Computer Science jobs are varied and they are constantly changing as
technology expands into every aspect of our daily lives. All types of
companies need people with computer knowledge. Each company decides on job
titles they will use. There are many different titles, however, there are
some that are used more often than others. Listed below are some job
titles that are used frequently.
APPLICATIONS PROGRAMMERS -- Write detailed instructions that
list in logical order the steps the computer must follow to organize data,
solve problems or do some other task.
Scientific Programmers -- Design, code, test, and implement
programs that solve specific technical and mathematical problems. May need
other courses from physics, chemistry, mathematics, statistics or
engineering.
Examples of work areas:
- Aerospace projects
- Mathematical computations
- Defense related research and development
- Telecommunications
- Manufacturing
- Medical research
- Oil and gas industry
- Engineering
Programming languages used by scientific programmers are FORTRAN, C,
Pascal, ADA.
Business Programmers -- Design, code, test, and implement
programs to solve business problems. Most of these programs use large
amounts of data that is manipulated so business persons can make better
decisions. Courses in business, accounting, human resources are helpful.
Examples of areas where business programmers work are:
- Payroll
- Sales forecasting
- Accounting
- Real Estate
- Financial institutions
Programming languages used are: COBOL, C.
SYSTEMS PROGRAMMERS -- Specify, design, and develop operating systems,
compilers, assemblers, utility and data base management programs and other
software that direct the entire computer systems and enable applications
programs to be processed. Also install, debug, and maintain software once
it is in place. These programmers work on:
- Large computers
- Mini computers
- Distributed systems
- Networks
These programmers may use Assembly language, UNIX, and C.
SYSTEMS ANALYSTS -- Work with the information computer users need in
order to do their job more efficiently. The systems analyst may help them
articulate their problems and gain concensus on what the problem is. They
then help design a computer system that will meet the needs of the user.
These people must have a good understanding of how a system works and
how a business operates. They must also have very good communications
skills in order to work with people who are not always computer literate.
OTHER JOB TITLES FOR COMPUTER RELATED JOBS
SOFTWARE ENGINEERING -- Provides an efficient and logical method of
approaching the design, development, and maintenance of large software
systems. They are interested in finding techniques to cut down errors and
cut down costs. They look at the entire "life cycle" of a
software program.
DATA BASE MANAGERS -- Maintain large data bases which are large,
systematized collections of information stored in computers. Insurance
companies, hospitals, and the government have large data bases.
SECURITY SPECIALISTS -- Due to networks in companies and the use
of telephone lines, many people may be able to access information from a
company. Security experts develop methods for stopping unauthorized use
and well as trying to protect valuable information from being destroyed.
COMMUNICATION AND NETWORK SPECIALISTS -- Networking, linking
systems and data bases in different locations, causes problems when
different types of computers and software are connected together.
Communication links may be through telephone lines or satellites. A
knowledge of both hardware and software is needed here.
END USER TRAINING AND SUPPORT -- These people act as liaison
between computing facility staff and end users with consulting, problem
solving, and training to help guide users in handling their specific
problems.
TECHNICAL REPORT WRITER -- Most of the software cannot be used
by many people without manuals, or texts. Technical report writers develop
manuals so that people who are not experts can use the computers.
CONSULTANTS -- These people evaluate a company's computer needs
and help them choose both software and hardware to help them become more
efficient.
PROJECT LEADERS -- Many projects are very large and need a
person to coordinate the project so that it can be finished in time. The
project leader helps to coordinate the projects and prioritize them.
MULTIMEDIA PROGRAMMERS AND SPECIALISTS -- Multimedia combines
video, software engineers, and graphic specialists, and script writers
together to combine different areas together. People with diverse
backgrounds work together.
WEB MASTERS -- The growth of the internet has created a new job
title. These people design and develop web pages for the internet. Besides
designing web pages, the computer that contains the web pages must be
managed.
Computer Science
Department
