COMPUTER PROGRAMMER
JOB DESCRIPTION
Technology is a way of life these days as many individuals find themselves lost without items such as their computers and PDAs. Therefore, it is no surprise that the job position of computer programmer is not only one that is high in demand but readily available as well.
What Is a Computer Programmer?
The individual who fulfills the job role of computer programmer is one who writes and develops various programs relating to the use of the computer. This individual has many various duties relating to their general responsibility of designing computer programs and what the computer programmer does on a daily basis will depend on the specific job position that is filled.
General Responsibilities of a Computer Programmer.
No matter what type of job a computer programmer fulfills, he/she will have general responsibilities to perform in their role as computer programmer. The first is to develop new computer programming methods. These may include anywhere from basic computer programming methods to more in-depth methods. Another general responsibility which a computer programmer must undertake in his/her daily job role is the development of programs themselves.
Another general responsibility of a computer programmer is to consult with outside parties in relation to the construction of computer programming methods and the programs themselves. Lastly, computer programmers must follow the progress of programs to ensure that they are operating correctly and fix any program errors that might occur along the way.
Specific Duties of a Computer Programmer
There are a number of specific duties which go along with the job position of computer programmer. The primary duty of a computer programmer is to develop computer programs. Computer programs can relate to business concepts, games or personal use by individual computer users.
Another specific duty of a computer programmer is to perform monitoring tasks to ensure that the programs which they develop work properly. Computer programmers review programs on a frequent basis and make adjustments.
Some computer programmers may also be in a supervisory position. This means that the computer programmer may oversee the work of coworkers and subordinates on a daily basis. Those who fill a supervisory role may have to hire new computer programmers and others who work in the computer department as well as fire those who do not work out. Computer programmers who are supervisors may also perform scheduling and payroll tasks.
The maintenance of computer databases is another type of specific duty which a computer programmer may find themselves responsible. The size of the database will depend on the computer department which a computer programmer works within and the company which a computer programmer works for in their job position.
Computer programmers may also find themselves possessing the responsibility for preparing graphs, tables and analytical data displays which show the progress of a computer program.
The computer programmer may also be the individual who is responsible for providing technical support to those who use the computer programs developed by the individual and his/her company. This relates not only to those individuals who work for the company but outside parties as well.
VIII. Read the dialogue. (Прочтите диалог).
Talking About Your Job
Jack: Hi, Peter. Can you tell me a little bit about your current job?
Peter: Certainly. What would you like to know?
Jack: First of all, what do you work as?
Peter: I work as a computer technician at Schuller's and Co.
Jack: What do your responsibilities include?
Peter: I'm responsible for systems administration and in-house programming.
Jack: What sort of problems do you deal with on a day-to-do basis?
Peter: Oh, there are always lots of small system glitches. I also provide information on a need-to-know basis for employees.
Jack: What else does your job involve?
Peter: Well, as I said, for part of my job I have to develop in-house programs for special company tasks.
Jack: Do you have to produce any reports?
Peter: No, I just have to make sure that everything is in good working order.
Jack: Do you ever attend meetings?
Peter: Yes, I attend organizational meetings at the end of the month.
Jack: Thanks for all the information, Peter. It sounds like you have an interesting job.
Peter: Yes, it's very interesting, but stressful, too!
A. Translate the words into Russian (Переведите слова на русский язык):
computer technician day-to-day basis
glitch good working order
in-house need-to-know basis
organizational meeting stressful
to be responsible for to develop
to involve to pay bills
to work as to produce reports
B. Answer the questions (Ответьте на вопросы):
1. What does Peter do?
2. What are his responsibilities?
3. What kind of problems does he solve every day?
4. How often does he write reports?
5. How often does he attend meetings?
6. Does Peter like his job?
IX. Read the text “Why I’m a programmer”. Write a short essay “Why I have decided to become a computer programmer” Use the text “Why I’m a programmer” and the questions below the text as a sample. (Прочтите текcт “Why I’m a Programmer”. Напишите небольшое сочинение на тему «Почему я решил стать программистом». Используйте текст и вопросы после текста в качестве примера).
Why I’m a Programmer
So why am I a programmer? My answer is “because I enjoy it”. Why do I enjoy it? There are a few reasons.
First, I enjoy problem solving – both on a micro and macro scale. Programming involves copious amounts of both. Figuring out the most efficient way to implement a feature or tracking down a bug in existing code are examples of small-scale problems that programmers solve. Figuring out software solutions for problems like personal bookkeeping or project funding are examples of the larger scale. Actually, my love of computers and programming grew out of that constant questioning of things, and the ability to actually make my own programs has become my passion.
Second, I enjoy creating. Programming is wonderful for this: it’s a medium that allows me to create something out of nothing. I’m not limited to physical constraints; if I can imagine it, I can create it.
Third, it’s a career. It’s an area that is in great demand these days and probably will continue to be in demand for the foreseeable future. As such, it’s also an area that pays well. This does contribute to my enjoyment of programming.
I’d also like to say some words about computer programmer’s responsibilities. Important responsibilities include:
- writing, testing, designing and maintaining the programs that allow computers to function properly;
- updating, repairing and modifying existing computer programs to make them operate as efficiently as possible;
- converting software designs into conventional programming languages such as COBOL, Prolog, Java, C++ or ACTOR.
In conclusion, the tech industry has become one of the most progressive industries in a number of areas where it matters. My employer’s healthcare benefits are amazing. Flexible schedules, liberal parental leave policies, and other such benefits are commonplace. Having this kind of work environment and social support structure improves my overall quality of life.
Questions:
1. Does programming involve problem solving?
2. What programming languages do programmers use?
3. What is the best part of being a computer programmer? The worst? The most challenging?
4. What's the salary range in this career?
5. What is a typical day in the life of a computer programmer?
6. Is it easy to find a job as a computer programmer?
7. What skills do you think young programmers need for the job?
8. What improvement does computer programming give for human life?
9. What are future prospects of computer programming?
TERM I