Computer Support Specialist

Computer support specialists help customers and other computer users by providing them with technical assistance, support, and advice. They perform a range of duties, from answering telephone calls and resolving recurrent difficulties, to analyzing problems using automated diagnostic programs. The occupation is divided into two categories: technical support specialists and help-desk technicians. Technical support specialists answer telephone calls from users of their company's computers. They may use automated diagnostics programs, write training manuals, train users, or manage the daily performance of their company's computer systems. Help-desk technicians help computer users with some of the questions not answered in instruction manuals. They communicate with customers via telephone or email regarding hardware and software challenges. They listen to the customer, diagnose the problem, and guide the customer through a step-by-step solution to the problem.

Job Skills

Computer support specialists should be interested in helping others. They need to have good problem-solving and analytical skills, and they need to be able to communicate efficiently and effectively via email, in writing, or even face-to-face. Well-developed writing skills can prove valuable in preparing manuals for employees or customers.

Income

In 2002, computer support specialists earned a median annual salary of $39,100. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $23,060, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $67,550. The following shows the median annual salaries for the industries employing the highest numbers of computer support specialists:

• Professional and commercial equipment and supplies wholesaler - $46,740
• Software publishers - 42,870
• Computer systems design and related services - 41,110
• Management of companies and enterprises - 40,850
• Elementary and secondary schools - 33,480

Training and Education

Computer support specialists enter the occupation from many different angles. Many employers prefer candidates with formal college education, such as a bachelor's degree in computer science or information systems, or a related associate degree. However, a large number of companies are loosening these restrictions due to the extraordinarily high demand for these types of positions. For those candidates without a college degree, practical experience or certification will be essential. A variety of certification programs offered by vendors and product makers may help some candidates qualify for entry-level positions. In some cases, candidates with relevant, real-world experience may bypass formal education and certification requirements.

Employment

In 2002, computer support specialists held about 507,000 jobs. 35%, the largest percentage, were employed in professional and business services industries, mostly in computer systems design and related services. Others worked in bands, government agencies, insurance companies, educational institutions, and wholesale and retail vendors of computers, office equipment, appliances, and home electronic equipment.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of computer support specialists is expected to increase faster than the average. Companies and other organizations will continue to adopt and integrate new computer-driven technologies, making the computer system design and related services industry one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S. economy. The increased need for technical assistance will stem from the increasing complexity of computers and software, while mobility technologies like wireless Internet will also add to this demand. Explosive growth in electronic commerce will fuel a strong, specific demand for employees knowledgeable about network, data, and communications security.

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Computer Security Specialist

Job Duties

Computer security specialists are responsible for planning, coordinating, implementing, installing, and maintaining their employer's computer and information security system. They usually train the company's employees or other users regarding computer security. They install security software, oversee the computer network, and check for breaches in security. If a breach occurs, they respond to the cyber attacker and may compile evidence and data that can be used against the perpetrator in future litigation. Computer security specialists are part of a growing trend in the computer services occupations that includes client-server applications, the expansion of the Internet and intranet applications, and the demand for more end-user support.

Job Skills

Computer security specialists need to have good problem-solving and analytical skills, and they need to be able to communicate efficiently and effectively via email, in writing, or even face-to-face. They should be interested in helping others. Well-developed writing skills can prove valuable in preparing manuals for employees or customers.

Income

In 2002, computer security specialists earned a median annual salary of $39,100. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $23,060, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $67,550. The following shows the median annual salaries for the industries employing the highest numbers of computer security specialists:

• Wired telecommunications carriers: $59,710
• Computer systems design and related services: $58,790
• Management of companies and enterprises: $58,610
• Data processing, hosting, and related services: $56,140
• Elementary and secondary schools: $48,350

Training and Education

Computer security specialists enter the occupation from many different angles. Many employers prefer candidates with formal college education, such as a bachelor's degree, although not necessarily a computer-related degree. However, a large number of companies are loosening these restrictions due to the extraordinarily high demand for these types of positions. For those candidates without a college degree, practical experience or certification will be essential. A variety of certification programs offered by vendors and product makers may help some candidates qualify for entry-level positions. In some cases, candidates with relevant, real-world experience may bypass formal education and certification requirements. Click on this link to a list of schools offering Computer Security Training and to contact their admissions departments for more information.

