Nature of the Work |
Working Conditions |
Employment |
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement |
Job Outlook
Significant Points
- Computer software engineers are projected to be the fastest growing occupation over the 2000-10 period.
- Very favorable opportunities are expected for college graduates with at least a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or computer science and practical experience working with computers.
- Computer software engineers must continually strive to acquire new skills as computer technology changes rapidly.
Nature of the Work (Back to Top)
The explosive impact of computers and information technology on our everyday lives has generated a need to design and develop new computer software systems and to incorporate new technologies in a rapidly growing range of applications. The tasks performed by workers known as computer software engineers evolve rapidly, reflecting new areas of specialization or changes in technology, as well as the preferences and practices of employers. Computer software engineers apply the principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis to the design, development, testing, and evaluation of the software and systems that enable computers to perform their many applications.
Software engineers working in applications or systems development analyze users’ needs and design, create, and modify general computer applications software or systems. Software engineers can be involved in the design and development of many types of software including software for operating systems, network distribution, and compilers, which convert programs for faster processing. In programming, or coding, software engineers instruct a computer, line by line, how to perform a function. They also solve technical problems that arise. Software engineers must possess strong programming skills, but are more concerned with developing algorithms and analyzing and solving programming problems than with actually writing code.
Computer applications software engineers analyze users' needs and design, create, and modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Different programming languages are used, depending on the purpose of the program. The programming languages most often used are C, C++, and Java, with Fortran and Cobol used less commonly. Some software engineers develop both packaged systems and systems software or create customized applications.
Computer systems software engineers coordinate the construction and maintenance of a company's computer systems, and plan their future growth. Working with a company, they coordinate each department’s computer needs—ordering, inventory, billing, and payroll record keeping, for example—and make suggestions about its technical direction. They also might set up the company’s intranets, networks that link computers within the organization and ease communication.
Systems software engineers work for companies that configure, implement, and install complete computer systems. They may be members of the marketing or sales staff, where they serve as the primary technical resource for salesworkers and customers. They also may be involved in product sales and in providing their customers with continuing technical support.
Computer software engineers often work as part of a team that designs new hardware, software, and systems. A core team may comprise engineering, marketing, manufacturing, and design people who work together until the product is released.
Working Conditions (Back to Top)
Computer software engineers normally work in well-lighted and comfortable offices or computer laboratories in which computer equipment is located. Most software engineers work at least 40 hours a week; however, due to the project-oriented nature of the work, they also may have to work evenings or weekends to meet deadlines or solve unexpected technical problems. And like other workers who sit for hours at a computer typing on a keyboard, software engineers are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort, and hand and wrist problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Many computer software engineers interact with customers and coworkers as they strive to improve software for users. Those employed by software vendors and consulting firms, for example, spend much of their time away from their offices, frequently traveling overnight, to meet with customers. They call on customers in businesses ranging from manufacturing plants to financial institutions.
As networks expand, software engineers may be able to use modems, laptops, e-mail, and the Internet to provide more technical support and other services from their main office, connecting to a customer’s computer remotely to identify and correct developing problems.
Employment (Back to Top)
Computer software engineers held about 697,000 jobs in 2000. About 380,000 were computer software engineers, applications, and about 317,000 were computer software engineers, systems software. Although they are employed in most industries, the largest concentration of computer software engineers, almost 46 percent, is in the computer and data processing services industry. This industry includes firms that develop and produce prepackaged software and firms that provide contractual computer services such as computer programming, systems integration, and information retrieval, including online databases and Internet services. Many computer software engineers also work in other industries, such as government agencies, manufacturers of computers and related electronic equipment, and colleges and universities.
Employers of computer software engineers range from startup companies to established industry leaders. The proliferation of Internet, e-mail, and other communications systems expands electronics to engineering firms traditionally associated with unrelated disciplines. Engineering firms specializing in building bridges and power plants, for example, hire computer software engineers to design and develop new geographic data systems and automated drafting capabilities. Communications firms need computer software engineers to tap into growth in the personal communications market. Major communications companies have many job openings for both computer software applications and systems engineers.
A increasing number of computer software engineers are employed on a temporary or contract basis—many of whom are self-employed, working independently as consultants. Some consultants work for firms that specialize in developing and maintaining client companies’ websites and intranets. Consulting opportunities for software engineers should grow as businesses need help managing, upgrading, and customizing increasingly complex computer systems. About 49,000 computer software engineers were self-employed in 2000.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement (Back to Top)
Most employers prefer to hire persons who have at least a bachelor’s degree and broad knowledge and experience with computer systems and technologies. Usual degree concentrations for applications software engineers are computer science or software engineering; for systems software engineers, usual concentrations are computer science or computer information systems. Graduate degrees are preferred for some of the more complex jobs. .
