Computer Programmer

By: Jasmine CongcongDecember 18, 2011

Ruby Kowaney, COS 901West Los Angeles College

Create, modify, and test the code, forms, and script that allow computer applications to run.

Work from specifications drawn up by software developers or other individuals.

May assist software developers by analyzing user needs and designing software solutions.

May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

Job Description

Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.

Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.

Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.

Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.

Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.

Duties

Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.

Perform systems analysis and programming tasks to maintain and control the use of computer systems software as a systems programmer.

Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.

Consult with and assist computer operators or system analysts to define and resolve problems in running computer programs.

Tasks

Computer software engineers and programmers normally work in clean, comfortable offices or in laboratories in which computer equipment is located. Software engineers who work for software vendors and consulting firms frequently travel to meet with customers. Telecommuting is becoming more common as technological advances allow more work to be done from remote locations.

Most software engineers and programmers work 40 hours a week, but about 15 percent of software engineers and 11 percent of programmers worked more than 50 hours a week in 2008. Injuries in these occupations are rare. However, like other workers who spend long periods in front of a computer terminal typing at a keyboard, engineers and programmers are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome

Work Environment

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not

Vocational or two year degrees will suffice as well

West Los Angeles College offers various types of degree and certifications for this Career

Education

Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for

providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Administration and Management — Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Training Required

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Technical Skills

Tools and Equipment

Software Tools

Compiler and decompiler software

Data base management system software

Data base user interface and query software

Development environment software

Object or component oriented development software

Web platform development software

Computer servers

Desktop computers

Mainframe computerso Mainframe operating

systems

Serial port cards

Expected Earnings Median annual wages of wage-and-salary computer programmers were $69,620 in May 2008.

The middle 50 percent earned between $52,640 and $89,720 a year.

The lowest 10 percent earned less than $40,080, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $111,450.

Job Outlook Overall, employment of

computer software engineers and computer programmers is projected to increase by 21 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations. This will be the result of rapid growth among computer software engineers, as employment of computer programmers is expected to decline.

Professional AssociationsSources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.

Computer software engineers and computer programmers . Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) , 2 Penn Plaza, Suite 701, New York, NY 10121-0701. Phone: (800) 342-6626.

Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) , 1815 S. Meyers Rd., Suite 300, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181-5228. Phone: (630) 678-8300. Fax: (630) 268-1384.

IEEE Computer Society , 1730 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036-1992. Phone: (202) 371-0101. Fax: (202) 728-9614.

Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) , 2350 E. Devon Ave., Suite 115, Des Plaines, IL 60018-4610. Phone: (847) 299-4227. Fax: (847) 299-4280.

National Workforce Center for Emerging Technologies (NWCET) , Bellevue Community College, 3000 Landerholm Circle SE, N258, Bellevue, WA 98007-6484. Phone: (425) 564-4229. Fax: (425) 564-6193.

THE ENDThank You!