The 21st century has already seen a storm of technological progress. In the eye of the tornado sit computer programmers, with the skills to navigate the whirlwind of the new millennium. It's the job of computer programmers to turn designs -created by software developers and engineers- into sets of instructions that computers follow, which result in the word processing programs, social media platforms, browsers, and more...that people use every day. Computer programming is a very detail oriented occupation... programmers must be able to focus on code for long periods without losing track of their progress, and they must persist to solve the often small but critical code issues that can have a big impact, and prevent the program from operating. Most computer programmers work full time and, though many work in offices, programming can be performed from almost any location. Most programmers have a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related subject, though some find work with a two-year associate's degree. Computer programming is a career that requires cutting-edge skills, persistence, and a vision for creating new possibilities with code.
What they do:
Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
On the job, you would:
Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.
Engineering and Technology
computers and electronics
product and service development
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
English language
Business
customer service
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
Verbal
read and understand what is written
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
notice when problems happen
Math
add, subtract, multiply, or divide
choose the right type of math to solve a problem
People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Analytical Thinking
Integrity
Cooperation
Independence
Achievement/Effort
You might use software like this on the job:
Development environment software
Eclipse IDE
Microsoft PowerShell
Object or component oriented development software
C++
Python
Web platform development software
Hypertext markup language HTML
Microsoft ASP.NET
bachelor's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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