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Careers in computing
1. Make a list of some jobs you know in computing.
2. Which of the jobs listed would you like to make your career? Be ready to explain why to others in your group.
3. Read these descriptions of jobs in computing and make notes about the main responsibilities.
Example: Systems Analyst
Studies methods of working within an organization to decide how tasks can be done efficiently by computers. Makes a detailed analysis of the employer's requirements and work patterns to prepare a report on different options for using information technology. This may involve consideration of hardware as well as software. Either uses standard computer packages or writes a specification for programmers to adapt existing software or to prepare new software. May oversee the implementation and testing of a system and acts as a link between the user and the programmer.
| Job | Main responsibilities |
| Systems analyst | Studies employer's requirements and working patterns. Reports on different options. Writes specifications for programmers. Oversees implementation and testing. |
1. Software Engineer/Designer
Produces the programs which control the internal operations of computers. Converts the system analyst's specification to a logical series of steps. Translates these into the appropriate computer language. Often compiles programs from libraries or sub-programs, combining these to make up a complete systems program. Designs, tests, and improves programs for computer-aided design and manufacture, business applications, computer networks, and games.
2. Computer Salesperson
Advises potential customers about available hardware and sells equipment to suit individual requirements. Discusses computing needs with the client to ensure that a suitable system can be supplied. Organizes the sale and delivery and, if necessary, installation and testing. May arrange support or training, maintenance, and consultation. Must have sufficient technical knowledge.
3. Computer Systems Support Person
Systems support people are analyst programmers who are responsible for maintaining, updating, and modifying the software used by a company. Some specialize in software which handles the basic operation of the computers. This involves the use of machine codes and specialized low-level computer languages. Most handle applications software. May sort out problems encountered by users. Solving problems may involve amending an area of code in the software, retrieving files and data lost when a system crashes, and a basic knowledge of hardware.
4. Computer Systems Analyst Programmer
Creates the software programs used by computers. May specialize in the internal operating systems using low level computer language, or in applications programs. May specialize in one aspect of the work, e.g. programming, systems design, systems analysis, or cover them all. May support the system through advice and training, providing user manuals, and by helping users with any problems that arise.
5. Hardware Engineer
Researches, designs, and develops computers, or parts of computers and the computerized element of appliances, machines, and vehicles. Also involved in their manufacture, installation, and testing. May specialize in different areas: research and development, design, manufacturing. Has to be aware of cost, efficiency, safety, and environmental factors, as well as engineering aspects.
6. Network Support Person
Maintains the link between PCs and workstations connected in a network. Uses telecommunications, software, and electronic skills, and knowledge of the networking software to locate and correct faults. This may involve work with the controlling software, on the wiring, printed circuit boards, software or microchips on a file server, or on cables either within or outside the building.
4. Listen to the recording of five people employed in computing talking about their work. Try to match each extract to the correct job from this list:
a Hardware Engineer
b Network Support Person
ñ Operator
d Software Designer
e Systems Analyst Programmer
f Systems Support Person
g Technical Sales Manager
5. Study the information given in the table below.
| Language work: Job requirements Study some of the requirements for the job of Computer Network Support Person. Essential 1. Diploma in computing or telecommunications engineering 2. Good communication skills to discuss requirements with users 3. Deductive ability for analysing faults 4. Able to work quickly under pressure 5. Normal colour vision to follow colour-coding of wires Desirable 6. Interest in technology to keep up with new developments 7. Physically fit for lifting, carrying, and bending We can describe the essential requirements like this. They must have a diploma in computing or telecommunications engineering. They must have normal colour vision. We can describe the desirable requirements like this. They should have an interest in technology. They should be physically fit. |
6. Study these requirements for a Computer Technical Salesperson. Decide which are essential and which are desirable. Then describe each requirement using must have/be or should have/be.
1a certificate or diploma in computing
2experience in the computer industry
3able to put technical ideas into everyday language
4able to persuade and negotiate
5a qualification in marketing
6a thorough understanding of the product
7a driving licence
8a high level of communication skills
9patient, persistent, and diplomatic
10able to work away from home
7. Study this job advertisement. Which of the three candidates do you think is the best applicant?
IT Support Officer
· Educated to degree level, candidates should have at least two years' relevant experience.
