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Systems Designer Training and Qualifications
Occupations in the computer systems design and related services industry
require varying levels of education, but in 2006, about 75 percent of workers
had college degrees. The level of education and type of training required depend
on employers’ needs, which often are affected by such aspects as local demand
for workers, project timelines, and changes in technology and business
conditions. For example, the recent emphasis on cyberspace security has
increased the demand for workers with expertise in security services. Employers
also are demanding workers with skill and expertise in other fields. Computer
software engineers who develop e-commerce applications, for example, should have
some expertise in sales or finance.
With more formal education, employees may advance to completely different
jobs within the industry. For those wishing to advance to management positions,
business skills are becoming increasingly important. Education or training in a
specialty area can also lead to advancement opportunities.
Professional and related occupations. Although there are no
universal educational requirements for computer programmers, workers in this
occupation commonly hold a bachelor’s degree. Some hold a degree in computer
science, mathematics, or information systems. 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
varied, a 2-year degree or certificate may be sufficient for some positions, so
long as applicants possess the right technical skills. Some employers seek
applicants with technical or professional certification. Certification can be
obtained independently, although many organizations now assist employees in
becoming certified.
Entry-level computer programmers usually start working with an experienced
programmer to update existing code, generate lines of one portion of a larger
program, or write relatively simple programs. They then advance to more
difficult programming assignments, and may become project supervisors. With
continued experience, they may move into management positions within their
organizations. Many programmers who work closely with systems analysts advance
to systems analyst positions.
Most computer engineers and scientists have a bachelor’s or higher degree and
work experience. For computer and information scientists, a doctoral degree
generally is required due to the highly technical nature of the work. Employers
of some occupations, such as software engineers, may seek applicants with
technical or professional certification.
Computer engineers and scientists who show leadership ability can become
project managers or advance into management positions, such as manager of
information systems or chief information officer.
For systems analyst, programmer-analyst, and database administrator
positions, many employers seek applicants who have a bachelor’s degree in
computer science, information science, or management information systems (MIS).
Many of these workers hold an advanced degree in a technical field, and some
hold a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) with a concentration in
information systems, and are specialists in their fields. An associate’s degree
or certificate generally is sufficient for some positions as network systems and
data communication analysts positions, such as Webmaster, although more advanced
positions might require a computer-related bachelor’s degree. Government,
academic institutions, and other employers increasingly are seeking workers with
certifications in information security, reflecting the importance of keeping
complex computer networks and vital electronic infrastructure safe from
intruders.
Systems analysts generally begin with limited responsibilities. They may
begin working with experienced analysts, or may deal only with small systems or
one aspect of a system. As they gain further education or work experience, they
may move into supervisory positions. 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.
Persons interested in becoming a computer support specialist generally need
an associate degree’s in a computer-related field, as well as significant
hands-on experience with computers. They also must possess strong
problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills, because troubleshooting
and helping others are their main job functions. As technology continues to
improve, computer support specialists must constantly strive to acquire new
skills if they wish to remain competitive in the field. One way to achieve this
is through technical or professional certification.
Computer 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 positions.
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 consulting
services to other departments within the organization, and to outside clients.
Large consulting and computer firms often hire inexperienced college graduates
and put them through intensive, company-based programs that train them to
provide such services.
Sales and related occupations. Many experienced workers move
into sales positions, as they gain knowledge of specific products. The emergence
of e-commerce has created opportunities for professionals who specialize in Web
marketing and sales. For example, computer programmers who adapt prepackaged
software for accounting organizations may use their specialized knowledge to
sell such products to similar firms.
Management, business, and financial occupations. Computer and
information systems managers usually are required to have a bachelor’s degree in
a computer-related field and work experience, but employers often prefer a
graduate degree. An MBA with technology as a core component is especially
preferred, as business skills are becoming increasingly important
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,
Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition
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