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As a computer programmer you will be actively employed writing the step by step instructions that direct computers to process information. As such, the program you write will be guided by what your company needs and what your employers want to input into their system.
It does not matter whether you are doing an accounting, a science or an administrative program, you’ll take your lead from the software engineer designing the first part of the program and then write the codes for this program. |
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Computer Programming Jobs
Is it for you?
Computer programmers generally work on a wide range of projects at one time. So you’ll need to be good at multi-tasking and lateral thinking. Generally, you’ll begin with a brief that will identify the goal of the program and then prepare a flow chart that will show diagrammatically how information will flow through the computer and its peripheral, or related equipment.
You’ll be performing this in tandem with systems analysts or computer software engineers so there is an element of teamwork. On larger projects it is more likely that you’ll receive instructions from the systems analysts or computer software engineers who are assigned to the project. The work can be lonely and sometimes very demanding but the rewards are high.
Qualifications and Skills
A computer programmer must have a Bachelor Degree in computer science, mathematics, or information systems, as well as the knowledge of the major programming language.
However, some people with the right aptitude but the wrong degree have still managed to become highly successful programmers. In some cases, companies may be willing to take you on and train you to their requirements as junior programmer.
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Opportunities and salaries
Computer programmers work in manufacturing, industry, engineering, government offices, hospitals, and educational institutions. Many experienced computer programmers advance to supervisor or higher levels and there are several types of programmer.
The computer programmer works on application programs such as designing accounting procedure. The Applications computer programmer will meet with the client and designers to understand the scope of the project before they begin to write the code. The Systems computer programmer writes programs to maintain and control systems software that may run systems such as a large office’s computer network. Whatever type of computer programmer you want to be there is a wide marketplace for your skills and good people are in high demand.
Programming pays well and a junior programmer can expect a salary well above the national average and start, depending on location and nature of industry, from around £20k. Senior programmers with specific expertise can easily earn in upwards of £70k and consultancy rates of between £70 and £150 per hour are not uncommon.
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