You are trying to decide on a career but want to be sure you choose a career that is in demand and that has potential for growth. If you plan to stay in the Flagler/Volusia county areas, your best choice may be Computer Software Engineering or Computer Support Specialist. According to the bureau of labor statistics these careers are the fastest growing as well as the best paying fields in the local area.
The beauty of specializing in a computer career field is that the career path can be accessed from a variety of related computer jobs and from different levels of education. While a computer software engineering career normally requires a bachelor’s degree, many of the computer support specialist jobs are entry level positions requiring only a high school diploma and a few years of experience. These entry-level opportunities can lead to more specialized computer positions as higher levels of experience and education are attained.
If you like searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally rather than leading or persuading people, enjoy math and science classes, have an inquisitive nature and prefer work that involves ideas and thinking more than with physical activity you may want to consider a career in the computer field. Typically, a person who does well in this field is an out-going, take charge type who likes change and see obstacles as challenges. They tend to stay focused on resolving problems and reaching conclusions while mobilizing resources to achieve their long range goals. If you believe this describes you, a computer career could be ideal for you.
A Computer Software Engineer develops, creates and modifies general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Their job is to analyze user needs and develop software solutions that are customized for a particular business, with the goal of optimizing operational efficiency for the company. Examples of computer specialties under this category include Computer Engineering Technologist; Computer Software Engineering; Information Technology and Medical Illustration.
A Computer Support Specialist provides technical assistance to computer system users, answer questions or resolves computer problems for their customers, in person, via telephone or from a remote location. Many provide assistance concerning the use of computer hardware and software, including printing, installation, word processing, electronic mail and operating systems. Examples of the jobs a person would perform as a Computer Support Specialist include Computer Customer Service Representatives, Network Control Operators, User Support Analysts and Technical Support Specialists. Companies such as AOL and Dell Computers to mention a couple have computer call centers where they employ a variety of computer specialties.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Computer Software Applications field is expected to grow 100% throughout the country with an average of 28,000 annual job openings. The growth rate countrywide for Computer Support Specialists is predicted to be 97.0% with 40,000 annual openings. According to the Agency for Workforce Innovation, a person in Volusia and Flagler County can expect to receive an entry level wage of $18,660 as a Computer Support Specialist and earn a high of $33,000 with a high school diploma and experience. A Computer Software Engineer with a Bachelors Degree can expect to start at $61,511 and earn up to $99,530 with experience.
Mr. Robert Craddock of Base Technologies Inc., verifies that computer careers are very much in demand in this area. And for his company computer experience is more important than credentials. He states “We are a results oriented company. We are not interested that someone has a piece of paper hanging on the wall but in what they know how to do. We have had much greater luck with self taught kids who have a strong interest in computers and only a high school diploma than with those who have a degree in computers.” In fact, he stated that he sometimes has trouble keeping good people once they gain experience because of the ready availability of computer jobs. That is not to say that credentials are totally unnecessary, but that computer knowledge is the first prerequisite to success in this field.
If you think that this career might be of interest to you but are unsure of what it entails or how to get started, the One Stop Employment Center is one place look. It has Career Planning Services, including a variety of assessments, labor market information and career resources to guide you in making an informed decision. They can also advise you on school programs and sources of financial aid to help you to reach your goals.
If you are currently in school, you may want to speak with your guidance counselor or Employment Center.