Academic programs in software engineering emphasize software and may be offered as a degree option or in conjunction with computer science degrees. Students seeking software engineering jobs enhance their employment opportunities by participating in internship or co-op programs offered through their schools. These experiences provide students with broad knowledge and experience, making them more attractive candidates to employers. Inexperienced college graduates may be hired by large computer and consulting firms that train new hires in intensive, company-based programs. In many firms, mentoring has become part of the evaluation process for new employees.
For systems software engineering jobs that require workers who have a college degree, a bachelor’s in computer science or computer information systems is typical. For systems engineering jobs that place less emphasis on workers having a computer-related degree, computer training programs are offered by systems software vendors, including Microsoft, Novell, and Oracle. These training programs usually last from 1 to 4 weeks but are not required in order to sit for a certification exam; several study guides also are available to help prepare for the exams. However, many training authorities feel that program certification alone is not sufficient for most software engineering jobs.
Professional certification is offered by the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals. This voluntary certification is available to those who have a college degree and at least 2 years of experience. Candidates must pass an examination covering general knowledge and two specialty areas or one specialty area and two computer programming languages. In addition, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society recently announced plans to certify software engineers who pass an examination.
Persons interested in jobs as computer software engineers must have strong problem-solving and analytical skills. They also must be able to communicate effectively with team members, other staff, and the customers they meet. And because they often deal with a number of tasks simultaneously, they must be able to concentrate and pay close attention to detail.
As is the case with most occupations, advancement opportunities for computer software engineers increase with experience. Entry-level computer software engineers are likely to test and verify ongoing designs. As they become more experienced, computer software engineers may be involved in designing and developing software. They eventually may advance to become a project manager, manager of information systems, or chief information officer. Some computer software engineers with several years of experience or expertise find lucrative opportunities working as systems designers or independent consultants or starting their own computer consulting firms.
As technological advances in the computer field continue, employers demand new skills. Computer software engineers must continually strive to acquire new skills if they wish to remain in this extremely dynamic field. To help them keep up with the changing technology, continuing education and professional development seminars are offered by employers and software vendors, colleges and universities, private training institutions, and professional computing societies.
Job Outlook (Back to Top)
Computer software engineers are projected to be the fastest growing occupation from 2000 to 2010. Very rapid employment growth in the computer and data processing services industry, which employs the greatest numbers of computer software engineers, should result in very favorable opportunities for those college graduates with at least a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering or computer science and practical experience working with computers. Employers will continue to seek computer professionals with strong programming, systems analysis, interpersonal, and business skills.
Employment of computer software engineers is expected to increase much faster than the average for all occupations as businesses and other organizations continue to adopt and integrate new technologies and seek to maximize the efficiency of their computer systems. Competition among businesses will continue to create an incentive for increasingly sophisticated technological innovations, and organizations will need more computer software engineers to implement these new technological changes. In addition to employment growth, many job openings will result annually from the need to replace workers who move into managerial positions, transfer to other occupations, or who leave the labor force.
Demand for computer software engineers will increase as computer networking continues to grow. For example, the expanding integration of Internet technologies and the explosive growth in electronic commerce—doing business on the Internet—have resulted in rising demand for computer software engineers who can develop Internet, intranet, and other web applications. Likewise, expanding electronic data processing systems in business, telecommunications, government, and other settings continue to become more sophisticated and complex. Growing numbers of systems software engineers will be needed to implement, safeguard, and update systems and resolve problems. Consulting opportunities for computer software engineers also should continue to grow as businesses increasingly need help to manage, upgrade, and customize their increasingly complex computer systems.
hough they work independently in certain situations. Technicians in small libraries handle a range of duties; those in large libraries usually specialize. As libraries increasingly use new technologies—such as CD-ROM, the Internet, virtual libraries, and automated databases—the duties of library technicians will expand and evolve accordingly. Library technicians are assuming greater responsibilities, in some cases taking on tasks previously performed by lbrarians.
Depending on the employer, library technicians can have other titles, such as library technical assistant or media aide. Library technicians direct library users to standard references, organize and maintain periodicals, prepare volumes for binding, handle interlibrary loan requests, prepare invoices, perform routine cataloguing and coding of library materials, retrieve information from computer databases, and supervise support staff.
The widespread use of computerized information storage and retrieval systems has resulted in technicians handling more technical and user services—such as entering catalogue information into the library’s computer—that were once performed by librarians. Technicians assist with customizing databases. In addition, technicians instruct patrons how to use computer systems to access data. The increased automation of recordkeeping has reduced the amount of clerical work performed by library technicians. Many libraries now offer self-service registration and circulations with computers, decreasing the time library technicians spend manually recording and inputting records.
