Program Yourself a Non-Geeky Software Development Career
by CB Staff
Forget the stereotypical computer nerd, who sits in front of a monitor all day without any human contact. Today, technology is part of everyone's lives, and technology careers aren't just for the "geek patrol." In fact, if you're thinking of starting a Computer career, get down to the nitty gritty by studying software development.
While the nature of IT is constant change - think dotcom booms and busts - those with a strong software development foundation can program their own career code. Consider this: Among the top 10 fastest growing industries, computer systems design and related services will add 600,000+ jobs between 2002 and 2012, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In other words, software development skills are in high demand.
So what's a day in the life of a software development student like? For starters, expect to study a combination of mathematics, engineering, computer science and other related courses. This tech-heavy curriculum will prepare you to not only design and develop software, but also teach you how to test and evaluate it. Of course, as with any IT or computer-related field, the education does not end for software developers. So beyond software development degrees, expect to keep up to date through certification and/or continuing education courses.
Those who complete software development degrees will see a payoff right away. For starters, job openings will be in abundance. And once you land your dream position, you'll reap the financial rewards. Full-time software developers or software engineers earned a media salary of $71,000 in 2002, and that number is expected to rise dramatically in the next few years, according to the BLS' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Beyond the paycheck, software developers gain satisfaction in knowing that they are technical artists, giving their creative, high-tech contribution to products used by countless numbers of people. Okay, so that last sentiment was a little geeky, but hey - the opportunities within software development make it a pretty cool industry, no matter what your coolness quotient.
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