IV. Read about five people employed in computing talking about their work. Try to match each extract to the correct job from this list. Talking about Work

a. Hardware Engineer b. Network Support Person c. Operator d. Software Designer

e. System Analyst Programmer f. System Support Person g. Technical Sales Manager

1. Before I write a program. I have to carry out a feasibility study in the company. The aim is to see whether a new program would he better than the methods they use at present. I have to observe what the users do, speak to them, and make an analysis of their systems. It’s very important to speak to the actual users, not just the managers.

2. My job is to persuade customers that it’s worth investing in new computer systems or extending the systems they already have. But it’s not enough simply to sell the systems. We have to keep in touch after the sale and make sure things are working well, and to provide any backup the client needs. That’s the only way to build up trust with a customer and to get new orders. It’s a very competitive market.

3. I’m called out if there’s a fault on the network. We try to solve the problem by phone at first, but if that doesn’t work, we have to go and look for ourselves. It could be anything: the software, the server, even the cabling. Sometimes the problem is the user! You have to be good at working out where the problem is.

4. It’s my job to try out new components before they’re used in our computers, it’s not only how well the components work that matters, they also have to meet health and safety requirements. I need to write reports and make recommendations on my findings. If problems arise after the components have been installed, I’m the person who has to find the solution.

5. I have to change the specifications for a system into a logical sequence that can be programmed. The language I choose for coding will depend on various factors such as what type of program it is, and where it’s going to be used. A lot of testing has to be done and I use the feedback to decide where improvements can be made.

V. Look carefully at the job advertisements and discuss with other students what personal qualities and professional abilities you would need for each job. Write out the most important qualities in the list. Then add some more of your own.

- logical reasoning; - imagination; - physical fitness; - efficiency; - self-discipline;

- ability to lead a team; - patience and tenacity; - ability to draw well; - being good with figures; - willingness to take on responsibility.

SENIOR PROGRAMMER

required by DIGITUM, a leading supplier of business systems to the insurance industry.

You will be able to work on the full range of development activities – analysis, design, coding, testing and implementation. At least two years’ experience of COBOL is necessary.

As we are active in Europe, fluency in French, Italian or another European language is desirable.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn new skills and develop your career.

Send your curriculum vitae to CHRIS SCOTT, PERSONNEL MANAGER, DIGITUM, 75 PARKHILL STREET, LONDON SW2 3DE

You can visit our Web site at: http://www.digitum.com

DTP OPERATOR

required for a leading financial magazine.

We are looking for a bright, competent QuarkXPress operator with at least three years’ experience in design and layout.

Skills in Photoshop, Freehand or Illustrator an advantage. Ability to work in a team and to tight deadlines is vital.

Please apply in writing, with CV and samples of your work, to Tom Parker, Production Manager, Financial Monthly, Stockton Street, London EC1 4WW