Not only software companies hire computer workers. They perform tasks from installing software and troubleshooting, to designing business solutions based on software needs. Computer programs and standards are introduced constantly. To be competitive you have to keep up with the standards. Most technicians work 40 hour weeks. Workers in this field do not necessarily need to work in an office, they can work from remote locations by use of the internet, etc. You should have some of the following skills:
- Analytical
- Communication
- Logic
- Detail-oriented
Job outlook by mnCareers.org: The computer field continues to have an excellent outlook. In Minnesota, computer and data processing is expected to be the fastest-growing industry in the state. The field is expected to increase 76% between 2000 and 2010. The computer and data processing industry is also expected to be the fastest growing nationally increasing by 86%.
All organizations need computer workers, no matter what the type of business they do. Data security continues to be a hot issue. Businesses need workers to keep networks free of viruses and protect e-commerece systems from online credit card fraud. Workers must keep their skills updated to handle changing programming languages and software packages. It's also important to have business, communication and management skills in order to be competitive.
Computer Software Application Engineers: Develop software solutions to fit needs of the end user. Employment currently: 11,060. Best fits into Interest Profile: RIC (Click Here, to determine you interest profile).
Wages: Low End: $20.90 Mid Range: $32.90 High End: $47.90
Education: 4 Year Bachelor's Degree: A 4 year degree in computer science or software engineering is common in the field.
Job Outlook: Excellent: There are many openings available each year.
Growth: 940 Openings per year.
Computer Support Specialists: Tech support and trainers to end users of a product. Answer hardware and software problems. Employment currently: 13,290. Best fits into Interest Profile: ICR (Click Here, to determine you interest profile).
Wages: Low End: $12.70 Mid Range: $19.10 High End: $28.40
Education: 1-2 Years: Computer Support specialists usually require 1-2 years of training.
Job Outlook: Excellent: Experts report a high demand for support technicians.
Growth: 1,260 Openings per year.
Network & Computer Systems Administrators: Install and administrate networks. Monitor and do maintenance on hardware and software. Employment currently: 4,940. Best fits into Interest Profile: IRC (Click Here, to determine you interest profile).
Wages: Low End: $17.10 Mid Range: $25.70 High End: $37.40
Education: 4 Year Bachelors Degree: Computer science degrees are common as well as network certifications such as CISCO.
Job Outlook: Excellent: Experience with several different types of systems is essential for work in this field.
Growth: 390 Openings per year.
Computer Operators: Monitor computers that process business, scientific, or other data. Monitor and troubleshoot error messages as well. Employment currently: 3,300. Best fits into Interest Profile: RC (Click Here, to determine you interest profile).
Wages: Low End: $10.20 Mid Range: $15.70 High End: $22.20
Education: 1-2 Years: Community and technical colleges offer certificate programs for this profession.
Job Outlook: Caution: Automation and smaller use of mainframes by businesses reduced the demand for this type of computer specialist.
Growth: 60 (Shrinking) Openings per year.