Some library technicians operate and maintain audiovisual equipment, such as projectors, tape recorders, and videocassette recorders, and assist users with microfilm or microfiche readers. They also design posters, bulletin boards, or displays.
Library technicians in school libraries encourage and teach students to use the library and media center. They also help teachers obtain instructional materials and assist students with special assignments. Some work in special libraries maintained by government agencies, corporations, law firms, advertising agencies, museums, professional societies, medical centers, and research laboratories, where they conduct literature searches, compile bibliographies, and prepare abstracts, usually on subjects of particular interest to the organization.
To extend library services to more patrons, many libraries operate bookmobiles. Bookmobile drivers take trucks stocked with books to designated sites on a regular schedule. Bookmobiles serve community organizations such as shopping centers, apartment complexes, schools, and nursing homes. They also may be used to extend library service to patrons living in remote areas. Depending on local conditions, drivers may operate a bookmobile alone or may be accompanied by another library employee.
When working alone, the drivers answer patrons' questions, receive and check out books, collect fines, maintain the book collection, shelve materials, and occasionally operate audiovisual equipment to show slides or films. They participate and may assist in planning programs sponsored by the library such as reader advisory programs, used book sales, or outreach programs. Bookmobile drivers keep track of their mileage, the materials lent out, and the amount of fines collected. In some areas, they are responsible for maintenance of the vehicle and any photocopiers or other equipment in it. They record statistics on circulation and the number of people visiting the bookmobile. Drivers also may record requests for special items from the main library and arrange for the materials to be mailed or delivered to a patron during the next scheduled visit. Many bookmobiles are equipped with personal computers and CD-ROM systems linked to the main library system; this allows bookmobile drivers to reserve or locate books immediately. Some bookmobiles now offer Internet access to users.
Working Conditions (Back to Top)
Technicians answer questions and provide assistance to library users. Those who prepare library materials sit at desks or computer terminals for long periods and can develop headaches or eyestrain from working with video display terminals. Some duties, like calculating circulation statistics, can be repetitive and boring. Others, such as performing computer searches using local and regional library networks and cooperatives, can be interesting and challenging. Library technicians may lift and carry books, and climb ladders to reach high stacks.
Library technicians in school libraries work regular school hours. Those in public libraries and college and university (academic) libraries also work weekends, evenings and some holidays. Library technicians in special libraries usually work normal business hours, although they often work overtime as well.
The schedules of bookmobile drivers depend on the size of the area being served. Some of these workers go out on their routes every day, while others go only on certain days. On these other days, they work at the library. Some also work evenings and weekends to give patrons as much access to the library as possible. Because bookmobile drivers may be the only link some people have to the library, much of their work is helping the public. They may assist handicapped or elderly patrons to the bookmobile, or shovel snow to assure their safety. They may enter hospitals or nursing homes to deliver books to patrons who are bedridden.
Employment (Back to Top)
Library technicians held about 109,000 jobs in 2000. Most worked in school, academic, or public libraries. Some worked in hospitals and religious organizations. The Federal Government, primarily the U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S, Library of Congress, and State and local governments also employed library technicians.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement (Back to Top)
Training requirements for library technicians vary widely, ranging from a high school diploma to specialized postsecondary training. Some employers hire individuals with work experience or other training; others train inexperienced workers on the job. Other employers require that technicians have an associate or bachelor’s degree. Given the rapid spread of automation in libraries, computer skills are needed for many jobs. Knowledge of databases, library automation systems, online library systems, online public access systems, and circulation systems is valuable.
Some 2-year colleges offer an associate of arts degree in library technology. Programs include both liberal arts and library-related study. Students learn about library and media organization and operation, and how to order, process, catalogue, locate, and circulate library materials and work with library automation. Libraries and associations offer continuing education courses to keep technicians abreast of new developments in the field.
Library technicians usually advance by assuming added responsibilities. For example, technicians often start at the circulation desk, checking books in and out. After gaining experience, they may become responsible for storing and verifying information. As they advance, they may become involved in budget and personnel matters in their department. Some library technicians advance to supervisory positions and are in charge of the day-to-day operation of their department.
Many bookmobile drivers are required to have a commercial driver’s license.
Job Outlook (Back to Top)
Employment of library technicians is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2010. In addition to employment growth, some job openings will result from the need to replace library technicians who transfer to other fields or leave the labor force.
The increasing use of library automation is expected to spur job growth among library technicians. Computerized information systems have simplified certain tasks, such as descriptive cataloguing, which can now be handled by technicians instead of librarians. For example, technicians can now easily retrieve information from a central database and store it in the library’s computer. Although efforts to contain costs could dampen employment growth of library technicians in school, public, and college and university libraries, cost containment efforts could also result in more hiring of library technicians than librarians. Growth in the number of professionals and other workers who use special libraries should result in good job opportunities for library technicians in those settings.
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