Stop and think for a moment about everything in our world that runs on computer chips. Better yet, try to think of something that isn’t controlled by a computer or an app. The fact is, nearly everything we do is impacted in some way by technology — technology that’s configured at some stage by a computer programmer.
WHAT DO COMPUTER PROGRAMMERS AND COMPUTER CODERS DO? Even though computer programmers and computer coders are in the same job family, there are important differences to consider. Computer coders write the computer language (or code) for software programs that tell machines what to do. This software acts as the brains behind many of our “smart” devices (smartphones, smart cars, etc.) Coders may also develop websites or apps for the companies they work for. Computer programmers do the same thing as computer coders, but they are also responsible for managing the overall project of designing, producing and testing a new software product, or designing a network system. WHAT’S NEW? Consider: Just 10 years ago, few people even knew what an app was, and look where we are now. Technology moves so fast, just about anything we could list under the heading “What’s New” is likely to be replaced by something faster and smarter within a very short period of time. Some emerging trends in the industry include: Virtual Reality (VR)/Augmented Reality (AR) • Technologies that provide the user the ability to experience a 360-degree digital environment. • Some applications include giving a client a look at a building before it is built, conducting flight training or producing a safety course that simulates fire or other emergency. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) • RPA is the use of software to automate repetitive tasks that people used to do. • About 60% of occupations can be partially automated; less than 5% can be completely replaced by technology. • While this technology would affect, and potentially eliminate, some positions, it would also create new ones.
Machine Learning • Machine Learning is a subset of artificial intelligence whereby computers are programmed to learn to do something they are not programmed to do. Computers “learn” by discovering patterns and insights from data. In general, there are two types of learning: supervised and unsupervised. • Machine Learning is rapidly being deployed in all kinds of industries, creating a huge demand for skilled professionals. Machine Learning applications are used for data analytics, data mining and pattern recognition. • Jobs in this area rank among the top emerging jobs on LinkedIn, with almost 2,000 job listings posted. WHERE DO COMPUTER PROGRAMMERS AND CODERS WORK? Most programmers and coders work full time in offices, but the nature of the work allows many to work from home. Programmers may work alone or they may work as part of a team, depending on the size of the project. WHAT’S THE JOB OUTLOOK? Expert predictions are mixed as to the future job outlook; some sources predict a decline in the number of jobs, while others expect it to grow as much as 8%. Computer programmers and coders are part of a much larger group of jobs under the category of information technology. Programmers who have general business experience may become computer systems analysts. With experience, some programmers may become software developers. With the right education and experience, the career options in information technology are nearly endless.
HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE? Computer Programmers • Lower range wages (bottom 10 percent) — $48,660 annually/$23.39 per hour • Middle range wages (median) — $80,240 annually/$38.58 per hour • Higher range wages (top 10 percent) — $132,880 annually/$63.89 per hour Your actual earning power depends on the company you work for, your level of experience and certifications, your years of experience and, in some cases, the part of the state where you work. WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL? • Analytical skills • Thinking creatively • Detail oriented • Problem-solving HOW DO I LEARN THE CRAFT? If you attend high school in Arkansas, you already have access to beginning coding classes. In 2015, the state legislature passed a law requiring all Arkansas schools to provide computer science classes that included coding and other IT subjects as a way to give students a jump on the careers of the future. Arkansas was the first and, at the time, the only state in the country to require schools to offer such classes.
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