Top 10 computer careers
by StudyMalaysia.com on September 21, 2016 | Career Guide, Top Stories, Computing and IT
OK, so you’ve decided that you definitely want to work in the exciting world of computing and technology! That’s great – current trends show that career opportunities in computing will continue to grow and be in demand.
Now comes the hard part – which career exactly should you choose so that you know what degree to sign up for? How about beginning by exploring the top computer careers today?
According to Top Ten Reviews, the ‘Top 10 computer careers’ for 2016 are:
- Software Engineer
- Systems Analyst
- Network Security Specialist
- Network Architect
- Database Administrator
- Network Administrator
- Web Developer
- Computer Tech Support
- Graphic Designer
- Health Informatics
Do any of these careers interest you? Not sure? Here’s an overview of the 10 careers to help you in your search for a career in computing and technology that is a good fit for you.
| 1. Software engineer | |
|---|---|
| What they do | Software engineers are the builders of computer programmes. From developing the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device, to the operating systems that run the devices or that control networks, software engineers write the codes that make the digital world happen. |
| Holland code | ICR (investigative, conventional, realistic) |
| Similar job titles | Developer, Infrastructure engineer, Network engineer, Publishing systems analyst, Software architect, Software developer, Systems coordinator, Systems engineer |
| 2. Systems analyst | |
|---|---|
| What they do | A systems analyst studies an organisation’s current computer systems and procedures and designs information systems solutions to help the organisation operate more efficiently and effectively. They analyse user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems. |
| Holland code | ICR (investigative, conventional, realistic) |
| Similar job titles | Applications analyst, Business analyst, Business systems analyst, Computer analyst, Computer systems analyst, Computer systems consultant, IS analyst, Programmer analyst, Systems engineer |
| 3. Network security analyst | |
|---|---|
| What they do | A network security specialist protects a company's data, network and systems by planning, implementing, upgrading, or monitoring security measures. They may build firewalls, install antivirus software on servers and computers within a network, and monitor networks for breaches in security. They usually work for large companies or organisations with particularly sensitive data, such as investment firms, insurance companies and government agencies. |
| Holland code | CIR (conventional, investigative, realistic) |
| Similar job titles | Computer security specialist, Computer specialist, Data security administrator, Information security analyst, Information security manager, Information security officer, Information security specialist, IS security analyst, IT security analyst, IT specialist |
| 4. Network architect | |
|---|---|
| What they do | Network architects create custom networks that fit the specific needs of their clients. This includes designing and implementing data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. These networks range from small connections between two offices to next-generation networking capabilities such as a cloud infrastructure that serves multiple customers. |
| Holland code | ICE (investigative, conventional, enterprising) |
| Similar job titles | Network analyst, Network consultant, Network engineer, Network manager, Networking systems and distributed systems engineer, System programmer, Systems analyst, Systems engineer, Telecommunications analyst, Telecommunications engineer |
| 5. Database administrator | |
|---|---|
| What they do | Database administrators build and maintain custom databases to meet the specific data needs of a company or organisation. They use specialised software to store and organise data, such as financial information and customer records. They make sure that data are available to users and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases from unauthorised access. |
| Holland code | CI (conventional, investigative) |
| Similar job titles | Data architect, Database administration manager, Database analyst, Database coordinator, Database developer, Database programmer, IS manager, MIS director, System administrator |
| 6. Network administrator | |
|---|---|
| What they do | A network administrator manages both the physical and virtual aspects of an organisation's computer network by organising, installing, supporting and monitoring an organisation’s computer systems. This includes local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), network segments, intranets, and other data communication systems. A network can be as small as two computers and a printer in one office, or it can serve an international business with multiple offices. |
| Holland code | IRC (investigative, realistic, conventional) |
| Similar job titles | IT director, IT manager, IT specialist, LAN administrator, Network administrator, Network engineer, Network manager, Network specialist, Systems administrator, Systems engineer |
| 7. Web developer | |
|---|---|
| What they do | A web developer designs, creates and modifies websites. They analyse user needs to implement website content, graphics, and audio and video components; and may integrate computer applications to the site. They are also responsible for the site’s performance and capacity, which are measures of a website’s speed and how much traffic the site can handle. |
| Holland code | CIR (conventional, investigative, realistic) |
| Similar job titles | Web designer, Webmaster |
| 8. Computer Technical Support Specialist | |
|---|---|
| What they do | If you work in computer tech support, you’ll usually work in an organisation’s IT department. Computer tech support specialists help IT staff analyse, troubleshoot, evaluate and solve computer network problems promptly. They play an important role in the routine maintenance of their organisation’s networks such as performing file backups on the network. They may assist the organisation’s computer users through phone, email, or in-person visits. They often work under network and computer systems administrators, who handle more complex tasks. |
| Holland code | RIC (realistic, investigative, conventional) |
| Similar job titles | Computer specialist, Computer support specialist, Computer technician, EDP Auditor, Help desk analyst, IT Specialist, Network support specialist, Network technician, Support specialist, Technical support specialist |
| 9. Graphic designer | |
|---|---|
| What they do | Graphic designers combine art and technology to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, and captivate consumers. Using software, they develop the overall layout and production design for advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports. Graphic designers also decide how images and text will go together on a print or webpage – they select the type, font, size, colour, and line length of headlines, headings, and text, including how much space each will have. |
| Holland code | ARE (artistic, realistic, enterprising) |
| Similar job titles | Artist, Creative director, Creative manager, Design director, Designer, Graphic artist, Online producer, Production artist, Publications designer |
| 10. Health Information Technician | |
|---|---|
| What they do | Health information technicians compile, organise and manage health information data according to the medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the health care system. They ensure that it maintains its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper files and electronic systems. They use various classification systems to code and categorise patient information for insurance reimbursement purposes, for databases and registries, and to maintain patients’ medical and treatment histories. |
| Holland code | CE (conventional, enterprising) |
| Similar job titles | Health information clerk, Health information specialist, Health information technician, Medical records analyst, Medical records clerk, Medical records coordinator, Medical records director, Medical records technician |
Still not sure which career suits you best?
Here’s another method to help you in your career exploration. Try out this quick quiz. Based on 6 questions, this quiz helps you decide on which major career pathway suits you within the ICT industry.
Note: This quiz is meant to be used only as a guide. The career pathway you choose for your future needs to ultimately be of your own choice. The results of this quiz cannot always be guaranteed to produce results that satisfy you.
Sources for this article include:
Courses in Computing and IT
This field is about the study of computational approaches in science and engineering, and the use of information-processing applications in information flow, data capture, information systems design and specification, and user interface design. The aim of this field is to: develop an understanding of computer languages and the foundation of computational theory; develop the ability to analyse, design and manage information systems; and understand the sociological impact of information technology.
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