If you are looking for a challenging career that
offers continuous opportunity to learn, a future in
computers may be for you. There are jobs in programming,
planning, management, testing, hardware, and many
other subfields. Additionally, many jobs that are
not centered around computers are still technology-intensive,
such as graphic design and even music engineering.
Employers in almost all fields look for people who
are computer literate and can use many different kinds
of applications.
Educational Requirements
There are many levels of computer education available
to the prospective student. From the associate's degree
in computer technology to PhD programs in computer
science, you can find a program that is tailored to
your short- and long-term goals.
An education is a big commitment, even for short
programs. Your decision-making process should include
how much time you have to give to the program now
as well as your post-graduation goals. In other words,
if you already have a day job and don't want to spend
four years in a traditional college setting, you will
likely want an evening program. If you have time and
funds available and would like a high-tech career,
perhaps a bachelor's degree and graduate school should
be your educational goal.
Salary and Benefits
Salary and benefits packages will vary widely with
your training, experience, and level of responsibility.
Those with four-year degrees will likely be more competitive
for certain high-tech jobs; but for the employer looking
for someone to keep equipment running smoothly, the
graduate of a two-year program with a concentration
or certificates in various kinds of hardware will likely
fare better.
Graphic designers, administrative assistants, secretaries,
etc., who have training in software will be much more
competitive for job openings, and command better salaries
and benefit packages.
To help you choose your focus within the computer field-or
to see more detailed data on a field you are in now-search
the Occupational Outlook Handbook at the Bureau of Labor
Statistics website (www.bls.gov).
There are some other resources available to you on
the Internet that can aid and assist you in finding
out more information about a career in the computer
field or computer industry. If you are interested in
making a career in the computer field or computer industry,
you will want to spend some time doing some research
on the Internet and World Wide Web. You will find that
this is time well spent.
A Look at the Future of Careers in the Computer Field
Job and career opportunities in the computer field
are expected to expand and increase unabated well into
the future. Experts nearly universally agree that computers
will remain at the heart and soul of nearly any type
of business enterprise imaginable. As a result, the
demand for people in the computer field is expected
to be strong not only today and in the immediate future
-- but well down the road as well.
|
