Computers and Careers
Having Computer Knowledge
Better work performance: A working knowledge of computer applications can help you complete any task within the stated timelines. You can do this without any repetition or waste of effort. For example, you can use word processing applications to type huge amounts of text as well as format and print them. Most word processors also have tools and features that proofread and format documents. This makes sure that your documents are accurate. Spreadsheet applications help you manage and present mathematical data easily and perfectly. Effective communication: Computers can help you communicate better and faster if linked to a network. A network could be a simple local area network (LAN), or a wide area network (WAN), or even the Internet. You can communicate in real time through chat and email messages and share documents. You can also hold virtual meetings with coworkers and clients through networks.
Improved decision-making: Computer applications, such as spreadsheet programs, have tools to improve serious decision-making processes and add business visions. Increased result precision: Computers help develop accurate calculations and analyses. You can make business forecasts, sales projections, and financial statements using specific computer applications. These are mostly accurate and reliable for making key business decisions. You'll find it easy to update existing plans and statements with computers, without recreating any material. Better career growth and leadership opportunities: Experience with computers will increase the chances of your promotion. Your company will give you complex projects and not a peer who lacks computer skills. Knowledge of specialized applications, such as accounting or animation software, makes you more employable in the market. It's good to regularly update your computer skills according to changing business needs. This helps to advance your career plans.
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Network System Qualifications
Most entry-level positions in network systems need a bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or engineering. To succeed in the job market for roles in network and computer systems administration, you should take additional courses in management information systems (MIS), computer engineering, or programming. A computer security specialist needs to have a bachelor's degree in information systems security. You must also have soft skills in analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication.
Network Systems
Network engineer: As a network engineer, you'll design and set up computer networks. Additionally, you'll create user accounts, passwords, and permissions. You'll examine network issues and provide support. You'll update the network to provide best use and speed. You'll protect users from virus attacks. Further, you'll enable them to use the network system without any trouble. Network and computer systems administrator: In this role, you'll install computer network systems and software. You'll also connect many network systems, and set up intranet and internet access. Computer security specialist: As a computer security specialist, you'll need to secure an organization's digital information. This should stand by the company policies, software agreements, and other related procedures.
Qualification Skills
Technical skills refer to the knowledge and ability to perform particular tasks. For example, to design the structure of computer systems, software architects need knowledge of technological architectures. These include .NET, J2EE, and JMS. Technical skills help show competence in any field of computers. These include the ability to use latest software and hardware tools and technologies mainly in the area of specialization. You should have knowledge of internet technologies, hardware and system architectures, and the types of networks. You should also have some knowledge of common hardware and software issues. You should also know how to address these issues. You also need soft skills or people skills to interact and communicate effectively with other people. Soft skills complement technical skills. They can also improve your job performance and career prospects.
Web and Digital Communications Qualifications
Web and Digital Communications: For a job position in Web and Digital Communications, you must have a bachelor's degree in computers or information technology. An associate's degree in a related field along with on-the-job-training or training in a related vocational course would also help. If you plan to become a multimedia artist, a bachelor's degree in media, arts, animation, or related fields will be useful. You can also take additional courses in 2D or 3D modeling or principles of animation. To be a web developer, you'll need a vocational degree. An associate's degree in computer science (or a related information technology domain) with relevant work experience will be helpful. A full-time bachelor's degree is an added advantage. In addition to these qualifications, soft skills in areas such as communication, time management, and creative thinking will be helpful.
Advanced Qualifications and Certifications
Web and Digital Communications: To get a good start as a desktop publisher, you can choose job-specific certification courses. These include Adobe Photoshop, PageMaker, and Illustrator. Web developers can choose from certifications in programming languages, such as PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor). Certifications in database management systems, such as MySQL may also help. Network Systems: The suggested certifications for network engineers are, Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). The CompTIA Security+ certification will help your job prospects as a computer security specialist.
Web and Digital Communications
Web and digital communications experts usually design, develop, and deliver interactive multimedia products and services. In this field, you'll find jobs in design studios, e-learning companies, publishing and newspaper houses, or media and production houses. Let us look at some of the job roles in this field. Desktop publisher: A desktop publisher produces creative digital designs with illustration software. You'll create e-papers, newsletters, periodicals, digital cards, and other collateral material. Multimedia artist and animator: A multimedia expert designs advertisements or creates animation films and marketing videos. Web developer: Web developers design, create, and maintain websites. They also develop code for websites and design their functions. They also decide how to make them available to users.
Ethics
are a set of principles that govern your actions.
