Overall, the programmer is typically responsible for software design, coding, compiling, debugging, and program testing and revision. Programmers generally work in an office setting and may have to work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines or debug programs. With advancing technology, however, the option for programmers to use telecommuting as a means to work outside of the office has become a reality. It is now possible for programmers to write and troubleshoot programs and perform their daily tasks during off hours away from the office environment.
Job Outlook
As with most areas of the IT industry, the job outlook for programmers is exceptionally positive. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment for programmers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Further, they believe this trend will continue through the years to come.
The need for programmers will remain constant because businesses, software developers, schools, and other companies continually require new applications and modifications to existing ones to meet their ever increasing needs. An online search of companies seeking qualified programmers reveals this huge demand. To some extent, programmers are in the driver's seat with regards to their employment. Companies that do not pay their programmers market value may find themselves looking for another programmer.
In spite of all of the good news for prospective programmers, there are some factors that may serve to dampen employment growth. These factors include companies using programming businesses outside of the country at a lower cost, and with the increased level of knowledge of some users, they are able to design and write more of their own programs.
Nevertheless, the job forecast for programmers is solid. Considering the current labor market, money, time, and effort spent on obtaining certifications and skills in the programming field would be well spent. Keep in mind that despite the job availability and often high salaries, programming is definitely not for everyone. Even with the necessary programming knowledge and aptitude, programming requires a personality that can handle spending considerable amounts of time in front of a computer screen often with little interaction with others.
Qualifications and Requirements
It is not difficult to search the Internet and find an employer looking to hire skilled programmers. In these advertised jobs, there seems to be little variation on the tasks and responsibilities employers require from their programmers. There is, however, a confusing level of variation of job qualifications and educational requirements.
Interestingly, some employers demand an overwhelming, and seemingly impossible, amount of education and experience from potential candidates. These employers require extensive knowledge in numerous operating systems, languages, and a bachelor's degree or higher. Other employers are far less concerned with formal education and focus their requirements on the number of years of experience a programmer has. Some companies are in such need for a programmer they actively try to recruit programmers away from other companies.
The discrepancy in qualifications an employer will accept from candidates can leave those interested in pursuing programming as a career confused as to what level of knowledge and training is required to get a job. It is no secret that the IT industry as a whole is experiencing a shortage of skilled professionals and programming is no exception. It is because of this shortage that employers will hire a programmer with no formal education, based solely on experience and a proven ability to program.
Those with two to three years experience may find that as programs become more complex, employers will increase their job requirements. Inevitably, a candidate in an interview with a bachelor's degree and experience is much more likely to get the job than someone with experience and no degree. Furthermore, a bachelor s degree can provide significantly more mobility with regards to changing careers within IT or advancement in the same job.
Those companies requiring bachelor's degrees from candidates specify that degrees, if held, should ideally be in Computer Science, Mathematics, or Information Systems. Computer science degrees are preferred because graduates are trained in a number of specific computer areas, programming being one of many.
Degrees and diplomas are not the only form of training in the IT world-far from it. IT certifications are widely sought by students and widely recognized by employers. Certifications have several key advantages over degree or diploma programs:
- Certification programs are shorter, meaning that training is quicker and students are typically ready to enter the workforce sooner.
- Certification courseware and training material is focussed and directed, whereas degree programs often require elective courses that are not always related to the specific area of IT.
- Shorter, more focussed certification programs are better able to accommodate retraining for rapidly changing technology.
