Some possible jobs within this career area are:
Information technology careers can require a variety of certifications. You might choose a technical college, or opt for a four-year degree. Your career choice can dictate the certification you need, so be sure to consult your school to learn more.
Common degree programs offered in information technology include:
- Certificates
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master’s Degree
- PhD
The explosion of the Internet in today’s workplace makes information technology specialists in high demand. From working as a customer support specialist on the phone to setting up workstations for an entire company, information technology professionals bridge the gap from engineering to operations – and sometimes work in those fields, too.
Depending on the career you want, your information technology career could be a year or two away. Most professional certificate programs can take at least a year (sometimes two). Whether or not you decide to go to college, you should inquire about internship programs that can help to jump-start your career.
How to Become a Computer Programmer
Computer programmers convert software program designs into coded
instructions that a computer can use. According to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics (BLS) jobs in the computer program career sector are expected to
grow over 20 percent in the next decade.
An Education in Computer Science
Although many employers prefer to hire computer programmers that have
earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, information systems, or computer
science other look for strong skills that may be obtained through a two-
year certificate program or degree.
Classes for a computer programmer career are by necessity focused on
computer languages, and it’s important to learn the latest technology.
Other areas of study typically include mathematics, computer science,
information systems, and software engineering.
Because employers place such a high value on programming skills, it’s an
excellent idea to look for a school that has an internship program. This
will give you an edge in the job market once you begin your career as a
computer programmer.
Computer Programmer Salaries
Although the median annual computer programmer salary was $69,620 in
2008 the BLS states that the middle half of computer programmer salaries
ranged between $52,640 and $89,720. The lowest earnings reported were
$40,080 for entry level positions, and the top ten percent earned over
$111,450.
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers,
graduates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science averaged a starting
salary of $61,407 in 2009; this emphasizes the benefits of attaining a
higher degree of education as you become a computer programmer.
It comes as no surprise that the highest paying industry for computer
programmers was software publishers. Programmers employed by other
industries enjoyed a healthy income as well, as seen in the following
list:
- Software publishers $81,780
- Management of companies and enterprises 71,040
- Computer systems design and related services 70,270
- Employment services 70,070
- Insurance carriers 69,790
(Salary data retrieved 5/13/11)
To get the education you need to become a computer programmer, find a
degree program now!