Introduction
For over 30 years, computing is viewed as a rewarding, challenging and exciting career that any person can work. The wide variety of applications and all-encompassing nature of computing has created many opportunities for employment in many sectors. The range covers the industrial sector which is responsible for the creation of foundational hardware and software technology to the business and public sector, whereby information technology solutions are utilized in most entrepreneurial businesses.
Many individuals focus on obtaining a job instead of getting ready for a career. In a field like computing where there are rapid changes, this can result to dissatisfaction and burnout. This research paper discusses how an individual can get ready for a permanent career in computing. The paper targets students wanting to pursue a career in computing.
Computing career
The demand for graduates with computing information is high and for someone intending to join this field he/she should consider working in the public sector and also in the private sectors. For the large employers they mostly need a candidate to demonstrate potential, for the smaller employers they usually need programming language skills. For a potential candidate he/she should study their prospective employer’s business context which they operate in. A suitable candidate is required to have excellent communication, business skills and technical expertise. (Eckel, 2009)
In attempting to pursue a career in computing, it is crucial to establish the various occupations that require candidates with computing skills, they include; software engineer, systems developer, systems designer, systems analyst, network engineer, IT trainer, IT consultant, database administrator, IT sales professional, information systems manager and applications developer. In addition, there are occupations whereby computing skills can be helpful such as; recruitment consultant, financial manager, civil service administrator, chartered accountant, market research analyst, marketing executives and geographic information systems manager.
In acquiring knowledge about computing, a student should seek to enroll in programs enable him/her to acquire fundamental understanding and core values of the area of specialization. The student should seek to enroll in up-to-date, modern and exciting programs for instance computer forensics or computer games development. In addition, those programs should offer the traditional knowledge on computer science and its numerous branches.
The students also need to consider the future of computing in choosing what discipline to specialize in. It is evident that both business and personal use of computers will continue growing in the future, and this means that computing practitioners will be needed in all fields. As computers become more incorporated in people’s business and personal lives, students who can combine soft and technical skills such as marketing, communication or finance will be in substantial demand.
Conclusion
From this research paper, it is evident that a career in computing creates many opportunities for employment in many sectors due to the wide variety of applications and all-encompassing nature of computing. Candidates with computing skills can be employed in numerous fields but in many occasions, they tend to focus on getting a job instead of building a career. This research paper has discussed the various fields where computing knowledge can be applied both in the public and private sectors, the skills and programs that one needs to be proficient in computing, and the future of students who want to pursue a career in computing.
Reference:
Eckel, B. (2009): Computing thoughts; a career in computing. Artima developer. Retrieved on March 31, 2010 from file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/melda/Desktop/viewpost.jsp.htm
Hodson, Peter (2009): Computing as a career. Science & the engineering. Retrieved on March 31, 2010 from http://www.science-engineering.net/computer_career_uk.htm
