INTRODUCTION
In this section we are going to look at computer professionals. This section is giving insight on careers in computer field, where you can choose to become one of the following.
However, there are unlimited jobs in computer field outside there waiting for you, and as the world is constantly changing, almost every field of endevour requires computer. So, the sky is your limit.
You will also need to read 10 Qualities of Good Computer Professional. Also, I outlined categories of Computer Users, which you will find it useful.
COMPUTER PROFESSIONALS
Computer professionals are those who have undergone one form of formal computer training or the other. Such formal training includes certificate, diploma and degree programmes in the computing field such as Computer science, computer engineering, information technology, software engineering, networking, etc.
Formal training for a degree requires a minimum of a four-year programme. There are various categories of computer professionals that are involved in the development, maintenance and use of computer systems. These categories include computer managers, systems analysts, programmers, computer educators, computer engineers and technicians, and computer operators.
Computer managers:
The computer manager is responsible for the overall running of the computer department. It is his or her responsibility to approve specific computing projects, to ensure that the best use is made of the computing equipment and other staff, and that the department serves the best interest of the organisation. The computer manager also advises the management (the leaders of an organisation) on ways of adapting to new technology, and the implications for the organisation.
Systems analysts:
Systems analysts are concerned with planning how work is done on the computer. When a new aspect of work is to be computerised in a given organisation, they consult with the system analyst, who is going to study the various activities of the organisation and draw diagrams, such as flow charts that illustrate each stage of the system to be developed. The plan is then modified after discussions with the users and various managers involved. Systems analysts have built up their computing experience as programmers, and have been trained in systems analysis.
Related article: 10 Qualities of Good Computer Professional.
Programmers:
Teams of computer programmers write programs according to the requirements of the system diagrams and other specifications from the systems analysts.The programs are written as large numbers of small programs or modules. with as many programmers assigned to the tasks as its size and time-scale requires. Individual modules are first tested. When they are working correctly, the program is then built up and tested as a whole. The checking process is called debugging.
An important task of a programmer is documentation. This involves writing a detailed description of how a program works so that others can understand and alter it if necessary. This is often called technical documentation or system documentation. User documentation is also written for the benefit of those who are going to use the program. In some cases, operator documentation is required for the computer operators while the program is running. Once in use, programs must be altered from time to time in the light of experience or changing requirements. This is another job for a computer programmer. and is known as program maintenance.
Network administrator:
He or she maintains computer networks and resolves network and server computer problems to ensure the continuity of operation of computer systems. A server computer (or just server) is a computer system that provides essential services on a network to users inside a large organisation, or to users on the public Internet. Servers may be dedicated to specific functions such as Internet services (web servers), printing services (print servers), or database management and services (database sewers). Network administrators are responsible for the management of such systems.
Operations manager:
The person in charge of the day-to-day running of the computer system is the operations manager. He or she allocates computer time to various programs, and arranges for the maintenance and repair of the computer when necessary. The operations manager allocates work to the computer operators, data preparation staff, and supervises the ordering of stationery and other supplies.
Database administrator:
If a computer system is centered on a database, there is often a database administrator (DBA) with responsibility for its maintenance. A database is a collection of data about an enterprise, such as a business or an organisation. Examples of enterprises include banks which keep financial database and government departments such as the Census Bureau which keep population database. The DBA supervises the entry of new data, and the running of programs which make use of the database. He or she also plans extensions of the database and new applications for it.
Computer educators:
These are people who teach computing at various levels ranging from university down to beginning school level.
Computer engineers and technicians:
These categories of computer professionals that install, maintain and repair the computer.
Computer operators:
They are those that keep the computer running. They often work in shifts -headed by shift leaders – if the computer works 24 hours a day. The operators have a detailed knowledge of the systems software used by the computer. They use the operator’s console of the computer to type instructions and read messages from the system. They also change magnetic disks and tapes and supply line printers with paper, etc. Operators generally have technical qualifications and start work as trainee computer operators. These computer operators are in different categories, click here; Computer Users to find more…