Employment

In 2002, computer security specialists held about 251,000 jobs. 35%, the largest percentage, were employed in professional and business services industries, mostly in computer systems design and related services. Others worked in bands, government agencies, insurance companies, educational institutions, and wholesale and retail vendors of computers, office equipment, appliances, and home electronic equipment.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of computer security specialists is expected to increase much faster than the average. Companies and other organizations will continue to adopt and integrate new computer-driven technologies, making the computer system design and related services industry one of the fastest growing industries in the U.S. economy. The increased need for technical assistance will stem from the increasing complexity of computers and software, while mobility technologies like wireless Internet will also add to this demand. Explosive growth in electronic commerce will fuel a strong, specific demand for employees knowledgeable about network, data, and communications security.

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Computer Scientist

Computer scientists tackle complex problems and create new technologies using high levels of theoretical expertise and innovation. Some are employed by academic institutions and may work on projects ranging from complexity theory and programming-language development, to virtual reality or robot design. Others work in the private sector applying theory, developing specialized languages, or designing knowledge-based systems and computer games.

Job Skills

Computer scientists must be logical thinkers and good communicators. They must be able to multitask while, at the same time, pay close attention to minute details. Because they often work in teams, computer scientists must be able to communicate efficiently and effectively with other personnel, such as programmers, managers, users, and other staff with little or no technical background.

Income

In 2002, computer scientists earned a median annual salary of $77,760. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $42,890, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $121,650. The median annual salary was $78,70 in computer system design and related services.

Training and Education

Employers of computer scientists require candidates to have highly-developed skills and related education. They also emphasize the importance of broad background and knowledge, as opposed to the narrower skill sets sought by employers in the past. Doctoral degrees are often required, and relevant work experience will always increase a candidate's chances. Generally, most employers look for graduates with at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, or management information systems. However, when employers are desperately seeking workers knowledgeable in extremely new, cutting edge technologies, formal education and experience requirements can often be partially waived.

Employment

In 2002, computer scientists held about 23,000 jobs. The largest numbers of jobs were found in computer systems design and related services. Many computer scientists were employed by Internet service providers, web search portals, and data-processing, hosting, and related services firms. Others worked for government, manufacturers of computer and electronic products, insurance companies, financial institutions, and universities.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of computer scientists is expected to increase much faster than the average. This will be due to continued adoption and integration of new technologies, rapid growth in computer system design and related services, and the need to replace workers who leave the labor force or move to other occupations and positions. Demand for this occupation also will be fueled by increased use of Internet applications in business, the growth of electronic commerce, the introduction of Wireless Internet.

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Computer Science Career

Computer Scientists work as theorists, researchers and inventors. They are very necessary to the computing industry at present, as new technologies are needed to improve the interfaces between the internet and computing, and new ideas come along to make the most of interactions between technologies.

Many computer scientists work in academic institutions as researchers and developers, pushing forward the frontier of hardware and software design and applications, working on materials science to improve capabilities and performance, and looking at theoretical algorithms to give new applications and new technologies. Some work on multi-disciplinary projects, for it is on the interface between known disciplines where many of the new ideas arise. Some computer scientists work in private industry to apply theory, developing new software and hardware techniques and applications, and developing known technologies to integrate with present products.

Computer scientists are usually highly qualified, entering the early stages of this profession with a Bachelors degree in Computer Science, and often taking research degrees in a chosen area of computer science. This is a challenging and fascinating area to work in, and many computer scientists can progress to become project managers, and take part in departmental management of the technology process.

Earnings are good, with median salaries being in the area of $70,000 in the year 2000 according to the US Department of Labor. There is always demand for talented and hardworking computer scientists, and this is likely to increase in the next ten years as computer technology and the impact of networking creates new and different classifications of products.