Information Support and Services: In this field, you can look for globally recognized certifications. These include the Computing Technology Industry Association's CompTIA A+, Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA), and Cisco's CCENT. With these certifications, you will be qualified to troubleshoot software and hardware problems. Programming and Software Development: To be a software or computer systems engineer, you can take globally recognized skill-enhancement certification courses from reputed IT corporations. To start as a computer programmer, you can opt for popular certifications, such as SAS Certified Base Programmer. Certification in software frameworks, such as .NET, or courses in computer languages, such as Java can also help. These certifications confirm your ability to visualize, design, write, and test software programs.
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Programming and Software Development: Professionals in this field design and develop computer systems and applications. Computer languages and software development tools are used for this activity. Software development companies offer many jobs in this field. Let's look at the job roles in this field. Computer programmer: As a computer programmer, you'll write programs to automate computer tasks. You may even design user interfaces to carry out difficult tasks. Software engineer: In this role, you are part of the complete lifecycle of a new or improved software product. This might include research and design, implementation, training, and support. Software quality assurance engineer: In this role, you'll have to test software builds, and report. You'll also have to fix bugs to maintain software quality. Business analyst: As a business analyst, you'll help businesses implement technological solutions in an economical way. You'll analyze business cases, gather requirements, and communicate them to the required stakeholders.
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Professional and Legal Responsibilities
Preserve confidentiality: As a computer professional, you may have access to sensitive and confidential information about the organization. You must protect the confidentiality of such data. You should neither reveal such information publicly nor share it with any third party. You must also not monitor or intercept any electronic data for which you do not have permission or authorization. Be diligent in service: You must complete a given task to the best of your ability. You should meet project deadlines. You should also follow your employer or client's quality standards and other conditions. Further, you must not browse social networking, gaming, or other non-work websites during work hours. Avoid conflicts of interest: You must align your interests with the company goals. You should avoid situations that make you choose between the company's benefit and your personal gain. For example, a conflict of interest might occur if, as a computer network engineer in an organization, you start your own networking business and cater to your employer's customers. Maintain integrity: Your employer wants you to maintain integrity at all times. You should not indulge in any unethical activity. You must avoid using office resources, such as scanners, photocopiers, or printers, for personal needs. Avoid using business resources to provide services to clients, vendors, competitors, or even your friends. You should not develop or use programs that damage or modify the business's computing systems. Save your work on designated servers. Submit work reports and deliverables in the suggested format. Also, avoid clogging office email servers. Avoid legal intrusions: You must avoid any form of malpractice or other illegal activities. Do not take another's work or ideas and call it your own. It is unethical. Take prior permission before using content that is not yours, and duly acknowledge such sources. Unauthorized copying or unlicensed use of computer software is also illegal. Your employer expects you to report such activities taking place within the company.
Information Support and Services
Technical support specialist: As a technical support specialist, you'll provide user support. You'll also offer technical guidance to computer users by phone, email, or web chat. Help desk technician: As a help desk technician, you'll identify and solve problems related to computer systems. Equipment repair technician: As a repair technician, you'll carry out manual or automated inspections of computer and hardware systems. You may also have to assemble or disassemble components. Further, you will have to manage other hardware repair functions. Technical writer: As a technical writer, you'll create user manuals and support guides for a number of computer products and services. You may also develop content to market technical products online.
Information Support Systems Qualifications
To be a technical support specialist or help desk technician, you'll need a bachelor's degree, preferably in computer science. However, a technical diploma in information systems technology, a related associate's degree, or vocational training with work experience would have equal value. For these jobs, you will need to have good knowledge of hardware and software. For the role of equipment repair technician, you'll need an associate's degree in electronics technology. Vocational training with work experience in computers or electronics is also useful. To be a technical writer, you'll need a four-year bachelor's degree. You'll have an edge if you have a bachelor's degree in computer science, web design, or engineering. You could also take coursework in technical writing. It's important to have soft skills in critical thinking and good listening. Skills in decision-making, communication, and coordination also help.
Programming and Software Qualifications
To have a career in this field, you'll need a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, mathematics, or computer information systems. Additional training in software testing tools and a basic knowledge of the software lifecycle process is useful. Also, consider trainings in operating systems such as Linux and Unix. Knowledge of programming languages, such as Java, Perl, Python, and C++ or web technologies, such as HTML (HyperText Markup Language) and JavaScript is useful. Skills in these platforms also increase your chances of getting a quality assurance engineer's job. With an associate's degree in a related field and relevant work experience, you can apply for the post of a software engineer or a computer programmer. You'll also need to update your knowledge and skills regularly. Certified courses or training from authorized organizations will be helpful. To become a business analyst, you'll need a degree in business and a bachelor's degree in computer science or information technology. Some employers favor candidates with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. It is also important to have strong critical thinking and problem solving skills. You must be an active learner and an effective communicator. You should also be able to work well under pressure.
