The effect of the new technology has been to eliminate some jobs, to change others, and to create new ones. Many routine clerical jobs have been eliminated, creating in their place new, better-paid positions in the growing information systems field. On the other hand, the increased use of robots in industry has displaced many manufacturing workers. Jobs created through the expanded use of robots require technical skills not always easy for the unskilled or semiskilled worker to obtain.
The new technologies require retraining many people, adjusting to change (which is not easy), and filling new positions for which there are shortages of qualified individuals. Technician and specialist will become the most common job titles. Thus, there are both positive and negative aspects of the computer revolution
The development of the microprocessor created a revolution in computer usage. The computer has become a household addition. Projections are that the home will be the biggest market for personal computers by the year 2000, out-pacing sales to businesses. Scenarios vary regarding how the computer will impact our lives in the future, just as individual lifestyles vary, but one fact is certain- that computers will perform more mundane operations in our lives, saving us time and energy and increasing our possibilities for work and leisure. In terms of careers, the jobs of workers in practically every industry have been affected by the expanded use of computers. The increasing need for timely and accurate information in order for organizations to compete today suggests a promising future for computer and information professionals.
This article will enable you to examine careers in computers and information systems. It includes such information as
- what jobs computer and information professionals perform
- who employs these professionals
- salaries and career paths
- latest trends
- job opportunities
- education and skills needed to pursue computer careers
- sources of additional information on computers and information processing
Database and information technology permeate all large organizations today; computer and information professionals are employed in virtually every industry. Computers are on the cutting edge of science and technology. The computer has been widely used in the entertainment industry for producing art, music, special effects in films, and the ever-popular video games. The computer has even made an impact in the sports arena. For example, National Football League teams use computers to provide instant data on offensive and defensive plays of both a team and its opponent. Computers have been used for years in crime detection. Database systems provide information on criminals, stolen vehicles, and missing persons.
Managers in corporate America receive timely information needed for making decisions that keep their companies competitive in a dynamic business environment.
With the coming of the next computer age, there are now computers that reason, make judgments, and learn. Such artificial intelligence enables computers to diagnose diseases, locate mineral deposits, and determine where to drill oil wells, prepare income tax returns, give investment advice, and perform a variety of other "thinking" activities. Tomorrow's developments promise to be even more interesting than today's as advancing technology continues to exceed everyone's expectations.
Computers are used at every level of most organizations. From management decision-making to simple record-keeping, billing, payroll, and inventory-control applications, computers play a valuable role in businesses. Science labs use computers in research. Automated equipment is common in manufacturing plants. Executives are rarely without their desktop computers as they call up the information required to make complicated and crucial decisions. In grocery stores and other retail outlets, computerized scanners enable quicker service and better inventory control. The banking and airline industries have been computer dependent in almost every aspect of their operations for years.
Computer professionals may be employed in a variety of jobs by almost any type of organization or within the computer industry itself. The types of jobs held by computer professionals in most organizations fall into the following general categories: systems development and programming, operations, word processing, database management, networks and communications, computer security, and information systems management
Systems Development
The area of systems development and programming includes many jobs, such as systems analyst and programmer. These jobs involve the development of systems including sets of instructions--called software--to serve a variety of purposes in business, science, entertainment, and other fields. Software may be produced by computer vendors and sold along with the hardware, or it may be produced in-house, in both cases by computer professionals in systems development and programming.
Systems analyst: The work of the systems analyst is to design a new system or to improve an existing one. A system is a collection of people, machines, programs, and procedures organized to perform a certain task. Basically a professional problem solver, the systems analyst must first analyze problems or informational needs within the organization, then design efficient patterns of information flows from the data sources to the computer to solve them. The systems analyst also plans the distribution of information, based on how it is to be used within the organization. In order to design and maintain a reliable and efficient system of information flows, the systems analyst works closely, often in teams, with managers, accountants, and other user groups within the organization to determine their informational needs or problems. An understanding of how various areas in the organization operate, such as accounting and marketing, and the ability to communicate effectively with coworkers in these areas are crucial to the effectiveness of the systems analyst.
Most systems analysts have some supervisory or management duties such as estimating, scheduling, controlling time, and accepting final responsibility for projects. An important part of the systems analyst's job is to relate the requirements of the system to the capabilities of the computer hardware and prepare specifications for programmers to follow in developing the software to make the system work. In some organizations, the systems analysts also may do the programming and hold the job title analyst/programmer. In other organizations, analysts and programmers have separate job titles and areas of responsibility. Most analysts begin their careers as programmers.
