First, review your resume builder projects that you have completed for class thusfar. Now, choose 2-3 different jobs in the computer industry that you might be interested in trying. Describe why you are interested in those specific jobs.
Research the jobs on the internet, looking at a minimum of three job postings, and create a list of what skills you will need to have to get each of the job, as well as what other requirements, such as years of experience, that the jobs require. Also specify your job listing sources as well as any salary ranges they indicate. Do some research on the Web and write up a short description of what a typical day on each of the jobs would be like.
Make a list of your current skills and create a plan for gaining the position you are interested in. What skills can you pick up in classes here? What internships are available (check the ACM Website) to let you show your skills?
What do you feel that you still don’t know about these jobs? How can you find out? How sure are your that you want to pursue each of these jobs as a career? Has your mind been changed at all by this lab?
Post your answers to this lab on your blog.
______________________________________________________________________________________
You pose some very good and thought provoking questions. I am a bit different from many of the students taking this class and have never really thought I would pursue a career in computer technology. I am a 42 year old returning student who left IUPUI with only 6 hours of elective courses needed to complete my BA. The mortgage industry, where I have been employed since I left IUPUI, has suffered a bubble burst. In order to prepare myself for a career change, I decided to take two computer courses to complete and compliment my BA in Communications. Yes, I am a liberal arts student! I do think a marketing/PR job, which is what I hope to find, requires knowledge of Web design, Publisher and other creative software. That is why I am taking these courses.
I found three jobs and more importantly, three companies on Monster.com that interested me. The first is Hobson’s position as a Marketing and Communications Coordinator. The salary range is not mentioned. They require 1 to 2 years sales/marketing experience, a BA degree. They require the candidate to be able tocreate and update the website, handle web campaigns and be familiar with the Adobe creative suites. Stimulus Wordwide is hiring an Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations Associate. They want a Bachelors degree with 2-5 years experience and experience with web design/development. Salary range is $28 to $30,000. Rightfish is hiring a software sales person. They offer an “attractive” base plus commission. They want excellent written, verbal and computer skills. A commitment to 50% travel is required.
As you can see, many non-computer field jobs require proficiency in computer skills. I believe we are at a turning point where all jobs will require more than a basic proficiency in computer skills. I don’t think this research has changed my mind, but it does compel me to work harder at learning the Adobe Creative Suite Software. I will need to take some more classes as I pursue a marketing position, if only to stay current with the most recent software developments.
function saveChanges(formName, textAreaId) { var _textArea = document.getElementById(textAreaId); if (_textArea != null) { if (typeof FCKeditorAPI != “undefined”) { var editor = FCKeditorAPI.GetInstance(textAreaId); document[formName].savedText.value = editor.GetXHTML(false); } } }
