Most ICT-related jobs have developed to meet the need to analyze, design, develop, manage or support computer software, hardware or networks. The primary requirements for being a good programmer are nothing more than a good memory, an attention to detail, a logical mind and the ability to work through a problem in a methodical manner breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable pieces.
The first key point to realize is that you cant know everything. However you mustnt become an expert in too narrow a field. The second key point is that you must be interested in your subject. The third key point is to differentiate between contract work and consultancy. Good contractors move from job to job every few months. A consultant often works on very small timescales a few days here, a week there, but often for a core collection of companies that keep coming back again and again.
All the people involved in the different stages of development of a computer project, i.e. analysts, programmers, support specialists, etc. are controlled by a project (or IT) manager.
IT managers manage projects, technology and people. Any large organization will have at least one IT manager responsible for ensuring that everyone who actually needs a PC has one and that it works properly. This means taking responsibility for the maintenance of servers and the installation of new software, and for staffing a help-desk and a support group.
Systems Analyst studies methods of working within an organization to decide how tasks can be done efficiently by computers. He or she takes a detailed analysis of the employers requirements and work patterns to prepare a report on different options for using information technology.
Software Engineer/Designer produces the programs which control the internal operations of computers, converts the system analysts specification to a logical series of steps, translates these into the appropriate computer language and often compiles programs from libraries or sub-programs, combining these to make up a complete systems program. Software Engineer designs, tests and improves programs for computer-aided design and manufacture, business applications, computer networks and games.
Computer Services Engineering Technician can be responsible for installation, maintenance or repair of computers and associated equipment. Some technicians carry out routine servicing of large mainframe systems, aiming to avoid breakdowns. Others are called in to identify and repair faults as quickly as possible usually by replacing faulty parts. Work can also involve upgrading machines usually on customers premises.
Network Support Person maintains the link between PCs and workstations connected in a network. He or she uses telecommunications, software and electronic skills and knowledge of the networking software to locate and correct faults.
Computer Salesperson advises potential customers about available hardware and sells equipment to suit individual requirements, discusses computing needs with the client to ensure that a suitable system can be supplied, organizes the sale and delivery and, if necessary, installation and testing.
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Application Programmer writes the programs which enable a computer to carry out particular tasks. He or she may write new programs or adapt existing programs, perhaps altering computer packages to meet the needs of an individual company. Application Programmer also checks programs for faults and does extensive testing.
Systems Support Persons are analyst programmers who are responsible for maintaining, updating and modifying the software used by a company. Some specialize in software which handles the basic operation of the computers. This involves use of machine codes and specialized low-level computer languages. Most handle applications software. They may sort out problems encountered by users. Solving problems may involve amending an area of code in the software, retrieving files and data lost when a system crashes and a basic knowledge of hardware.
Hardware Engineer researches, designs and develops computers, or parts of computers and the computerized element of appliances, machines and vehicles. He or she is also involved in their manufacture, installation and testing. Hardware Engineer may specialize in different areas: research and development, design, manufacturing. He or she has to be aware of cost, efficiency, safety and environmental factors as well as engineering aspect.
There are so many reasons to plop down at the computer and play for hours. For some teens, computer time is a fun way to relax. But for students with strong math skills and technology know-how, computers can lead to successful careers.
Changing technology is one reason computer professionals will continue to be in demand in the future. Short supply is another major factor. David Overbye, director of curriculum at DeVry University, says the dot-com bust has stopped many students from enrolling in computer programs. What kinds of computer careers are available? Hot jobs include video game creator, network security administrator, webmaster and animator.
Animator. Movies, television and Web pages all use high-tech animation. In the long term, Overbye says, animation is a growing industry.
Students interested in a career in animation should be creative and have an eye for design. It is a more top-level skill, Overbye says. These are going to be the more artistic types, the people who are good at laying things out.
Computer animators also need to have strong computer skills and know the tools they are using, Overbye says. Animators can be hired by movie studios, television networks or companies looking for Web designers.
Youre seeing a general trend toward higher (Internet) speeds to the home, so content going on the Web is becoming more dynamic, he says.