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Computer Programming Career

Although it is possible to become a computer programmer without holding a degree, it is difficult to enter into the industry, and once there, job prospects are much poorer than for other well-qualified programmers. Most people who become computer programmers study for a 2 or 4 year degree, learning the basic generic skills and knowledge that future training is based on; according to the US Department of Labor some 48% of entrants to the industry have a Bachelor’s degree. They acquire knowledge of the computing industry, and for many of them the contacts that they make amongst fellow students, staff and industry related people are invaluable for their future career.

The computing industry is changing, and increasingly companies buy software packages for their applications. Software houses then engineer the interface so that the packages suit individual clients. This has reduced the number of computer programmers in the industry, and the demand for them, but as applications become more widespread, and new hardware and computing techniques come online, programmers will find that programming and related skills will be in increasing demand.

Earnings in the industry are around $58,000, with the highest 10% earning more than $93,000 according to the US Department of Labor. People entering the industry with a Bachelor’s degree can expect a starting salary of around $48,000. This is an interesting career with good prospects, so it is worth entering at the right level and making the most of your abilities.

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Computer Programmer

Computer programmers create the instructions that tell computers what to do. They write, test, and maintain programs, and also conceive, design, and test logical, computer-based problem-solving structures. The specific roles of programmers vary as widely as the programs themselves. However, they are usually grouped into two categories: applications programmers and systems programmers. Applications programmers write programs that perform a specific function, or revise existing packages software. Systems programmers focus on an entire computer system, creating programs that control how the network, workstations, and central processing unit of the system handle their various tasks. In some smaller organizations, programmer-analysts may fill the roles of both applications programmer and systems programmer.

Job Skills

Computer programmers should be logical, detail-oriented thinkers. They need to possess patience, persistence, the ability to work under pressure, ingenuity, creativity, and imagination. They should be familiar with abstract concepts and technical analysis, and should be comfortable communicating with other team members and with users.

Income

In 2002, computer programmers earned a median annual salary of $60,290. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $35,080, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $96,860. The following shows the median annual salaries for the industries employing the highest numbers of computer programmers:

• Professional/commercial equipment and supplies wholesalers - $70,440
• Software publishers - 66,870
• Computer systems design and related services - 65,640
• Management of companies and enterprises - 59,850
• Data processing, hosting, and related services - 59,300

Training and Education

Because of the growing pool of qualified applicants, the educational standards for computer programmers have been rising. Employers usually require bachelor's degrees in computer or information science, mathematics, engineering, or the physical sciences, although certain positions may only require a 2-year degree or certificate. Associate degrees offered by community colleges and technical institutes are an increasingly popular option. Some computer programmers who are college graduates and wish to change careers or advance in their current careers may choose to return to a 2-year program for additional training. It is important for computer programmers to be familiar with traditional languages. However, employers are increasingly seeking candidates with knowledge of C++ and Java, as well as fourth- and fifth-generation languages that involve graphic user interface and systems programming.

Employment

In 2002, computer programmers held about 499,000 jobs. The largest numbers of jobs are found in computer systems design and related services and in software publishers, and large numbers can also be found in management of companies and enterprises, telecommunications companies, manufacturers of computer and electronic equipment, financial institutions, insurance carriers, educational institutions, and government agencies.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of computer programmers is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Data processing service firms, software houses, and computer consulting businesses will generate the most demand. Changing technology will create jobs for computer programmers because businesses will need to convert to new computer languages and systems. Employers will look for candidates who can work with client/server, Web-based, and wireless environments, and who have strong object-oriented programming capabilities.

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Computer Operator

Computer operators work with mainframes, minicomputers, or personal computer networks. They make sure these types of machines are used properly and efficiently by various users. Their duties vary greatly, but usually they control a mainframe digital computer or a group of minicomputers, using written instructions from programmers, users, or operations managers. Computer operators may load tapes, disks or paper into computer equipment, monitor and respond to error messages, and keep detailed logs of their activities while at their workstation. They may also assist systems analysts with the maintenance and debugging of the system. An increasing number of computer programmers are working on personal computes or minicomputers linked together by local area networks or multi-user systems.

