If you want to get a job in computering you can analyse the following computer jobs.
Data Entry This is a job just about anyone can get. Basically, you take information from a piece of paper and use it to fill out a form on the computer. Many old hands who started out in this role are now heading up computer departments.
Secretarial/Administrative This position involves some basic office skills. Not only must you understand the basics of using your computer and a few applications, but youll probably also be expected to take dictation, answer phones, type letters, and keep things organized. In terms of computer skills, you should know how to use word processing, accounting, and spread sheet programs at the very least. People in this role often move into other computing roles such as Managers, Meeting Organizers and Human Resources. Naturally you can move into main stream in computing areas, particularly QA and Testing.
Power User Not so much a position as a status of being an extremely proficient user of (typically) Microsoft Office or similar tools. Advanced users of these tools become familiar with the basics of computer programming through starting with Excel macros or Access database programming. One can become very valuable to a small business by learning such skills, and even start to consult with other small businesses at rates typically starting around $50 an hour.
Customer Service/Telesales These positions usually place a higher emphasis on phone skills than computer skills, but you should know at least the basics of how to use your computer.
Technical Support (Production Support) Most companies consider technical support to be an entry-level computer job. You are expected to know the operating systems on which the product youll support will run, and youll also need to know the basics of any programs that product might interact with. The good news is that the company will teach you what you need to know about their products you just need to learn everything else. Success in technical support requires good problem-solving skills and a great deal of attention to detail. Technical Support and Problem Management is a rapidly growing area. Users now rely heavily on Help Lines, International Support Centers and the like.
Software Quality Assurance (SQA) Engineer You need to know as much as the best technical support personnel. You need to be a problem solver, a detective, and sometimes even a Customer Service representative. Youll also need some basic programming skills, since more and more companies are beginning to rely on automated testing. The best SQA engineers understand a little (or a lot) about every aspect of computers, from building them to using them to programming them.
Software Engineer (Developer or Programmer) To get a job at a top software shop such as Microsoft or Google, youll need a degree in computer science and detailed understanding of the field. However getting a developer position in some small company may be easier. What do you need to know is the language in which youll be programming. It is also important to know database fundamentals and (if programming for Windows) the Windows API. Knowing more than one programming language is very helpful. Understanding many of the basic fundamentals of computer science (e.g. linked lists, arrays, pointers, object oriented programming) will be essential in demonstrating your proficiency.
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Business Analyst (Analyst or Systems Analyst or Analyst/Programmer or User Analyst) This is a relatively new title, but the role is as old as the hills. People can become a BA with any mix of business and computing skills. It is really a matter of looking at what the company is really after. A good BA should know the process from end to end. The BA is primarily the connection between the business and the developers. To get into this job, and into computing, good knowledge of a business is helpful. So, if you gain good knowledge through your job, and maybe do a computer course, you can get your foot in the door.
Tester (Test Manager) This one may not seem glamorous, but Testing is seen by the employers as being Number One in importance. It is often an easy way to break into computing, and you dont get many people say Boy, I really want to be a Tester. Once in this job, you really get to know the whole process, and can easily get into Compliance or Management. Caution. Its usually the Test Manager, who gets the blame if the implementation goes wrong. But who cares. He can always get another job, as most know about this.
Database Administrator/Programmer (DBA) Database specialists are often software engineers, but not all software engineers work with databases, and some database specialists do not have high formality software engineering or computer science training, having come in via support-oriented career paths which can lead into database administration. DBAs are highly compensated and command considerable influence in typical corporate IT settings. Some DBAs get started by programming Access databases, move to SQL Server, and then to Oracle, through pursuing applied, product-specific certifications. Once a DBA, one can then move into data architecture and systems analysis.
MIS/Network Administration/User Support MIS (Management of Information Systems) is responsible for making sure that a companys network of computers is working properly at all times. This includes everything from showing the users how to send an e-mail to upgrading or repairing the computers to managing network resources such as file servers, network printers, and Internet firewalls. For user support positions, you need to be an expert at the operating systems in use by computers on the network and the network itself. You also need to know the fundamentals of hardware repair, the Internet, and the applications in use on the network. Network administrators need to know all of that plus how to set up network hardware, cabling, and network resources. Larger companies prefer their MIS personnel to have (or at least be pursuing) special certifications that prove they know their stuff.
Technical Writer (Technical Author, Documentation Analyst) To be a Technical Writer, you must understand computer basics and the product about which youre writing. You also need to know the programs youll be using for your writing, such as word processors, desktop publishing programs, web languages such as HTML, and Windows Help-authoring tools. Youll also need to be a good writer (or trick people into thinking you are). The best Technical Authors tend to be ex or trained Journalists or English Teachers, who have an obvious head start. Ex Teachers do have a reputation of doing very well in the computer arena, possibly due to their presentation and management skills.
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Compliance This is a rapidly increasing area, due to exposure of Companies to large pay-outs (can run into billions) to Government Authorities due to breaking the rules. To get into this area, you just need to show an interest in checking what others do, and making rules. Employers are interested primarily in your knowledge of computer processes, for example, how the Accounts Receivable System works, end to end. Compliance sections generally have large budgets too!
Medicine/Diagnostic Imaging There are lots of new jobs for computer literate people in Medicine. CT, PET, and MRI scanners all run complex software that should be operated by people with good computer skills.
Production Analyst Another key position. This guy runs the real system, and also is in charge of accepting the new systems that the developers are writing. So, if you are into power, this is the job for you.
Computer Manager (Project Leader, Executive Director, Vice President and others) There are probably more of these jobs in computing than anything else, so dont rule it out. The industry is top heavy and full of titles, especially now that much of the real work is being done in India! Remember that these guys can earn very big money. The key job of a manager in computing is to convince users to keep funding computer projects.
Computer Contractor Even though this role has been around for a long time, there is still a demand. Computer Contactors are usually experienced Professionals but not Managers. Typical Contractor roles are Business Analyst, Tester and Developer. Remember that many computer teams are made up predominantly of Contractors, and that they can make good money, in a booming economy.
Onshore Consultant Typically a Senior Position but based in a foreign country. Onshore Consultants can be anything from Senior Managers to Developers. An example of an Onshore Consultant is a Professional from India working in Canada.
Offshore Consultant A growing industry. The Offshore Consultant is based in his own country and gets his work from overseas, for example, a Developer based in China getting Specifications from Singapore.