Video games Creator. The field of video games and simulation is growing quickly. Computer professionals design video games, military flight simulators and job training programs. Many colleges have created bachelors degrees in game simulation and programming because of increased need. Simulation tools have become cheaper, so that means more businesses are interested in buying the programs. Taxi cab drivers, for example, could be trained with a simulation program to learn how to drive a route, Overbye says.
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Video gaming is also a growing industry in need of professionals to create consoles, handheld systems and computer games.
Overbye says students who are thinking about careers in simulation or game programming should have a strong interest in computers, math and physics. Employers will also expect students to take courses in English, humanities and social sciences to learn communication skills.
Network security administrator. One of the oldest crimes in the world is stealing money, Overbye says. And that crime has gone high-tech as banks and businesses trade money and financial information over networks. Any time you use a credit card at a fast food restaurant, for example, the restaurant network has to send the information to its and your bank. Hackers want to get into the network to steal money, and its securitys job to protect the system.
Start a career in network security with a degree in computer information systems. Overbye says students who are considering this degree should have strong math, science and programming skills. They should also be creative types who tend to ask a lot of questions.
Webmaster. Someone has to design all those good-looking Web pages. Web design is a growing field with beginning designers starting at $35,000 a year, says Sung Kang, an assistant professor of graphic design at Iowa State University in Ames.
Creativity and critical thinking are the most important skills for a Web designer. All the new technology they can learn, but sometimes creatively thinking is very difficult to teach, Kang says.
To become a Web designer, earn a degree in computer programming. Or, study graphic design while taking a few programming courses from the computer science department, Kang says.
Task 2. Which computer specialist will do the following?
a) researches, designs and develops computers, or parts of computers; b) maintains the link between PCs and workstations connected in a network; c) organizes the sale and delivery and, if necessary, installation and testing; d) writes the programs which enable a computer to carry out particular tasks; e) studies methods of working within an organization to decide how tasks can be done efficiently by computers; f) is responsible for maintaining, updating and modifying the software used by a company; g) manages projects, technology and people; h) designs, tests and improves programs for computer-aided design and manufacture, business applications, computer networks and games
Task 3. Complete the table using the information from the text and your own ideas. The following words and expressions could help you:
ambitious; clever; creative; conscientious; industrious; strong-willed; persistent; just; punctual; resolute; smart; tactful; logical mind; qualified; have experience in this kind of job; bright; communicative; be able to earn the trust of the team; to be a man of character; to have a good sense of humor, never shirk the task; to praise; good to get along with
| job title | nature of work | technical skills | personal qualities |
| IT manager | |||
| Systems Analyst | |||
| Software Engineer/Designer | |||
| Computer Services Engineering Technician | |||
| Network Support Person | |||
| Computer Salesperson | |||
| Application Programmer | |||
| Systems Support Persons | |||
| Hardware Engineer |
Task 4. Classify these jobs under the heading that best describes their function.
Software engineer, help desk technician, database administrator, trainer, network analyst, system analyst, hardware engineer, network administrator.
| analyze | design/develop | manage | support |
| a/b | c/d | e/f | g/h |
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Task 5. Draw lines between the columns to make true sentences about jobs.
A technical designer controls all the operations and people in a project.
A project writer writes documentation of a program or device.
A web specialist plans and keeps websites updated.
A security manager designs applications against viruses.
Task 6. Study the personal profile of Charles Graham. Which is the most suitable job for him?
Charles Graham
-28 years old.
-Education: 3 A-levels.
-In-depth knowledge of Apple Macintosh equipment.
-Course in graphic design and page-layout applications from Highland Art School.
-Proficient in Adobe PageMaker.
-Diploma in word processing. Wide experience in MS Word and WordPerfect.
-Present job: Computer operator for PromoPrint, a company specializing in publishing catalogues and promotional material.
Task 7. a) Complete the sentences below using for, since or ago.
Use this Help box.
| Help box For: Weve used Microsoft Internet Explorer for two years. Since: Ive been a programmer since 1993. Ago: I left university seven years ago. |
Ive been looking for a job April.
Theyve used a fax machine the past two years.
Kate Jackson studied computer sciences three years.
I got married six years
Shes been working for this firm 1990.
b) What is the difference in meaning between these two sentences?
Ive worked for a year as a senior programmer.
