Evelyn
What jobs are available in the computer field?
Ive always been interested in the the computrer, graphic design etc field but I am not sure about what jobs there actually are in the field. What are some computer jobs? #computer-science #graphic-design #web-design #computer-savvy
5 answers
Matt Manuel
Matt’s Answer
Evelyn: I'm going to take a narrow view of your question to focus on jobs that involve making computers (Hardware) and software, rather than the much broader question of using computers.
Even with this more narrow focus, as Gary points out, there are many, many opportunities.
Writing: Technical writing, manuals, product specifications.
Drawing: User Interface design, digital asset creation (pictures)
Programming: Writing software of all kinds.
Sound and music: User interface sounds, game sound effects and soundtracks.
Business: Writing product specifications, doing financial plans, analyzing business metrics
Management: Organizing other people to get software built
Engineering: (Focus on hardware) Designing computers, computer systems, subsystems, networks, devices, chips, printers, mice, keyboards, displays, etc.
Industrial design: The physical elements of computing like cases, mice, keyboards, monitors, custom controllers.
Testing: Writing test plans and test cases, using software to find bugs, verifying that bugs are fixed
Marketing: Talking to customers, coming up with marketing plans, making advertisements, running surveys and contests
Information Technology: Keeping computers running, software up to date, building and maintaining networks, stopping bad guys from accessing computers and networks
Thank you very much! I will look these up.
Evelyn
Rob Speer
Rob’s Answer
I'd like to point out that there's a high demand right now for people who are good at both programming and visual design.
Startup companies that are creating a new software product need both the code that makes their product work, and an appealing interface that makes people want to use it. You can't skimp on either one. Often, you have to hire two different people with very different skills to do these jobs, and get them to communicate with each other really well.
When one person can do both things, they're called a "unicorn" in startup slang. Because they "unify" the two jobs, and because they're magical and you can doubt whether they exist.
If you can become good at programming and at visual design -- if you're a "unicorn" -- there will be lots of great jobs waiting for you.
Steve Lewis
Steve’s Answer
Hi Evelyn,
If you can't find anything you like, then you can create your own job! It sounds like you want to be creative. So, while you are looking for that perfect job, start creating things now. You could volunteer your services or try to sell them online. Then once you find something you like, you will have a great portfolio to show and the motivation to achieve your goals.
Gary Petito
Gary’s Answer
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm
Hi,
The computer field is huge...here is a link to get you started, it has a lot of good information about major areas in computer careers - there are many jobs even within these areas.
As for computers and graphic design...there are jobs in computer aided drafting/design, multimedia, animation and more.
Good luck!
Thank you! Ive been looking for a place to start .
Evelyn
Karen Cross
Karen’s Answer
I loved computers, design, psychology, and writing. So my jobs have evolved across all of these:
- UX Design (related: interaction design, UI design, service design) - how people complete tasks with software, and interact with computers/tech!
- Voice UI design (related: conversational design) - how do you structure a conversation between a robot/system and a person so that the person feels like they're being helped and not having to repeat themselves/be frustrated? How do you take advantage of what a system can 'understand' in terms of language, and how real people actually speak (e.g. jargon, phrases)
- User research - what problems do people have that technology could solve, or solve better?
- Design management - how do we work with engineers and other roles to ensure we're solving the right problems for people, in the best way? How do we make sure we're not delivering a super frustrating or confusing experience with our software, and instead help people?
I choose jobs based on whether the problems they're trying to solve interest me. Then I do my best to solve them, and dont worry about messing up - just learning and doing better the next time. That has never steered me wrong.