DOZER PANNELL

DOZER'S GUIDE TO COMPUTER CAREERS

The rapid change in technology coupled with the need for organizations to embrace these new technologies to improve productivity will continue to fuel the need for computing professionals in the coming years.  Perhaps, no other industry will see the levels of growth as will the computer industry.  While the lines are somewhat blurred as to the specific duties of various specialists, the following should provide some starting point to understand the diversity of careers available.  You need only choose a path and acquire the knowledge and skills needed by employers.

GETTING THE JOB

Once on the job, you’ll have the opportunity to demonstrate your proficiency.  But, how do you convince a prospective employer that you are qualified so she will hire you in the first place?  Basically in three ways.  First, through experience.  If you can document prior experience performing the duties associated with your specialty, that would, no doubt, suffice.  However, if you have inadequate prior experience, you will need to demonstrate your skills via either formal education and/or through obtaining the relevant certifications.  Most colleges provide dozens of courses that employers will recognize as indicators of your level of expertise.  In addition, you can take industry-wide tests to become certified in your area of interest.  The certification serves as a standard for documenting your competencies.  Why not obtain both the formal education and the certification in your chosen field?  Classes will prepare you for the certification tests.  Your college transcript coupled with your certifications will demonstrate your proficiency.  The two might just be your ticket to a new career!

THE FIRST STEP

For many students, the first step in acquiring the knowledge for entry into the computer industry is to take an introductory level course in computers, such as the one you are now taking.  In such a class, you will lay a foundation for further studies by learning about basic computer concepts, the Windows operating environment, the Internet, word processing, spreadsheets,  presentation, and database software.  Many of the topics covered in Dozer’s Quintessential Guide To Computer Literacy are assumed to be known by anyone who enters any of the more specific areas of computing discussed below.  That is, entering any of the following career paths assumes that the student has mastered the body of material found in an introductory-level computer class.  
SPECIFIC CAREER PATHS

NETWORK ENGINEER: In many organizations, individual computers are connected to each other forming what is called a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network). Thus, various computers can share software, data, and hardware devices (e.g., shared printers).  Since specialized software and hardware is needed, specialists are needed to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair these systems.  The majority of networks use either Novell NetWare and/or Microsoft Windows.  Along with either of these, most networks use products and technology developed by Cisco Systems.

NOVELL NETWARE: The Novell Corporation markets a widely-used network software called Novell NetWare.  Network administrators and network engineers possess knowledge of this type of software.  A network administrator performs day-to-day maintenance of elements (e.g., sets up user workstations, manages resources, installs and configures print servers, and handles routine software maintenance), while a network engineer performs more technical work (e.g., troubleshooting network problems, performing system upgrades, and planning for technological changes, as well as working with network cards, cabling, and routers).  In summary, the engineer is hardware oriented while the administrator is software oriented.  College classes can prepare you for a career in this area of the computer industry.  Once you obtain the required knowledge, you will probably want to obtain Novell certification, which is recognized world wide as an indication that you have a particular level of knowledge.  For instance, passing the CNA (Certified Novell Administrator) test or the series of CNE (Certified Novell Engineer) tests, will demonstrate to any prospective employer that you have acquired a level of expertise about Novell networks.  Some folks pass the CNA test and then after learning more, take the CNE tests.  If interested, go to www.novell.com to learn more about Novell certification.

MICROSOFT NETWORK: Microsoft competes with Novell NetWare in the networking market with its own widely-used software.  To qualify for jobs in this area of the computer industry, you will need to gain the knowledge and skills that will permit you to plan, set up, maintain, and troubleshoot networks running under the Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Server products.   College classes can prepare you for a career in this area of the computer industry.  Once you gain the requisite knowledge, you will probably want to become a Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA).  Then, after you learn even more, you may want to become a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE).  To find detailed information about these certification programs, you can go to www.microsoft.com.

CISCO ASSOCIATE: Cisco Systems is a major producer of the hardware, software, and technology used in LANs (Local Area Networks) and WANs (Wide Area Networks).  College classes can prepare you for a career in this area of the computer industry.  Once you’ve gained the requisite knowledge, you may wish to become certified to demonstrate to potential employers that you possess the knowledge and skills they seek. While a Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) is a person who is recognized as having an introductory level of expertise in this area, more advanced certifications exist (e.g., CCNP and CCIE).  If you would like to learn more about Cisco certification programs, go to www.cisco.com.

GIS (GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS): Many organizations need information that can be provided by a person proficient in the use of GIS (geographic information system) software.  This software permits you to query a database and have the results appear in the form of a map or graph.  The information provided can be used for a variety of purposes (e.g., forecasting population trends, planning efficient land use, determining traffic patterns, etc.).  College classes can prepare you for a career in this area of the computer industry.  To learn more about GIS software, take a look at the information provided at www.esri.com.