I worked for a year as a senior programmer.
Task 8. Sarah Brown is one of the applicants for the job of Senior Programmer. Read her letter of application and put the verbs in brackets into the correct tense.
19 Sandford Street
London NW 7 4HH
Mr. Scott
Personnel Manager
Digitum
75 Parkhill Street
London SW2 3DE
Dear Mr. Scott,
I am writing to (1) (apply) for the position of Senior Programmer which (2) (advertise) on 28 February in The Times
I (3) (work) as a computer programmer for the last three years. After graduation I (4) (work) for a year with NCR and (5) (be) now with Intelligent Software for two years. I design systems in COBOL for use in large retail chains. These have been very successful and we (6) (win) several new contracts in the UK and Europe on the strength of my teams success.
Last year I (7) (spend) three months in Spain testing our programs and also (8) (make) several short visits to Italy so I have a basic knowledge of Spanish and Italian. Now I feel ready for more responsibility and more challenging work and would welcome the opportunity to learn about a new industry.
I enclose my curriculum vitae and look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely,
Sarah Brown.
Task 9
a) Here is a form of Curriculum Vitae.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Personal details
Name
Date of birth
Address
Telephone number
Education
Work experience
Other information
Referees
b) Complete the CV with all the relevant information about yourself according to the CV of David William Manning
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CURRICULUM VITAE
Personal details
Name David William Manning
Date of birth 29 May 1987
Marital Status Single
Address 318 Leadhill Street London EC1 1DR
Telephone number 071 263 6925
Education
1994-2004 St. Godrics School, Buckingham
General Certificate of Education
Aston Technical College, Birmingham
OND in Computing
Work experience
2007 to present Company: GCG Merchant Bank
Post: a Systems Programmer
Other information Clean driving licence
Referees Mr Joseph Morse
System Manager
GCG Merchant Bank
Threadneedle Street
London EC1 7GH
Task 10. Maria Quintana, from Spain, is interested in the job of computer operator as advertised below.Use her notes to write a letter. You can start like this: Im writing to apply for
| International Mercury Computers Requires Computer Operators We have vacancies for experienced operators to work on their own initiative in a busy company. You will be responsible for the day-to-day running of our data-processing equipment. You must be highly communicative and have good problem-solving skills. We can offer an excellent salary, training and good promotional prospects to the right candidate. Send your CV and a covering letter to James Taylor, International Mercury Computers, 37 Charles Place, London SW 10 6XX |
Notes for the CV
-Cambridge Certificate of proficiency in English.
-Computer Sciences degree from Zaragoza University, Spain.
-Knowledge of both Macintosh and Windows environments.
-Two years experience working on Linea Directa, a local magazine for computer users.
-Present job: Computer Operator for Graphic Color SL. This involves data control and editing, data preparation, and computer operating.
- Reasons for applying: Wants to develop operating skills and move into management.
Task 11. Is there the job of your dreams? Select your favourite career and, while you are reading the Text 24 A, write down the personal qualities and professional abilities required for the job.
Task 12. Study these job requirements. Try to match the requirements to the list of jobs.
| Job requirements | Jobs |
| 1) at least 5 years (2 at senior level) in: Unix, SYBASE or ORACLE, NT or Windows 2000, Terminal Server, TCP/IP, Internet; strong project management (2 years); willingness to travel abroad 2) able to manage, lead and develop a team; knowledge of C, C++, Delphi; experience of object-oriented design within a commercial environment; ability to deliver software projects against agreed schedules and within agreed estimates 3) proven track record in the delivery of e-solutions in banking environment; knowledge of Unix, NT and Oracle; willingness to travel internationally 4) minimum 4 years lifecycle development experience; demonstrable skills using VB, SQL, RDBMS; able to develop core s/w; excellent communication skills 5) minimum of 18 months commercial experience of Web development; knowledge of HTML, Java, ASP; full portfolio of URLs as examples 6) experience of NT, Exchange, SQL Server, Monitoring Software, Verta, TCP/IP; solid grasp of networking; 2 to 5 years experience in a network environment | a) Visual Basic Developer b) IT Engineer (Network and Database) c) Web Developer d) Network Support e) E-commerce Consultant f) Team Leader |
