My Career After Secondary School

My Career After Secondary School

Excellent StudentGLC2O1-05CampbellCareers CourseCulminating Activity

The Necessity of ProgrammersIn a few decades, we have gone from this,

To this,

Kodak Brownie Hawkeye, a camera of the 1950’s

Bell Howell BF 705

To things like this,

A Samsung Slim Slider with 1.3 megapixel camera

As you can see, our technology is improving very quickly. As the hardware changes, we need people who are able to create new and better software for it.

What Does a Programmer Do?

• Find out the needs of their clients• Design a program to meet those needs• Write the code into the computer and test it

– If it doesn’t work, they “debug” it or try working out the problems and test it again

Programmers do many different tasks for various clients. Some are employed by software companies or other businesses. Some are even self-employed. In general, they:

What Does It Pay?

• An entry level programmer with a Bachelor of Computer Science can earn from $30 000 to $40 000 a year

• Some can even make around $70 000 per annum.

What Is the Job Like?

• A lot of time spent alone with a computer

• However, there is also many meetings with other programmers

• Although the job can be rewarding, it has its stresses

Pros and Cons of the Job

• Creating something new and innovative can give a person a sense of accomplishment

• The hours are reasonable: 40-50 a week

• The pay is quite good• It’s what I want to do, so as

long as I am happy being a programmer, I will be one

• Strict deadlines• Putting in extra hours, even

pulling “all-nighters”, to finish work

• Possible neck, back, and eye stress

• Long hours of not moving

Pros Cons

Education

• At least a Bachelor of Computer Science

• I hope to get a Master’s degree in Computer Science and then possibly a Ph.D.

• I want to go to the University of Toronto or the University of Waterloo

• I will take courses using Cooperative Education

Special Skills

• A logical and creative thinker to make intricate programs for different purposes

• Able to concentrate for a long time

• Very familiar with the process of software design

• Good communication skills– Both written and verbal

Related Jobs

• Computer Trainer

• Database Developer

• Computer Network Specialist

• Requirements for these jobs are similar to a Computer Programmer– May be possible to transfer into these jobs if I find I

don’t like being a Programmer

Reflections• I have learned a lot from the Careers course

like

– How it is very important to budget properly

– The proper method to write a resume and act during an interview

– How I will attain my goal in life of becoming a successful Computer Programmer

• I have enjoyed this course and believe I am now better equipped for my future career

Career Cruising. (2008). “Career Cruising : Explore Programs.” Retrieved April 20 2008, from http://www.careercruising.com/CASchool/ProgramDetails.aspx?LoginID=213a5d88-5f44-4094-a609-43ea15d88e19-&ProgramID=13125&Language=








Career Cruising. (2008). “Career Cruising : Explore Programs.” Retrieved May 11 2008, from http://www.careercruising.com/CASchool/ProgramDetails.aspx?LoginID=3872de42-08b9-47a4-b032-0c923f6eb99b-&ProgramID=13594&Language=

Career Cruising. (2008). “Career Details for Database Developer.” Retrieved May 11 2008, from http://www.careercruising.com/Careers/JobDetailsPrint.aspx?LoginID=3872de42-08b9-47a4-b032-0c923f6eb99b-&OccNumber=132

Career Cruising. (2008). “Career Details for Computer Network Specialist.” Retrieved May 11 2008, from http://www.careercruising.com/Careers/JobDetailsPrint.aspx?LoginID=3872de42-08b9-47a4-b032-0c923f6eb99b-&OccNumber=107

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Scotiabank. (2008). “BuskerFest: Volunteering Details.” Retrieved May 18 2008, from http://www.torontobuskerfest.com/content/pdf/VOLUNTEERING%20DETAILS.pdf

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University of Waterloo. (2008). “Become a Student.” Retrieved April 20 2008, from http://www.findoutmore.uwaterloo.ca/programs/full_description.php?program=Computer%20Science

My Career After Secondary School

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