. They then advance to more difficult programming and may become project supervisors, or move into higher management positions within the organization. Many programmers who work closely with systems analysts advance to systems analyst positions.
Systems analysts may begin working with experienced analysts or may deal with only small systems or one aspect of a system. They also may move into supervisory positions as they gain further education or work experience. Systems analysts who work with one type of system, or one aspect or application of a system, can become specialty consultants or move into management positions. Computer engineers and scientists who show leadership ability also can become project managers or advance into management positions, such as manager of information systems or chief information officer. Technical support specialists may advance by developing expertise in an area that leads to other opportunities. For example, those responsible for network support may advance into network administration or network security.
Consulting is an attractive option for experienced workers who do not wish to advance to management positions, or who would rather continue to work with hands-on applications or in a particular specialty. These workers may market their services on their own, under contract as specialized consultants, or with an organization that provides consulting services to outside clients. Many of the largest firms today have subsidiaries that offer specialized services to the host company and to outside clients. Large consulting and computer firms often will hire inexperienced college graduates and put them through intensive, company-based programs that train them to provide such services.
Many experienced workers also have opportunities to move into sales positions as they gain knowledge of specific products. The emergence of various forms of electronic commerce has resulted in efforts by technical workers to make Web sites and content appealing to potential customers, so that they become comfortable conducting transactions over the Internet. Computer programmers who adapt prepackaged software for accounting organizations may use their specialized knowledge to sell such products to similar firms.
