| The last few years have seen a dramatic reversal in | | | | significant shortage of qualified workers in the industry. |
| the job prospects for computer programmers in the | | | | Typically, any time unemployment in the US falls below |
| US and worldwide, as global demand for those | | | | 3%, it's considered too low, because it indicates that |
| professionals has increased across the board. This | | | | the 3% is made up of people who are unemployed |
| article explores some of the benefits to be had | | | | voluntarily, and the actual number of un-voluntarily |
| through a career in computer programming. Before | | | | employed professionals is actually smaller than that. |
| anyone moves down the path towards any one | | | | Experienced computer programmers have increased |
| career field, it's a good idea to take a look at that field, | | | | job security. Once you have real skills and experience |
| to gain a full appreciation for what they're getting into, | | | | in the computer programming field, job security |
| and what a career in that field might offer them. Below | | | | increases likewise. There are two ways this happens: |
| are some insights into why computer programming is a | | | | you either become indispensable to the company |
| solid candidate for a career choice. | | | | where you work, or your skills and experience |
| Even though the economy goes through several ups | | | | become valuable enough that it doesn't really matter |
| and downs, the demand for computer programmers | | | | what happens to any one job. The fact is that, while |
| continues to be strong. Outsourcing is always a | | | | the tools used by computer programmers change, the |
| concern in today's business world, especially in any | | | | fundamentals of the job don't. You might code an |
| back-office specialization. But that's more than offset | | | | application differently in Java as compared to C++, for |
| by the growth in IT and computer programming | | | | example, but the application and its uses are the same, |
| industry-wide. Outsourcing as a trend reached it's peak | | | | as are the types of problems you encounter most |
| during the recessionary years following 2001, and has | | | | often. And once you have a base set of skills, and add |
| leveled off in recent years. The fact is, the days of | | | | the experience of problem solving and design in |
| major outsourcing initiatives have already passed, and | | | | real-world environments, you can grow into a position |
| a number of those jobs have begun moving back | | | | that's valuable and portable. Tools will change, and |
| onshore to the US. In fact, a recent study found that | | | | education is an ongoing component of the job, but real |
| the technology sector gained 147,000 new positions in | | | | experience combined with solid skills can't be replaced. |
| 2006, even with outsourcing, a gain of 59,600 jobs | | | | Other benefits of a computer programming career |
| over 2005. | | | | include: portability of skills, freedom to move into |
| Also, keep in mind that the average unemployment | | | | independent consulting and the possibility of |
| rate for computer programmers was 2.5% in 2006, | | | | telecommuting. There has never been a better time to |
| almost half the national average, and a sign of | | | | start a career as a computer programmer. |