Computer Programmers

People in this career often have these skills:

• Programming - Writing computer programs for various purposes.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
• Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
• Systems Analysis - Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.

People in this career often know a lot about:

• Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

People in this career often have talent in:

• Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
• Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

• Inductive Reasoning - The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
• Information Ordering - The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

People in this career often do these activities:

• Modify software programs to improve performance.
• Write computer programming code.
• Test software performance.
• Resolve computer software problems.
• Collaborate with others to resolve information technology issues.

• Develop diagrams or flow charts of system operation.
• Develop models of information or communications systems.
• Document design or development procedures.
• Train others in computer interface or software use.
• Test computer system operations to ensure proper functioning.
• Prepare instruction manuals.
• Develop computer or online applications.
• Design websites or web applications.
• Supervise information technology personnel.
• Manage information technology projects or system activities.
• Assign duties or work schedules to employees.
• Teach others to use computer equipment or hardware.
• Coordinate project activities with other personnel or departments.

• Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

• Database Administrators

• Computer Systems Analysts

• Web Developers

• Social Science Research Assistants

• Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians

• Statistical Assistants