Programmer: The work of the computer programmer involves coding--that is, writing detailed sets of instructions according to the problem descriptions and specifications of the systems analysts. These programs are made up of a series of logical steps for the machine to follow to process the data into usable information. The programmer may use any one of over 1,000 programming languages. COBOL, FORTRAN, Pascal, and BASIC are among the older, more common languages. Today, 65 percent of corporate systems still run on COBOL. Programmers should gain familiarity with DB2 and other database software.
In programming, a strong orientation to detail is important in that something as small as a misplaced comma could cause the program to malfunction. Some speculate that the airplane crash in Guam in August 1997 may have been caused in part by faulty software. This characteristic becomes crucial as a programmer debugs his or her programs to ensure that they are error-free. Debugging usually entails making trial runs on the computer with sample data. Programmers may also be involved in writing documentation or instructions that explain how to use the software. Often technical writers are employed to prepare the documentation according to instructions prepared by the programmers. Programs may be written in a matter of hours or may require more than a year of work; thus programmers may work alone on small projects or in teams on larger ones.
There are several types of programmers: scientific and business applications programmers, operating systems programmers, and maintenance programmers. The work of scientific, or engineering, applications programmers is highly mathematical in nature and involves developing programs that solve scientific or engineering problems. Normally an undergraduate degree in engineering, math, or science is a minimum requirement. Some background in FORTRAN, Pascal, Assembler, or C programming languages is necessary. Also desirable are a Master of Science degree, large-scale and personal hardware exposure, and operating systems programming experience.
Business applications programmers are involved in a wide range of tasks, from developing user programs to handling such routine activities as billing customers. They also may develop programs designed to satisfy the complex informational needs of managers. Programming experience pays off in landing desirable jobs if it is pertinent to the systems in use in a company. The improved quality and quantity of software packages in business applications has reduced the demand for business application programmers somewhat. However, the widespread use of personal computers has created a strong demand for programmers on small commercial systems. Besides developing applications programs, personal computer programmers also support such functions as communications, graphics, database, or operating systems.
Maintenance programmers are employed to constantly enhance or debug existing major programs. Skill in debugging techniques and experience in program development are required for this highly complex job. The maintenance programming staff is usually a combination of seasoned veterans and newly hired programmers who are trained by the most experienced maintenance programmers on the staff.
The work of operating systems programmers is highly technical in nature and somewhat difficult for the layperson to understand. Basically, the operating systems programmer writes sets of instructions to make the programming of computers easier, for example, programs that schedule the various components of the computer or that permit the computer to deal with many tasks simultaneously. These sets of instructions, called operating systems, control the operation of the entire computer system. They frequently become a permanent part of the computer's memory so that all of the components and related equipment perform in harmony with one another. Thus, the operating systems programmer must have a good technical knowledge of the parts of the computer and how they operate. Systems programmers might be involved in developing new languages or adapting existing languages to specific needs. A degree in computer science with a solid background in computer architecture (the way circuits are structured) is required for most positions.
Operations
The manager of operations oversees computer operators who are responsible for setting up the computer and its equipment; mounting and removing tapes, disks, and printer forms; monitoring jobs in progress; and troubleshooting when problems occur. Data entry operators are involved in input--that is, entering data into the computer using keyboards and tape or disks. Production control operators handle output, routing jobs to the proper place upon completion. Most positions in operations require training that may be obtained in high school, vocational school, community college, or on the job. While entry into these jobs requires a minimum of formal education, advancement is somewhat limited. It is common to advance to supervisory levels within operations. However, the manager of operations usually has more formal education and experience than most operations workers.
Word Processing
Word processing offers still more employment possibilities for individuals with keyboard proficiency and a minimum of formal training. Word processing personnel produce needed documents by entering text into the computer using a word processing program. This program enables text to be edited and rearranged easily. The text is then stored on disk or magnetic tape. A beginner may advance within the word processing department from the position of trainee to supervisor. A word processing manager heads the department. Data entry and word processing operators are workers with a tolerance for routine duties. The word processing field is changing somewhat as a result of the explosion in use of personal computers and new workstation networks.
Personal Computer
Increasing numbers of workers are using personal computers for information and word processing. A personal computer user services specialist provides support and coordinates the use of personal computers throughout the company. Personal computer user specialists work with systems development and management information systems professionals as well as with user groups from functional areas throughout the organization. Integrating and directing the use of personal computers to analyze informational needs and coordinate office automation efforts are an important part of the job. In addition, user specialists conduct training in the use of personal computers.
Database Management
A database is a set of related data used by systems analysts and programmers to produce the information needed by the organization. Database administrators analyze the company's information requirements, coordinate data collection, organize data into usable databases, store data for efficient access by analysts and programmers, keep databases up-to-date, and establish rules pertaining to the databases and their security. Working under the manager to assist in these tasks are database analysts and librarians.
