Text 3 Computer Programmer

A. The field of computers and information systems is among those growing fastest in the world. Now every industry has computer jobs. A person who chooses a computer-oriented career needs more than just computer and math skills. Organizational skills, analytical skills and communication skills are all needed to enter one of today’s hottest career paths.

Businesses use two types of computer programmers: system programmers and application programmers. System programmers develop and maintain system software, including the operating system. Application programmers write programs to do what systems analysts specify. For instance, they may write programs to analyze data collected in a marketing survey.

In writing programs, application programmers break down each step into coded instructions, using one of the languages developed for computers. For instance, programmers who design programs for billing customers first survey the company records that the computer will need. Then they sketch the steps the computer must follow to get old balances, add new charges, calculate finance charges, and deduct payments. Then they code the computer’s instructions in a high-level programming language. Next programmers test the program to be sure that the instructions are correct and that they produce the desired information. They correct any errors and retest the program until it produces the correct results. Finally they write instructions for those who will run the program.

Places of employment: throughout the country, areas with many high-tech companies, especially metropolitan areas.

Skills required: two-year degree, some employers require a four-year degree.

Salaries: $20,000 for beginning programmers; $25,000 – $50,000 for experienced programmers.

B. My name’s Mike Oliver. I’m a computer programmer and work in a big company. I work a 40-hour week. We have flexible hours so I can start and finish when I want. If we are very busy then I work overtime. I get paid extra for this. There are always problems to solve. This can be difficult, but it can also be quite creative. I earn a good salary, moreover there are some benefits. We don’t get bonuses or anything like that, but there is a very good pension. People with children get help with paying for childcare. But my job doesn’t rule my life. I like to do different things in my free time.

7. Ответьте на вопросы к тексту A:

1) What kind of skills does a person who chooses a computer job need?

2) What’s the difference between a system programmer and an application programmer?

3) What languages do application programmers use while writing programs?

4) What are the main steps in a program?

5) Where are computer programmers demanded?

6) Do you plan a computer-oriented career?

7) You are good at programming, aren’t you?

8. Выберите приемлемые для вас условия работы в качестве программиста:

1) I work

a) in a big company;

b) in a foreign firm;

c) for myself.

2) I’m an application programmer and write programs for

a) the accounting department;

b) the production department;

c) the marketing department.

3) I have good working conditions such as

a) a 40-hour week;

b) flexible hours;

c) generous holidays.

4) Sometimes

a) I work overtime;

b) I have business trips;

c) I have to solve problems.

5) I earn a good salary. Moreover there are some benefits. For instance,

a) I get bonuses;

b) I have a cheap housing loan;

с) private health insurance.

9. Используя слова и выражения из текстов A и B, расскажите на английском языке о работе программиста.