Computer Tech Jobs
If you’re going to be working as a computer tech, you’ll probably want to have a strong background in computer science and information technology but that may not be as important as knowing how to repair computers. Data recovery, for example, is one of the best skills you can have because so many companies are scared of losing their irreplaceable company data. Another valuable skill in this area is how to protect computers from cyber-threats such as hacking. Most employers are going to be looking for college degrees in computer areas. However, if you focused on computer classes in high school and can demonstrate a solid level of knowledge without the formal training you may be able to make it in this field. Although the computer tech jobs are only expected to grow at about 13% between 2006 and 2016, that is still about as fast as most of the other professions.
Computer Help Jobs
While computer technicians normally work on-site to repair problems, workers who work the computer help desk do so over the phone or via live chat or email. You still have direct contact with the customers but effective communication becomes critical because you must explain what needs to be done in a clear, concise manner so the person on the other end of the communication can understand you.
Besides the importance of communication, you must also have some knowledge of computers, although most of this will be on-the-job training. Today, most help desk operators have guides they can use to pinpoint the problem and to provide information. With emails, for example, the technician can cut and paste a pre-written explanation of what to try in the reply email. That requires very little training to do.
The down side to computer help jobs can be the hours. While most on-site technicians work standard 9 to 5 hours, help desk employees are expected to work in shifts that span 24 hours a day. That means you could end up working at midnight or on holidays or on weekends. That can be inconvenient for many people. Unfortunately, the growth rate for these positions is expected to be about average as well and possibly slower. Many companies tend to outsource these jobs to other countries, including India.
Computer Program Jobs
If you want to be a computer programmer, you will find plenty to love about the profession. You get to work on exciting programs that will be widely used throughout the world. Programming can also be stressful because you will need to meet deadlines and may have to make changes over and over again to get rid of “bugs” and to meet the demands of management. Getting into the field usually requires you to obtain a four year degree, although some companies will accept an associate’s degree if you can demonstrate a talent for programming. Remember this is a highly competitive field so you want to be prepared. While the average salary for computer program jobs is about $65,000, this is one of the few computer jobs that is going to be declining by 2016 thanks to the consolidation of software manufacturers.
Computer Application Jobs
If you work in this field, you will be responsible for developing the software that makes computers run such as operating systems. As the demands for computers change so does the demand for new applications and this means these positions are going to be growing quickly. The rate of growth by 2016 is expected to be 38% which is much higher than average. Of course, to grab one of these positions you are going to need a bachelor’s degree in a related field and some experience creating software and working with computers in a wide variety of ways. The average salary for this position is just under $80,000.
Computer System Jobs
For this position, you are normally hired to build the computer system used by a business or other organization. That might involve establishing databases, networks, and more. Your job is to create a system that is going to make completing the day-to-day tasks of the office easier and more efficient while also keeping things cost-effective. Expect to be required to have a bachelor’s degree and some experience if you want to be considered for a position in this area. The good news if you are interested in computer system jobs is that this area is expecting to see growth of about 27% which is faster than average. The average salary for these jobs is $62,000.