· We need a highly-motivated individual, able to support approximately 30 networked PCs. The role is very much 'hands-on', and so it is essential that you have a good understanding and experience of Microsoft Office, Novell networks, Email systems, TCP/IP, hardware and virus-protection tools.
· You should be able to communicate well with users and external contractors and to make a contribution to the training of all PC users.
· The successful candidate must work well under pressure and as a team member.
| Applicant 1 | BSc Computing Science. Graduated this year. · Knowledge of a variety of operating systems including Unix, Novell, and Windows XP · Experience in programming in C, Ñ++, Pascal, Java, Delphi and Visual Basic · Familiar with a wide variety of hardware and software packages · Has taught a lot of fellow students how to use computers · Highly motivated · No work experience |
| Applicant 2 | Higher National Diploma in Information Technology · Trained in using network systems including Novell and Windows XP · Experienced user of Microsoft Office programs and Internet systems · Knowledge of setting up and troubleshooting most types of computers and peripherals · Gets on well with others and can work as part of a team · Keen to gain experience and develop a career in computing · Two years' part-time summer experience working in a computer repair workshop |
| Applicant 3 | Higher National Certificate in Computing · Employed for 3 years in a computing sales team advising customers on purchase requirements and helping them troubleshoot problems with installed systems · Trained in using Unix and Novell network systems and a wide variety of hardware · Experienced in many PC packages including most Microsoft products · Good communicator, experienced in dealing with the public and working as part of a team · Highly motivated |
8. Study the job advertisement below and decide whether the statements (1-7) are true or false.
The successful applicant:
1. will develop new systems him/herself 5. must know VB
2. must have at least five years' work experience 6. must know SOL
3. must have worked in a company 7. will work alone.
4. must be a good communicator
| Systems Manager | Working closely with in-house users, you will be responsible for commissioning new systems and for maintaining and enhancing existing systems for a major retail company. You will be part of the management team. · You will have a minimum of five years' experience in software development in ' a business environment. · You should have a good knowledge of VB and Access and have experience of Novell networks. Experience with Oracle and SQL would also be an advantage. · Good communication skills are essential and the ability to work as part of a team. To find out more, email your CV to: steve.bell@pathfinder.com.uk |
9. Bill is a Systems Manager with Britain's largest brewer. Listen to Part 1 of the interview and find the answers to these questions.
| 1. Which division of the company does Bill work for? 2. List his responsibilities. 3. Complete the missing steps in this procedure: a Fault reported b ________________ ñ Fault investigated and fixed d _________________ e Details downloaded to a PC f __________________ g Activity recorded h ___________________ i New parts ordered 4. Why does the company buy in systems? 5. What does Bill look for when buying a new system? | 
|
10. Listen to Part 2 and find the answers to these questions.
1. How many systems are there in the Beer Division?
2. What problem is there because old and new systems are running together?
3. List three ways in which the systems are protected.
4. What development is making a difference to the company?
5. What is Bill's view on the chance of a paper-free office in the future?
11. Fill in the gaps with the correct form of an appropriate verb from this list.
| may might must should will |
1. Technicians ________________ have normal colour vision to follow colour-coding of wires.
2. You ______________ try to remove a floppy disk when the drive is running.
3. Biological computers____________ replace electronic computers in the future.
4. You _____________ update your webpage regularly.
5. You _____________ have pages with dead-ends on your website.
6. You _____________ know your password to gain access to the network.
7. Computers_____________ get cheaper and more powerful.
8. You _____________ back up your files regularly.
12. Match words from columns A and  to make common computing terms.
| A | B |
| hardware | card |
| systems | board |
| file | recognition |
| swipe | wallet |
| voice | crime |
| computer | engineer |
| bulletin | server |
| electronic | analyst |
13. Which words in column  are commonly found with the verbs in column A?
| A | B |
| analyse | data |
| browse | databases |
| debug | documents |
| delete | files |
| edit | folders |
| install | hardware |
| open | folders |
| run | needs |
| save | options |
| select | programs |
| requirements | |
| software | |
| texts | |
| webpages | |
| websites |
Date: 2015-02-03; view: 4763
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