Misconception of Computer Technology Careers

There are many misconceptions about individuals who have careers in the computer technology field. Since there are so many different specializations in computer science, the various fields are often confused. A common misconception of computer specialists is the amount of their pay. The most highly paid computer professionals are those who invent and develop new hardware and software peripherals. Although there is a high demand for computer specialists in most divisions of the field, certain divisions are declining in the need for personnel. The need for simple programmers is declining because of the growth of technology and the development of software that can automatically code basic programs independently. Computer software engineers are more skilled than computer programmers because they create applications that are used in various companies and homes throughout the world. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, computer software engineers can earn anywhere from around 46,000 to 114,000 dollars per year. I thought that this profession would begin paying a person more than 46,000 dollars a year because of the extensive training and certification that is required to be a productive software developer. One misconception about computer software engineers, as well as other professions, is if a master’s degree is obtained then the starting rate of pay will be much greater than one who has only a bachelor’s degree. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, graduates from college with a bachelors degree had a starting salary of around 52,000 dollars yearly income, and a graduate with a masters degree had an average starting salary of only 8,000 dollars more. Employers aren’t only looking for employees with high levels of education, the amount of experience a person has in the field makes much of a difference. Having experience lets the employer know that the applicant has used his or her learned skills in an environment and it will

Cited: U.S. Department of Labor. “Computer Software Engineers.” Aug 4, 2006. <http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos267.htm>. U.S. Department of Labor. “Software Publishers.” December 20, 2005. <http://www.bls.gov/oco/cg/cgs051.htm>. Get Access Now. “Computer Software Engineer.” March 3, 2006. <http://getaccess.westone.wa.gov.au/careers/profiles/data/OCC311.asp>.