According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the outlook foremployment for Programmers is expected to grow withother industries through 2012. Positions for ApplicationsProgrammers and Systems Programmers will be abundant inconsulting businesses, data processing firms and software houses.

Roles and Responsibilities :

The primary role of a Programmer is to write programsaccording to the instructions determined primarily by computersoftware engineers and systems analysts. In a nutshell, ComputerProgrammers are the ones that take the completed designs andconvert them into the instructions that the canactually follow. The instructions are coded into a programminglanguage. In some cases, programmers are also expected to knowplatform specific languages used in database programming. Manyprogrammers at the enterprise level are also expected to knowplatform-specific languages used in database programming.Responsibilities include updating; repairing, modifying andexpanding existing programs as well as running tests toauthenticate that the program will produce the desired outcome.

Applications Programmers are the ones that actually writeprograms to handle very specific jobs, revise existing softwareor customize generic applications while Systems Programmerswrite programs to maintain and control systems softwaresuch as operating systems, database and/or networked systems. Insome smaller organizations, the programmers may also beresponsible for systems analysis and the actual programming. Inmany cases, however, technology is replacing the need to writebasic code which doesn't bode well for those consideringentering the field. According to the U.S. Department of Labor,however, the "demand for programmers with strong object-orientedprogramming capabilities and technical specialization in areassuch as client/server programming, wireless applications,multimedia technology, and graphic user interface (GUI) shouldarise from the expansion of intranets, extranets, and Internetapplications. Programmers also will be needed to create andmaintain expert systems and embed these technologies in moreproducts. Finally, growing emphasis on cyber-security will leadto increased demand for programmers who are familiar withdigital security issues and skilled in using appropriatesecurity technology."

Advancement Opportunities :

The advancement opportunities for Programmers are manyand usually start with a promotion to a Lead Programmer. A LeadProgrammer position will more than likely include supervisoryduties. System programming is usually the next career step forComputer Programmers who have completed

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systems softwarecourses. Programmer Analysts and Systems Analysts are alsological steps. Many programmers are also finding thatindependent contracting and consulting gives them the freedom topick and choose their projects.

Advancement Opportunities :

The advancement opportunities for Programmers are manyand usually start with a promotion to a Lead Programmer. A LeadProgrammer position will more than likely include supervisoryduties. System programming is usually the next career step forComputer Programmers who have completed systems softwarecourses. Programmer Analysts and Systems Analysts are alsological steps. Many programmers are also finding thatindependent contracting and consulting gives them the freedom topick and choose their projects.

Educational Requirements :

Although required skills and training will vary dependent uponthe position and industry in which you're working, the demandfor skill sets is even more driven by technological changes. Insome positions, graduate degrees may be required. Whiletraditional language knowledge is still important, C++ and Javaare the programming languages of choice. GUI and systemsprogramming skills are also sought after. In addition, generalbusiness skills will be an asset in any organization. Systemsprogrammers usually need a 4-year degree in science andextensive knowledge of a variety of operating systems. They areusually also expected to be proficient in database systems suchas DB2, Sybase and/or Oracle.

Salary Potential : (As reported by the U.S. Dept. ofLabor)

Position Salary Range (2003)

Median Average Earnings $60.290

Starting salary for graduates with B.A. in Programming$45,558

Salary range for Applications Development Programmers $51,500 -$80,500

Salary range for Software Developers $55,000 - $87,750

Salary range for Mainframe Programmers $53,250 - $68,750

Industry Certifications :

Computer programmers have a variety of options when it comes toadding certifications to their resumes. It is stronglyrecommended that potential candidates attain Languagecertifications as well as vendor or software specificcertifications.

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