PROGRAMMER: A computer program tells the processor what to do and how to do it (e.g., where to find the data and how to process it). A programmer uses a programming language such as Visual Basic, Java, or C++ to code the specific instructions followed by the computer.  He then runs the program to test it to ensure that it works as desired. When bugs (errors) are found, the program is modified to debug it (remove the errors).  Thus, programmers must be detail-oriented, logical thinkers.  College classes can prepare you for a career in this area of the computer industry.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, “The level of education and experience employers seek has been rising due to the growing number of qualified applicants and the specialization involved with most programming tasks.  The associate degree is a widely used entry-level credential for prospective computer programmers.”  The Handbook also reports that “Certification is a way to demonstrate a level of competence, and may provide a job seeker with a competitive advantage.  Most community colleges . . . offer an associate degree in computer science or a related information technology field.”  For certification information, you should go to www.sun.com or www.iccp.org.   

WEBMASTER: Webmasters (also called web designers or web developers) design, create, post, and maintain web pages.  An in-depth understanding of HTML (HyperText Markup Language) is needed since this is the code used to create web pages.  This code consists of markups (tags) that determine the format of the web page along with the placement of text and graphics.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook,”The growth of the Internet has generated a variety of occupations relating to the design, development, and maintenance of websites.”  For your first class, you should take an introductory-level class about the Internet.  However, if you already possess a basic knowledge of the Internet, you might want to proceed ahead and take a course covering web page construction techniques.  You also might want to become a Certified Internet Webmaster (CIW).  For information about webmaster certification, take a look at  www.ciwcertified.com or www.comptia.com.

SECRETARY/DATA ENTRY: With the widespread migration from typewriters to computers, the job of a secretary has become increasingly sophisticated. Where typing pools once existed, now a single secretary produces a wide range of documents.  He is expected to know how to use a computer and various programs, such as word processing, spreadsheets, database, email, and web browsers.  As the typical office continues to evolve toward a more technologically-advanced workplace, a secretary is expected to participate in continuing education to learn about new software or a new version of the old software.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Opportunities should be best for applicants with extensive knowledge of software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, and database management.”  College classes can prepare you for a secretarial career. Once you are fortified with the knowledge and skills, you may want to obtain an industry-wide certification to further prove your worth to potential employers.  For instance, Microsoft provides Microsoft Office Specialist certifications for Microsoft Office in its entirety or for specific programs within the Microsoft Office suite, such as Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Word.  If you want to learn more about certifications, you can go to www.microsoft.com.  In addition to Microsoft Office Specialist certifications, secretaries can acquire the Certified Professional Secretary (CPS) designation.  Information about the CPS designation, can be found at www.iaap-hq.org.

HELP DESK TECHNICIAN: Help desk technicians (also called technical support specialists or customer service representatives) troubleshoot hardware and software problems and provide technical support for customers and users.  While some technicians work for a computer or software vendor assisting customers, others work directly within an organization providing in-house assistance to other employees.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Job prospects should be best for college graduates who are up to date with the latest skills and technologies; certifications and practical experience are essential for persons without degrees.”  One place where you can find lots of information about help desk certification is www.thinkhdi.com.

GRAPHIC ARTIST: While some graphic artists still create art by hand, the speed and instant editing capabilities available by using a computer makes it the tool of choice for many graphic artists.  These folks work for advertising agencies, publishing firms, retail stores, and commercial art houses designing a variety of documents, such as  brochures, reports, web pages, and logos.  College classes can prepare you for a career in this area of the computer industry.

REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN: This computer professional installs hardware and software, performs maintenance, and troubleshoots and fixes problems on computers, printers, and other peripherals. When equipment breaks down, field technicians travel to customers’ workplaces to make repairs.  On the other hand, bench technicians work in repair shops.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, “Employers prefer workers who are certified as repairers or who have training in electronics from associate degree programs, the military, vocational schools, equipment manufacturers, or employers.”  The Handbook also states that “opportunities for computer repairers should be excellent.”  A widely-acknowledged certification in this area is called the A+ Certification.  You can learn more about this certification by going to www.comptia.com.

COMPUTER AIDED DRAFTING & DESIGN (CADD): CADD software is used by architects, engineers, and artists to create meticulous drawings and illustrations. CADD software can be used to create two-dimensional (2-D) drawings or three-dimensional (3-D) models.  CADD solves architectural and engineering problems in the planning stages, allowing folks to avoid the expense of having to build the building or machine to test it for its usability.  For example, an airline manufacturer can use CADD to create a computer version of a newly-designed plane to test its flyability instead of having to manufacture a prototype plane only to discover that it won’t fly.  (Besides, test flying a virtual plane from the comfort of an office chair is safer than test flying a real plane).  Thus, the costs and time of developing new products is reduced.  College classes can prepare you for a career in CADD.  Typically, you’d take a class in basic drafting principles.  Then, you would take a variety of manual and computerized drafting and design classes.