Communications
Data communications or telecommunications involves the use of hardware and software to link a computer to remote terminals and other computers. The communications manager and the analysts working under the manager are responsible for the design of data communications networks and the installation and operation of data links. Communications specialists must be knowledgeable in languages, applications, and communications devices. They are responsible for program design, coding, testing, debugging, documentation, and implementation of communications software. Their work also involves the evaluation and modification of existing communications hardware and software.
Advancements in network technology including the widespread use of local area networks (LANS) and wide area networks (WANS) have created new positions in the information field. The network engineer designs networks and transmissions systems and conducts traffic studies. The network manager coordinates the use of networks throughout the organization. Network analysts do specific systems analysis.
Internet and Intranet
The Internet, Intranet, and World Wide Web have added a whole new group of jobs to the information systems career spectrum. The Internet is the international network that allows communications among systems throughout the world and access to information housed in Web sites throughout the World Wide Web. Intranet technology enables the use of Internet technology within a company. Compiling, entering, and maintaining information in Web sites is done in-house under the direction of project managers who employ webmasters, web developers/programmers, Intranet network administrators, and web user support consultants. Marketing through the Web has created a host of possibilities. Mew technology such as Java, HTML, and browsers must be mastered. Security, such as firewalls that prevent electronic break-ins through networks or telecommunications, must be in place before Web sites are established. Numerous Internet companies have arisen over the past few years to compile, organize, and prepare information accessed through the Internet. These companies hire managers, analysts, researchers, and others to provide this service. In addition, independent researchers offer services to those who desire information from the Internet. These individuals have the needed skills to locate specific information from the vast sea of information now available.
Security
The increased use and decentralization of database and network technologies has created the need for improved security to assure protection from invasion of privacy, computer viruses, theft, fraud, and waste resulting from greater access by more individuals to computer systems, and a host of other problems including natural disasters such as flood or fire damage. The director of security oversees security specialists in the protection of data and computer resources. For data security, specialists have programming and systems analysis backgrounds. Some data security specialists may have experience in auditing information systems as well. Disaster recovery specialists usually come from operations with communications expertise. The director may come from either background. Computer security may be conducted by external teams of computer security specialists, sometimes called tiger teams. These teams conduct periodic, often unscheduled, security checks on systems at the request of management to detect existing and potential problems.
Information Systems Management
Throughout all of the areas described above are information systems (IS) managers working at various levels within their departments. The vice-president of information or chief information officer (CIO) is an important executive in corporations today, has a vital role in corporate strategic planning, and is in charge of all information functions. Today, there are fewer levels of middle managers in corporations, partly as a result of new communications technologies. Upper-level managers can obtain higher-quality and timelier information directly from the computer than was supplied to them by middle managers in the past. IS managers must have both technical and managerial skills. The higher the level of management, the more important managerial skills become. The lower the level, the more vital technical expertise is, since it is the systems analysts, programmers, database managers, and communications professionals who work on the cutting edge of new technology. In fact, many information professionals refuse management positions so that they may continue to work closely with technology.
Basically, managers at all level are involved with planning, budgeting, hiring, scheduling, supervising, evaluating performance, and many other tasks. The buck stops with managers who have authority over various operations. Those who successfully move up the ranks to the highest levels of information management possess excellent decision-making and communications skills, an understanding of business and the management style of the company, and the ability to work well with people and to command their respect. With greater emphasis being placed on management information systems and decision support systems, information managers are rising to top level positions in organizations.
Assisting information managers are both internal and external consultants, who keep up with the latest technological advances and how to integrate them into the organization to keep it competitive.
Computer Design, Manufacture, Sales, and Service
Employed by computer manufacturers in addition to the computer professionals previously described are the scientists, mathematicians, engineers, and technicians who research, design and produce the hardware (equipment) and the software (programs) to make it work. The equipment is designed by hardware engineers with electrical or electronics backgrounds who specialize in computer engineering. The systems analysts and programmers who design the software are called software engineers within the computer industry. Once the hardware and software is developed, it is marketed by a sales representative-an individual specializing in business systems or scientific applications. Once the system is sold, the field engineer installs the hardware and software and services it periodically to keep it running smoothly. The service representative helps solve day-to-day problems and is usually knowledgeable in both computer programming and the technical aspects of computers. From either a sales or service rep position, an individual is upwardly mobile and can aspire to management levels.
Data Service Organizations
Data service organizations employ systems analysts, programmers, computer and data entry operators, and sales and service representatives. These organizations process data for customers who do not maintain computer systems or need additional capacity. More and more companies are using data service organizations or outsourcing information functions rather than purchasing equipment that may be technologically obsolete in a short time. In addition to data processing, many of these companies provide professional services as well, including systems analysis and design, documentation, and employee training.