Job Skills

Besides being analytical and technical experts, computer operators should also be flexible and willing to learn and adapt. They must be ready to deal with new or unique problems that a computer is not designed to handle. They should be good at communicating with programmers, users, and other operators. Because they may receive little or no direct supervision, computer operators must be able to work independently.

Income

In 2002, computer operators earned a median annual salary of $29,650. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $18,610, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $46,780. The following shows the median annual salaries for the industries employing the highest numbers of computer operators:

• Management of companies and enterprises - $32,770
• Computer systems design and related services - 30,280
• General medical and surgical hospitals - 28,310
• Data processing, hosting, and related services - 27,440
• Depository credit intermediation - 24,160

Training and Education

The main quality employers of computer operators look for in a candidate is prior work experience using the specific type of equipment the employer uses. Computer operators usually receive on-the-job training, the length of which varies with the type of job and the prior experience of the employee. Formal training is becoming more common as a requirement, due to changes in technology and an increase in automation. A degree through a community or technical college is recommended. The U.S. Armed Forces, as well as some computer manufacturers, offer formal training in computer operation. For those interested in advancement to managerial positions, a bachelor's degree can be very useful.

Employment

In 2002, computer operators held about 499,000 jobs. Industries employing computer operators included government, wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, data processing serves and finance and insurance. Because more companies are choosing to contract out their data processing operations, computer operators will be employed by firms in computer systems design and related services.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of computer operators is expected to decline. Advances in technology have yielded computer hardware and software that is capable of automating more tasks, and that is considerably more user-friendly. This has greatly reduced the need for computer operators. Because of this, computer operators will monitor a greater number of systems and be responsible for solving more complicated problems. Some computer operators whose jobs become obsolete due to automation may be reassigned to support staff, while others who have updated their skills and participated in training may move into network administration and technical support.

Computer operators work with mainframes, minicomputers, or personal computer networks. They make sure these types of machines are used properly and efficiently by various users. Their duties vary greatly, but usually they control a mainframe digital computer or a group of minicomputers, using written instructions from programmers, users, or operations managers. Computer operators may load tapes, disks or paper into computer equipment, monitor and respond to error messages, and keep detailed logs of their activities while at their workstation. They may also assist systems analysts with the maintenance and debugging of the system. An increasing number of computer programmers are working on personal computes or minicomputers linked together by local area networks or multi-user systems.

Job Skills

Besides being analytical and technical experts, computer operators should also be flexible and willing to learn and adapt. They must be ready to deal with new or unique problems that a computer is not designed to handle. They should be good at communicating with programmers, users, and other operators. Because they may receive little or no direct supervision, computer operators must be able to work independently.

Income

In 2002, computer operators earned a median annual salary of $29,650. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $18,610, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $46,780. The following shows the median annual salaries for the industries employing the highest numbers of computer operators:

• Management of companies and enterprises - $32,770
• Computer systems design and related services - 30,280
• General medical and surgical hospitals - 28,310
• Data processing, hosting, and related services - 27,440
• Depository credit intermediation - 24,160

Training and Education

The main quality employers of computer operators look for in a candidate is prior work experience using the specific type of equipment the employer uses. Computer operators usually receive on-the-job training, the length of which varies with the type of job and the prior experience of the employee. Formal training is becoming more common as a requirement, due to changes in technology and an increase in automation. A degree through a community or technical college is recommended. The U.S. Armed Forces, as well as some computer manufacturers, offer formal training in computer operation. For those interested in advancement to managerial positions, a bachelor's degree can be very useful.

Employment

In 2002, computer operators held about 499,000 jobs. Industries employing computer operators included government, wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, data processing serves and finance and insurance. Because more companies are choosing to contract out their data processing operations, computer operators will be employed by firms in computer systems design and related services.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of computer operators is expected to decline. Advances in technology have yielded computer hardware and software that is capable of automating more tasks, and that is considerably more user-friendly. This has greatly reduced the need for computer operators. Because of this, computer operators will monitor a greater number of systems and be responsible for solving more complicated problems. Some computer operators whose jobs become obsolete due to automation may be reassigned to support staff, while others who have updated their skills and participated in training may move into network administration and technical support.vvv

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