Module 4:

OVERVIEW OF COMPUTING INDUSTRY

AND COMPUTING PROFESSION

Career
Opportunities

Marites D. Habagat
Instructor
 Introduction
TODAY, IT SEEMS that just about everyone uses
computers at work. In this part of the chapter, you’ll
learn about workers within the IT industry called
computer professionals. Maybe you’ll even get a
glimpse of your own future if you’re considering a
career in IT.
What is a computer professional?
In 1999, the U.S. Congress crafted an
amendment to the Fair Labor Standards
Act that essentially defines a computer
professional as any person whose primary
occupation involves the design,
configuration, analysis, development,
modification, testing, or security of
computer hardware or software.
What kinds of jobs can you
do?
 Software Developer

Creative minds behind

software programs, and they
have the technical skills to
build those programs or to
oversee their creation by a
team. They create software
that enables users to perform
specific tasks on computer
devices.

Those tasks might involve playing a game, watching

a movie, writing a business letter, or building a
spreadsheet. Specialized software is created or
customized for virtually every profession, industry,
and government department.
 Software Developer Duties &
Responsibilities

• Developers can work in systems

software or in applications such as
those for mobile devices, but their
duties are similar in many cases.
• Develop and test software to meet
consumers' and clients' needs.
• Develop upgrades for existing
applications.
• Monitor quality and performance of
applications through testing and
maintenance.
• Document all work for future
reference.
 This profession requires education and training, but
certification isn't necessary.

Education: Software developers typically have a bachelor's

degree in computer science and a strong set of
Education, programming skills. Students studying computer science
should focus on classes related to building software.
Training &
Internship: Internships are highly recommended because
Certification they provide both hands-on training and insight into various
industries, as well as exposure to various programming
languages. A firm knowledge of industry best practices and
emerging trends in software development is essential.
 S O F T W A R E
D E V E L O P E R
S K I L L S
& C O M P E T E N C I E S
A few qualities and skills can help you become successful as a software developer.
• Creativity and innovation: Yours should be the minds behind new software capabilities,
even when others say it can't be done.
• Interpersonal and communication skills: You won't be working in a void. This job often
involves collaboration with a team, and you'll have to be able to concisely and clearly
communicate instructions to others.
• Analytical skills: You'll have to match improvements and creations to users' and clients'
needs.
• Concentration and focus: Software development involves numerous and minute
interlocking pieces. You can't be prone to distraction if you want to be successful.
 Work Environment
as Software developer
• Software development is a team endeavor, so you'll be working with and
interacting with others on a regular basis. This is the case even if you work from
home as some developers do. You must still maintain ongoing communication
with others involved in the process, even remotely.

Work Schedule
• Hours can be erratic, depending on deadlines and the project you're working on.
This is generally a full-time job at a minimum. Overtime is common. This career
won't always stop for weekends and holidays
 C O M P U T E R
G A M E S
D E V E L O P E R
• A computer games developer creates,
develops and codes computer games. There are
lots of different kinds of games, from first-
person-shooters to flash games that you can
play on Facebook.
A computer game can take months or even
years to develop and involves a range of job
roles. As a computer games developer,
you could be:

• an animator – animating the game

graphics and drawing game characters
•a designer – deciding on the game’s story
and how the game plays
•a programmer – coding the game so it
works
 You will need a high level of
What do I need software skills. You will need
different qualifications
to do to become depending on which area of
game development you go in
a computer to. An animator will be
games expected to have animation
experience or training, while a
developer? programmer will need to know
computer coding languages.
Whatever your role, you will
need to be highly IT proficient.
 Related skills

• Teamwork
• Problem solving
• Time management
• Organization
• Communication
• Creativity
• Attention to detail
• IT
 I C T
S U P P O R T
T E C H N I C I A N
 What they do?
• ICT support technicians provide technical support and assistance
for users of computer infrastructure and web technologies. They
also undertake diagnosis and resolution of technical problems.
They may work directly within the communication technology
industry, in the public service, or for companies in a range of
industries, located across the state, such as agriculture, mining or
transport. These workers answer queries from users via
telephone, email, chat room or instant message, identify technical
problems and possible solutions, then compile reports about this,
as well as enter information into databases and liaise with
colleagues in the rectification of common problems.
 Working conditions
• ICT support technicians work mostly in offices or call center
environments. A large portion of their time is spent on the phone
whilst working at computer terminals. Due to the nature of their work,
they may be required to work late nights or weekends and shift work
is not uncommon. Continuous training is often required to keep up-to-
date with the latest changes and developments. ICT support
technicians may be required to work independently or with others to
rectify common problems.
 Tools
and technologies
• ICT support technicians are expected to have a solid
understanding of the different computer programs,
software and hardware packages for which they offer
technical support.
 Education
and training
• To become an ICT support technician, you usually
need to gain a qualification in information technology
support, or a related area with an emphasis on
technical support.
• The Certificate IV in Information Technology Support,
Certificate IV in Information Technology and Certificate
IV in Computer Systems Technology are offered at
TAFE colleges and other registered training
organizations.
 This profession requires education and training, but
certification isn't necessary.

To become an ICT support technician, you usually

need to gain a qualification in information
technology support, or a related area with an
emphasis on technical support.
Education,
Training & The Certificate IV in Information Technology
Support, Certificate IV in Information Technology
Certification and Certificate IV in Computer Systems Technology
are offered at TAFE colleges and other registered
training organizations.
 As an apprentice or trainee, you enter into a formal training contract
with an employer, enabling you to complete training towards a
nationally recognized qualification. You spend time working and
learning practical skills on the job and you spend some time
undertaking structured training with a registered training provider.

You can do an apprenticeship or traineeship if you are a school-leaver,

re-entering the workforce or as an adult or mature-aged
person wishing to change careers. You can even begin your
apprenticeship or traineeship while you're still at school.

Apprenticeships
If you are still at school you can access an apprenticeship through your
and traineeship school. Talk to your school’s ICT Co-ordinator to start your training
now. If you are no longer at school you can apply for an
apprenticeship or traineeship and get paid while you learn and work.
 The IT industry is a fast-
growing field, with new
specializations emerging
rapidly, such as health
informatics and business
information systems.
IT careers
IT careers
 Skills and personality
• Ability to learn and adapt quickly to changing and emerging technologies and IT systems.
• Effectively use a variety of computer software, tools and equipment to install and monitor operations.
• High attention to detail including accuracy and precision of work.
• Highly analytical to diagnose causes and effects of hardware or network problems and develop
solutions.
• Interest in computers and technology, programming systems and understanding how they work.
• Specialized knowledge of IT functions.
• Strong communication skills working with clients using IT services and selling equipment or service
to customers.
• Strong critical thinking skills and innovation, testing and developing new software, products and
services.
• Strong problem-solving skills to test new systems and software and diagnose problems in systems
or hardware and figure out causes.
• Technical knowledge of IT programs and systems and the ways they operate.