Student’s copy

Task 1: What jobs are available in the computer industry?

system analyst software engineer / designer computer sales person computer systems support person

computer systems analyst programmer hardware engineer network support person

Task 3: Listen/ read and guess a job

1) He studies methods of working within an organization to decide how tasks can be done efficiently by computers. He makes a detailed analysis of the employer’s requirements and work patterns to prepare a report on different opinions for using information technology. This may involve consideration of hardware as well as software. He either uses standard computer packages or writes a specification for programmers to adapt existing software or prepare new software. He may oversee the implementation and testing of a system and acts as a link between the user and the programmer.

2) He maintains the link between PCs and workstations connected in a network. He uses telecommunications, software and electronic skills, and knowledge of the networking software to locate and correct faults. This may involve work with the controlling software, on the writing, printed circuit boards, software or microchips on a file server, or on cables within or outside the building.

3) He researches, designs and develops computers, or parts of computers. He is also involved in their manufacture, installation and testing. He may specialize in different areas: research and development (R&D), design, manufacturing. He has to be aware of cost, efficiency, safety, environmental factor as well as engineering aspects.

4) He produces the programs which control the internal operations of computers. He converts the system analyst’s specification to logical series of steps. He translates these into the appropriate computer language. He often simply programs from libraries or subprograms, combining these to make up a complete system program. He designs, tests and improves programs for computer-aided design and manufacture, business applications, computer networks and games.

5) He advises potential customers about available hardware and sells equipment to meet individual requirements. He discusses computing needs with clients to ensure that a suitable system can be supplied. He organizes the sale and delivery, and if necessary installation and testing. He may arrange support or training, maintenance and consultation. He may have sufficient engineering knowledge.

6) He is responsible for maintaining updating and modifying the software used by a company. Some specialize in software and electronic skills. These involve the use of the machine codes and low-level computer languages. Most handle application software, may sort out problems encountered by users. Solving problems may involve amending an area of code in the software, retrieving files and data lost when a system crashes, and a basic knowledge of hardware.

7) He creates the software programs used by computers. He may specialize in operating systems or other separate aspects of work such as programming, system design, system analysis or cover them all. He may support the system through advice and training, providing user manuals, and by helping users with any problems that arise.

Task 4: Choose a job description and give its description in a nutshell.

3D Animation or Graphic designer

Description: A position where you design and create either a graphic or 3D animations for software programs, games, movies, web pages, etc. Position may also require that you work on existing graphics, animations, movies, etc. done by other people.

Requirements: An individual applying for this job would need to be talented in design and creating visuals, for most people this is not something that you could train for. In addition to being talented in design and art you must have a good understanding of the software programs being used to create the visual designs or 3D animations.

Recommendations: If you wish to get into graphic design or arts, it is a must that you learn major graphics programs such as Adobe Photoshop. In addition to this program, there are numerous other programs used to create your own pictures or edit photos. Difficulty: (MEDIUM - HIGH) Many of the programs used to create a graphic, edit a photo, or create a 3D render are complex programs and often require a lot of learning and experience; and in some cases, training or schooling.

Electronics technician or engineer

Description: Assembling, testing, and repairing electronic equipment.

Requirements: A strong understanding of basic and advanced electronics.

Recommendations: Get formal education in electronics and electro-mechanical or self-teach yourself by building your own electronic systems.

Difficulty: (HIGH) Having a strong understanding of electronics often takes several years of formal education or on-the-job experience.

Hardware designer

Description: A position as a hardware designer, circuit design, embedded systems, firmware, etc. is a job that requires you to design and create a complete hardware package or portions of a hardware device.

Requirements: Jobs that design or create hardware devices often require that the person has a good understanding of electronics, circuits, firmware, or design. For this position the person will often need to have several years of prior experience or a degree in the field.

Recommendations: If you're interested in this field we suggest you get a degree in the field.

Difficulty: (HIGH) Hardware design is a difficult position to learn and understand unless you get training or a degree.

Networking or System Administrator

Description: Computer networking jobs involve designing, setting up, and maintaining a network.

Requirements: Although most users today have their own home networks, setting up, troubleshooting, and maintaining a corporate network can be a much more complicated task. Often, networking jobs also require a good understanding of how a network works, and in some cases how all the underlying protocols and structure of how networks work.

Recommendations: There are numerous network and network related certifications available today, such as the CCNA, MCSE, etc. Often depending on the level of certification and the job you're applying for, the certifications will be more than enough to quality you for most network jobs. Some of the higher networking positions, especially in the development of network hardware or programming side, may also require past experience in networking or a degree.

Difficulty: (MEDIUM - HIGH) Depending upon the job specifications and the complexity of the network usually determines the difficulty of this job.