Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

On the job, you would:

• Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.
• Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.
• Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.

Education

• bachelor's degree

Engineering and Technology

• computers and electronics
• product and service development

Math and Science

• arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics

Arts and Humanities

• English language

Business

• customer service

Basic Skills

• listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
• thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

• noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

People and Technology Systems

• figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
• thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one

Conventional

People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.

• Attention to Detail
• Analytical Thinking
• Integrity
• Cooperation
• Independence
• Achievement/Effort

Verbal

• read and understand what is written
• listen and understand what people say

Ideas and Logic

• make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
• notice when problems happen

Math

• add, subtract, multiply, or divide
• choose the right type of math to solve a problem