Studying Programming and Software Engineering
To become a computer programmer, you'll need a bachelor's degree in computer science to be competitive in the job market, even though a handful of self-taught programmers do get hired. Fluency in programming languages like C, C++, Java, and Visual Basic, and query languages like SQL is a must. If you want to design, rather than just program, you'll need at least a bachelor's in software engineering from a good campus. If your ultimate goal is to manage a development team, think about getting an MBA to develop your business savvy.
Employment in Computer Programming and Software Engineering
Your salary as a programmer will depend on your skills, certifications, and individual experience. Today, average programmer salaries run at $56,000, though they also vary widely. Programming positions will show average growth, so to ensure that you get a good job, finish your bachelor's degree or focus on software engineering. Software engineers are likely to remain in high demand, pulling down average salaries in excess of $70,000. The best can make six-figure salaries in research and development or software publishing.
Sources
- John Kador. Internet Jobs! McGraw-Hill. 2000.
- Occupational Outlook Handbook (bls.gov)
- Webopedia (www.webopedia.com)
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