Computer Software Engineer

If you are looking for a job that is here to stay, you just found it! According to the U.S. Department of Labor, over the 2006-16 decade, the field of Computer Software Engineers will provide the most new jobs. The increasing uses of the Internet, the sudden increase in websites, and mobile technology such as wireless Internet will continue to create a demand for a wide variety of new products. As individuals rely more on hand-held computers and wireless networks, it will be necessary to integrate current computer systems with this new, more mobile technology.

For those of you who don’t know the work detail of a Computer Software Engineer – listen up! Computer Software Engineers apply the principles of computer science and mathematical analysis to the design, development, testing, and evaluation of the software and systems that make computers work. The tasks performed by these workers evolve quickly, reflecting new areas of specialization or changes in technology, as well as the preferences and practices of employers.

Computer Software Engineers begin by analyzing users’ needs and then design, develop, and test software to meet those needs. During this process they create the detailed sets of instructions that tell the computer what to do. They must be experts in operating systems and middleware to ensure that the underlying systems will work properly.

Employment of Computer Software Engineers is projected to increase by 38% over the 2006-2016 period, which is much faster than the average for all other occupations. This area will generate about 324,000 new jobs over the projection decade. The median annual earnings of wage-and-salary for Computer Software Engineers were $79,780 in May 2006. This is the latest data conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A more recent study by National Association of Colleges and Employers, starting salary offers for Computer Software Engineers in software development ranged from $66,500 to $99,750 in 2007.

Employment growth will result as businesses and other organizations adopt and integrate new technologies, and seek to maximize the efficiency of their computer systems. Competition among businesses will continue to create incentive for sophisticated technological innovations, and organizations will need more computer software engineers to implement these changes.

Information security concerns have given rise to new software needs. Concerns over “cyber security” should result in businesses and government continuing to invest heavily in software that protects their networks and vital electronic infrastructure from attack. The expansion of this technology in the next 10 years will lead to an increased need for Computer Engineers to design and develop the software and systems to run these new applications, and integrate them into older systems.

How do you become a Computer Software Engineer? Most employers prefer applicants who have at least a Bachelor’s Degree and broad knowledge of, and experience with, a variety of computer systems and technologies. Advancement opportunities are good for those with relevant experience. But, in order to remain competitive, Computer Software Engineers must continually strive to acquire the latest technical skills.

As technology advances, employers will need workers with the latest skills. Computer Software Engineers must keep up on the latest technology if they wish to remain in this dynamic field. To help keep up with changing technology, LearnKey has many courses to help you become certified and keep that competitive edge to your resume. Check out www.learnkey.com/products for a list of our latest courses that will help you increase your computer software knowledge.