Computers/information sytems and accounting are among the fastest growing fields in the United States. Each offers many career opportunities at all levels.
With the increasing reliance on information technology, the number of traditional information-processing jobs - applications developer, programmers, system analysts, and computer operators, for instance - has increased. Many new jobs have opened up in networking, database administration, telecommunications, computer training and consulting, technical support, and microcomputer sales, serve, and repair. In addition, the Internet has created new job opportunities, from to Web site designer and software developer. Many other opportunities have been created by applying computer technology knowledge to existing jobs.
Some degree of computer knowledge is essential no matter what career you choose. Now every industry has computer jobs. Computers have also changed the way managers get data, make decisions, and do their work. If you enjoy working with computers, you may wish to try a career providing the computer-related services that senior managers need, especially development of information systems, decision support systems, and Internet-related systems.
A person who chooses a computer-oriented career needs more than just computer and math skills. People skills, organization skills, analytical skills, and communication skills are all needed to enter one of today's hottest career paths.
New government regulations and the increased demand for good financial information have fueled the need for able accountants and auditors. To succeed in accounting, you need good basic math skills and an ability to analyze and interpret facts and figures. Good communication skills - both written and spoken - and computer skills are also important.
Dream Career: Web Site Designer
Using special coding languages, Web editing and graphics software, and tools like scanners and digital cameras, Web designers create Web sites to fit the client's image. The best designers make each site unique yet strive for simple, clean designs that are easy for users to navigate. In addition to developing new sites, they also maintain sites and redesign older sites to incorporate the latest Internet programming technology such as audio, videoconferencing, and other multi-media features. Keeping Web sites fresh and entertaining so that visitors return provides a steady stream of ongoing assignments.
The job calls for knowledge of Internet programming languages such as HTML, JavaScript, and Perl as well as creativity. The complexity of sites varies. As do-it-yourself resources become more available, designers who can build high-end sites with e-commerce and database applications will find jobs plentiful.
Designers may work in-house for one company or for specialized design firms that serve a variety of clients. Some firms do only page design, while others offer a full range of services, including Web site hosting, design, and marketing.
Analysts use such techniques as accounting, sampling, and mathematical models to analyze a problem and design a new system. Then they translate the system into hardware needs and instructions for computer programmers and work with the programmers to set up the system.
Systems analysts need prior work experience. Nearly half of all system analysts transfer from other careers, especially programming. In many industries, systems analysts begin as programmers and are promoted to system analyst positions after gaining experience.
Computer programmers write programs based on design specifications from systems analysts. Then they determine the steps the program must take to accomplish the desired tasks and write the program in a series of coded instructions, using one of the languages developed especially for computers. Next, programmers test the programmer and correct any errors - a process called "debugging." Finally, the programmer prepares instructions for those who will run the program.
Database Manager
A database manager is responsible for scheduling and coordinating user access as well as overall security. The manager arranges for the preparation of backup files and emergency recovery plans. He or she advises management as to which data should be included in the database, how the data should be organized, and how long the data should remain. Many database managers also compile and analyze statistics on the use and efficiency of the database and report these findings to management.
Places of employment. Throughout the country, with most opportunities in large urban areas.
Skills required. A bachelor of science degree in computer science and computer experience; certification from manufacturers of network systems hardware is desirable.
Employment outlook through 2010. Excellent.
Salaries. $43,000 - $60,000+.
Accountant
Managerial accountants work in all types of business, from small firms to large multi-national corporations. Many are either certified management accountants (CMAs) or certified public accountants (CPAs). They prepare financial statements and other reports for management. They may also specialize in such areas as international auditing. The top positions for managerial accountants are corporate controller and treasurer. The controller manages the accounting, audit, and budget departments. The treasurer is responsible for cash management, financial planning, and other financial activities.
Public accountants earn more than managerial accountants. More than 300,000 public accountants work in accounting firms throughout the United States and abroad. All levels of government have accounting positions as well. Most of these positions carry civil-service range, and advancement depends on education and experience.
Accountants also establish businesses of their own hanging out their shingles as CPAs, tax accountants, and accounting consultants.
Opportunities for minorities and women are excellent in the accounting field.
Professional Web page designers are responsible for most of what you see and hear on the Internet. Because having a Web presence is becoming a must, businesses now spend almost $20 billion annually on Web site development. As a result, demand for skilled Web page designers is on the rise.
Where the Opportunities Are
Systems Analyst
The people who diagnose computer-related business problems and offer solutions for them in the form of information systems are called system analysts. They work with managers to define the problem and break it down into parts. For instance, if a firm needs a new inventory system, systems analysts will meet with purchasing and manufacturing managers to figure out what data to collect, what computer equipment will be required, and what steps to take to process the information.
Computer Programmer
Computer programmers work in a variety of companies. Software companies use programmers to develop packaged applications programs used by many companies and individuals. Hardware manufacturers may use programmers to write systems software for their equipment. Many companies hire programmers to develop customized computer applications. For example, a life insurance company programmer may write software to calculate policy premiums based on life expectancy tables, while a programmer at an educational software firm may develop math and reading games for elementary school children.
The huge growth of governmental and private databases has resulted in a high demand for people who can operate and monitor databases. The database manager (or administrator) normally is not invovled in the design or development of the database software. Instead, these managers typically take over once the system has been installed at the organization.
Network Adminstrator
As more companies turn to decentralized computer systems linked to networks, the demand is growing for network administrators to facilitate communications between computers. These specialists help managers define their computing needs and integrate their department's computer systems into the larger system. They purchase the network's equipment (PCs, workstations, printers, scanners, and databases) and maintain the network.
About one million accountants work in the United States today, and the field is still growing. Most accountants are involved in managerial accounting for businesses. Another 25 percent work in public accounting firms. The government and educational institutions also employ many accountants.