Computer Industry Career Description
During the last few decades, the computer industry has grown very rapidly in South Africa. Computer technology plays an important role in increasingly more facets of society and the computer industry offers many career opportunities.
Computer Technician
What am I going to do in this occupation?
A computer is a complex collection of electronic and mechanical components and requires specific installation procedures, maintenance and repair. This is done by the computer technician.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Computer technicians must have good eyehand co-ordination, eyesight and colourconsciousness. They must be logical, patient people who are able to work under pressure.
Computer Operator
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Operators help the shift leader in ensuring that all work allocated to the shift is processed efficiently, timeously and according to schedule. They have to clean the equipment such as printers, to ensure that no job
failures arise due to dirt or dust. Operators communicate with the computer by means of a keyboard. They must understand the system they are using, in order to check if the process is working correctly. They must take precautions to eliminate mistakes and know which action to take if the computer is not functioning as it should. Increasingly complex hardware and software, together with the increasing use of remote terminals connected via telephone networks to a central computer, has broadened the scope for computer operators.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
Good eye-hand co-ordination is essential. They must be able to work independently, as well as in a team. They must be able to make quick decisions under pressure. Accuracy
and a sense of responsibility are essential. Computer operators must be able to concentrate for long periods.
Programmer
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Computer programmers are responsible for the detailed design of how the computer should perform a task and for instructing the computer accordingly. Programmers are the main interface between computer users and the computer itself. Most commercial programmers are written in a language called COBOL. The sequence of instructions is entered on coding sheets or keyboard terminals, that are connected to the computer. The programmed information allows the computer to process the information. Programmers must test the program to see if their instructions are correct. Some programmers can be written within hours, while programmers which trigger further processing, could take up to a year to complete.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
An above average intelligence is essential. Computer programmers must have a mathematical ability and enjoy problem solving. Knowledge of the computer language is essential. They must also be able to concentrate for long periods.
Network Controller
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Network controllers are responsible for the design, implementation and maintenance of equipment used to link the network through the telephone system. They are also responsible for the detection and correction of faults in the system.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Network controllers must have good communication skills
System Analyst
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Systems analysts study the problems and needs of computer users and write specifications for the computer system. They are also responsible for the detailed design of computer systems, which a programmer can convert into a computer language.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Systems analysts must have a thorough knowledge of computers, as well as insight
into the functioning of organisations.
Operations Manager and Projsct Manager
What am I going to do in this occupation?
The operations department is responsible for the production of the data centre. Operations managers plan, organise and control the operation of all data processing equipment, software and personnel. They interpret management's needs to their staff. Project managers plan and control all the different projects and ensure that projects are completed within their set target dates.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Operations managers and project managers should be able to make quick decisions. They must have good interpersonal communication skills.
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