Careers in computer programming are vastly prevalent in an ever increasing technological world, as a computer programmer salary strongly indicates. Programmers have a clear understanding of and ability to analytically create source code to configure and program computer systems. They develop and adapt software, provide technical support and maintain personal or business computer software systems.

Whether you want to have skills in a broad range of computer programming areas or specialize in one category, you will need a reliable education. Additionally, people who hold computer programming jobs must be well versed in technological developments and consumer trends to provide the best service and produce relevant products. The following resources will help you to obtain proper computer programming employment education and training:

1. Achieve a degree so that employers will consider you for computer programmer job openings.

2. Remain up to date on news and technology for careers in computer programming through publications.

3. Further your computer programmer employment by attending events for the industry.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Obtain a degree for computer programming careers

As with any industry, you will need a degree in computer programming in order to have a successful career in that field. Even after your have a degree, it won't hurt your resume to attend additional courses and training throughout your career to further your education, since the advancement of technology continually contributes to changes and improvements within the computer programming field.

I recommend: The United States Department of Labor – Bureau of Labor Statistics further explains the training and qualifications needed to become a computer programmer. Earn a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with an emphasis in Programming from Kaplan University. ITT Technical Institute offers a Software Application and Programming degree program at several of its campuses.

Subscribe to publications relevant to computer programming employment

Many organizations offer magazines, online articles and blogs regarding trends, advice and news for the computer programming industry. Reading these articles regularly will help you to maintain a relevant knowledge of computer programming, which will aid you in performing your job more successfully.

I recommend: Dr. Dobb’s Journal covers a broad range of software development languages, platforms and tools you need to know to get a job in computer programming. Browse computer programming articles published by ScienceDaily.

Attend trade shows applicable to jobs in computer programming

Conferences, seminars, workshops and trade shows in the computer programming industry will help you to see what resources are available to assist you in the best possible outcome for your work, as well as reveal current trends and applications. While your employer may not require you to attend these events, the knowledge they can provide is worth going the extra mile.

I recommend: Attend the annual Software Development West Conference and Expo, complete with more than 180 events in 13 technical areas and free technical training for all attendees. Register for the annual International Conference on Information Technology - New Generations held in Las Vegas.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  You need a degree to get your foot in the door on programmer job openings. Make sure that the courses and training you participate in can provide accreditation toward that degree. Sometimes a business offers courses, but they are only informational and don't result in a degree or certification.

Computer programming employment is a growing field. While some US companies outsource portions of the jobs in this area, you can still find a good paying job in this field, especially if you are willing to move to a location where these jobs are popular.

Many industries rely on computer programmers, including data processing, systems design, software and video games. You can find a job in large, medium or small companies, or even start your own business. Types of computer programming jobs include:

1. Software programmers who write software that runs on personal computers.

2. Programmers who develop web-based applications and databases.

3. Computer programming careers in developing operating systems or dealing with computer security.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Base your choices for careers in computer programming on your experience

Career websites can give you lots of computer programming employment information. Learn what training you need, where the best jobs are and what duties a computer programmer is likely to have to perform. Find out which types of companies hire computer programmers.

I recommend: Find information on qualifications, working conditions and types of employment in the computer programming field at CollegeGrad.com. Get an overview of employment opportunities in computer programming at CareerOverview.com.

Identify computer programming salaries

As with any career, computer programming salaries vary based on geography and type of company. Get information on where the best-paying jobs are by location or by other variables, then use this information to guide your job search. This provides you with a baseline if a potential employer asks you for your salary requirements.

I recommend: Review charts and computer programmer salary information based on length of experience, geographical area, type of company and other variables at PayScale, where you can tailor the comparison charts based on your preferences. Learn about wages for computer programmers and get other helpful industry-related data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Search computer programmer job listings

Websites list jobs in computer programming under several categories that depend on the job and which site you consult. Use a technology-oriented job search site--most weed out non-technology jobs. Or check several categories on job search sites, including computer-related jobs and information technology (IT) fields.

I recommend: Find programmer job openings and tips on searching for a job, writing a resume and performing well at a job interview at JobOpenings.net. Browse Computer and Internet jobs at Indeed.com, where you can also search by job title, keyword or location.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Many computer programmers participate in online forums. Find an online forum that centers around the type of programming you want to do, and ask computer programming career questions of those employed in the industry.
• •  Since many computer programming languages exist, make a section on your resume that lists the languages you know how to write.

If you are interested in gaining employment as a computer programmer, you should know some of the key terms in the business. Those who have been formally educated in this subject have likely heard the important terms, but newer programmers, or those just returning to the field, might need an overview of the most commonly used key terms. Most have to do with programming languages, although knowing the difference between a few types of programmers is also important.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Programming language

A programming language is one that can be read by machines, enabling them to do what is requested by computer users. There are hundreds of programming languages, but most employers only expect programmers to know a few basic ones.

I recommend: Webopedia further explains programming languages.

Code

A code is a series of instructions written in a programming language. More specifically, a machine code is meant for a computer to read, while humans can read source code. Programmers often are called coders because they translate codes to different languages.

I recommend: Javvin Technologies provides the basic facts about codes when it comes to computer programming.

Database

Knowledge of how to create a database is important when searching for a career in computer programming, as many clients will request this on a new website. A database enables the client to organize company data, and having one on a website allows clients to update their information frequently.

I recommend: TechTerms.com explains what a database is.

HTML

This is a basic language that every programmer seeking a job is expected to know. It is short for HyperText Markup Language, and describes how images and text will be seen by the viewer of a web page.

I recommend: HTML.net provides a brief history and definition of HTML.

Application programmer

Computer programmers are put into two categories. One is an application programmer, which focuses on creating a program for a particular purpose. Most programmers fall into this category.

I recommend: Get more information about a job as an application programmer at Schools in the USA.

Systems programmer

A system programmer is the other category of computer programmers, and involves creating networking and operating systems so they can communicate with hardware. The rarity of systems programmers allows them to command higher salaries than application programmers, and they often take on advisory roles in larger companies.

I recommend: PCMag.com provides more details about systems programmers.