TYPES OF COMPUTER JOBS

There are many types of computing careers. I will summarize a few of the main categories to give you an idea of where you can go in computing. I will be generalizing so keep in mind that every situation is unique.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Description:

You might find yourself answering Email and taking lots of phone calls from people with technical problems.

Money:

Not that good yet. Most technical support positions are entry level.

People take these jobs hoping to move up into other areas.

Environment:

Mostly indoors, but some travel may be required. You might have to drive your own car around from location to location in the rain sleet and snow.

Stress:

Can be high. People are upset when they call you. You are the "Complaint department." You get to hear about and try to solve problems you didn't create.

Prestige:

Low. You may be new and inexperienced. Also, you are probably wearing jeans or khakis while your "customers" might be in designer suits.

Advancement:

Good place to start. Gives you a chance to learn more technical details about the company and about your job.

TECHNICAL SALES

Description:

A job in sales can be very lucrative for anyone who can do it well. Picture yourself on the phone making deals or in person making a sales presentation.

Money:

Depends on what you sell. The bigger and more expensive it is, the more money you can make in commission.

Environment:

Indoors. Office environment. Cubicle or own office. Might have to attend an occasional trade show.

Stress:

Selling anything can be stressful. Especially if you have a quota to meet. You must persuade others to buy what you sell. You must keep them interested in what you have to say. This can take a lot of energy.

Prestige:

You will be loved by management - as long as you are successful. Especially in a company where selling a product brings in the most revenue. You will get to wear nice clothes, and other people will think you're important.

Advancement:

This job is usually an end in itself, although you can work your way into management if you have the right skills.

TECHNICAL TRAINING

Description:

Training means educating people, giving them the knowledge you have. You can find jobs in academia, business and government. Large companies and consulting firms often hire a staff of trainers.

Money:

Your pay depends on the type of company you work for. If you are a consultant outside the company, you will probably earn more than if you are an employee who is part of the Training department.

Environment:

Relatively comfortable indoor environment. Some travel may be required.

Stress:

Can be low to moderate after you get used to talking to a large group of people who are all staring at you.

Prestige:

Depends on the kind of training you're doing. Well-dressed, professional consultants always seem to get more respect, not to mention the prime parking spots.

Advancement:

Training can be a way into sales. You can train part of the time while you work in an other area as well.

BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Description:

This is the study of what goes on in an office. EDP - electronic data processing, office automation. Finding computer solutions to business problems. This category covers anything from Network Administrator to Systems Analyst. This category involves a computer running a database. You are dedicated to maintaining a body of information - names, addresses, account numbers, etc. Information systems people don't just enter the data, they control it.

Money:

Usually good here. Especially if you have a 4-year degree in CIS or CS with a business minor. Pay attention to the kind of company you work for. If they don't understand how crucial you are, they may not compensate you properly.

Environment:

Good, if you like an office job. Larger businesses have more opportunities, and larger cities have more large businesses. The good thing about this line of work is that the jobs are spread out everywhere, as every organization needs some IT/IS people.

Stress:

Middle to high is the norm. This is especially true if the organization is new to the technology you implement/support. Clerical staff might view you as the "bad guy" bent on changing the way things are done. Even management might not quite understand your role.

You might receive conflicting assignments: "Make that system work, but don't do anything that disrupts the secretarial staff." and "This project requires your full attention right away, and by the way Jane in Accounting needs some technical support."

Prestige:

Good, if the company understands your importance without resenting it. It's not a perfect world out there.

Advancement:

Depends on the company and whether it is based upon the flow of information or not. Check the organizational chart for possible career paths.

PROGRAMMING - SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT

This means you are writing software. Either new products for resale or programming for embedded computers.

This is where the true techies aspire to go. These are often people who don't want to wear ties - or even shoes sometimes. We've all either met guys like this or have seen them on TV on shows such as X-Files. We stereotype these guys as geniuses who live off of pizza and diet soft drinks. But these days, the hard-core software engineering crowd isn't always like that. The money and the prestige of this kind of work has attracted a larger pool of people into the field - some who look quite normal. You don't have to be a nerd, but it doesn't hurt if you are. If you have the talent, you can do this kind of work. All you need, then, is the desire to do it.

Money:

Good, probably better than Information Systems. A software engineer usually works for a company that understands the importance of software development. You will make more money in a company that is more technical than business-oriented.

Environment:

Sadly, you really might end up in a back room somewhere with a fluorescent bulb as your only companion. However, unlike most office jobs, the mental demands of this kind of work require long hours of focus.

Stress:

Medium to high depending on upcoming deadlines. There will be times when you work a lot of overtime. Some programmers occasionally sleep at their desks - wake up - take a drink of Diet Pepsie - and keep on coding.

Prestige:

It really depends on the type of company you work for. Layment might be in awe of you, but that doesn't mean they like you. Good people skills can change that.

Advancement:

It always depends on the company structure. What kind of organization is it? What is the background of the CEO. Again, check the organizational chart for possible career paths. You can become a team leader or end up in management.