A Career in Computing

Computers are everywhere. We use them for business, for school, for entertainment, for shopping, for banking, for just about everything. And all those computers require people to build them, write programs for them, repair them, help them communicate with one another, and keep them safe. Within computing there are four major categories of jobs: hardware, software, networking, and security. Here is a description of some of the most prevalent careers in each of these areas.

Hardware

Computer hardware refers to the physical components that make up a computer. Computer or electrical engineers are responsible for designing computer chips and other components that make up a computer. A bachelor’s degree in engineering is usually required for these positions. You can take your basic courses at a community college and transfer to a four-year university to complete your bachelor’s degree.

Technical support personnel are responsible for building and maintaining computer hardware. They are often employed by large companies to install and repair their own computers or by computer service companies that build and repair computers for other companies or personal users. An associate’s degree or A+ certification will prepare you for a career in technical support.

Software

Computer software includes the programs that run a computer and that we use to perform tasks on the computer such as word processing, e-mail, Internet browsing and games.

Computer programmers write the code that creates computer programs. Operating system programmers work on operating systems such as Windows, Mac OS, or UNIX along with the utilities that support them. Application programmers write programs specifically for a business such as a payroll or accounts payable system. Most companies require a bachelor’s degree for computer operating system or application programmers.

One of the fastest growing areas in software development is in the world of game design and development. Game designers create the graphics, characters, and scenery for games that run on computers or gaming consoles such as Xbox or PlayStation. Most game designers hold an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in digital graphics or a similar field.

Web design and development is another rapidly expanding field, due in large part to the proliferation of handheld devices such as smart phones that access the Internet. Web designers write HTML and CSS code to create the Web pages, while Web developers write programs and scripts that add functionality. An associate’s degree in Web design or development can get you started in a career on the Web.

Networking

Computer networking involves connecting computers to one another via physical connections such as cables or wireless technologies such as satellite or radio waves so that they can communicate.

Network or system administrators are responsible for building and maintaining computer networks. Most networking jobs are specific to a technology such as Cisco, UNIX, Linux, or Microsoft. Industry certifications such as MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Engineer) or CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Administrator) are important in this career field. Community colleges and technical training institutes teach courses and award degrees that prepare you for these industry certifications.

Security

Computer viruses, identity theft, hackers, and terrorist attacks have made computer security a highly regarded skill in today’s marketplace.

Computer security administrators or specialists are responsible for designing and maintaining the security of a computer system or network through firewalls, anti-virus software, encryption, corporate policies, and disaster recovery planning. These skills can be obtained through an associate’s degree in computer security or computer science.

Digital forensics experts are responsible for recovering data in the event of a hardware or software failure, analyzing a computer system after a break-in to determine how the attacker gained access and what the attacker did, and to gather digital evidence for investigations and lawsuits. For this career, you would probably need an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in digital forensics, computer science, or criminal justice.

As you can see, there are many options for students interested in pursuing a career in computing. How do you know which one is right for you? Think about your talents and interests. Do you like building things with your hands? Technical support might be a good choice. Do you enjoy puzzles and logic problems? Consider computer programming. Are you creative? Game design or Web development would probably suit you. Are you intrigued by mysteries? Digital forensics might be a good fit. Most computer degrees require that students take introductory courses in each of the major computing categories, so if you don’t know which area to select, take a beginning course in hardware, software, networking, and security and see which one you like best. After all, if you’re going to spend your life working with computers, you should be doing something you enjoy!

Editorial by Patti Burks, Professor of Computer Information Technology at Brookhaven College located in Farmers Branch, Texas.