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The tasks of programming are becoming more sophisticated and employers are asking for higher levels of skill and experience. Computer programming graduates with less than a 2 year degree or an equivalent in work experience, will find fierce competition for jobs. The competition for level entry programmers may also affect those with a bachelors degree.
Job prospects will probably be best for college graduates with knowledge of, and experience with, various programming languages and tools. C++, Java, and other languages that are object oriented, as well as, domain-specific languages for database management, networking, and internet application development. Those who obtain a vendor or language specific certificate may have a bit of an edge over the competition. Because demand is always changing, programmers should keep up with and learn the latest skills and technologies. A smart individual, seeking employment as a programmer, will improve their chances by combining practical work experience with appropriate formal training.
Employment of computer programmers is expected to grow a bit slower than the average for all occupations, through the year 2014. The new, sophisticated, computer software is now able to write basic code, thus eliminating the need for programmers to perform this work. The growth in systems and applications, advancement in computer languages and tools, new developments in packaged software, and new growth in the ability of computer users to design, write and use more of their own programs, will mean that more programming can be transferred to other information workers.
One thing that is limiting the growth in the employment of programmers, is the fact that many jobs are being outsourced to other countries. New technology allows a computer programmer to perform their job from anywhere in the world and transmit their programs to employers by email. Programmers face a much bigger risk of having their jobs taken by a freelancer, than workers who are able to program more complex and more sophisticated information technology functions. Computer programming has become an international language that requires very little specialized training, and the work of programmers can be made routine once an individual learns a particular programming language.
Employers will still need programmers with an understanding of the employers business and programming needs, and those with strong technical skills. It is vital that a programmer keep up with changing program languages and techniques. With all of these changes, organizations will be looking for programmers who will be able to support data communications, and help create electronic commerce and intranet strategies.
There will be a growing demand for programmers with strong object oriented program abilities and technical specialization in other areas such as wireless applications, multimedia technology, client-server programming, and graphic user interface. Programmers will also be needed to maintain systems and embed these technologies with more products. Programmers that are familiar with digital security issues and skilled in security technology, will be in demand because of the growing popularity on cyber security.
Systems and applications programmer jobs should be plentiful in software houses, computer systems, and data-processing service firms. This sort of company is part of computer systems design, software publishers related services. These are projected to be one of the fastest growing industries in the economy from 2004 to 2014. As companies attempt to keep costs down and keep up with changing technology, they will need programmers to assist in converting existing programming to new computer languages and systems. There will be many job opportunities open from the need to replace programmers who will leave the labor force or promote to manager or systems analyst.