Career research project Kevin Dombrowski

Computer Programmer

Basic Description and why I'm interested Computer programming is writing “code” for a computer to follow, and thus create programs. I am very interested in this career because I think that programming is useful and has a lot of potential in the future.

Values This job includes values of achievement, which means an employee can use their strongest abilities when working. It also includes working conditions, which is to say there are comfortable and safe environments to conduct work for this career. And third, it has independence, so you can work alone and freely if the job requires it.

Tasks and Responsibilities Computer programming includes creating, modifying, or overlooking programs for errors or checking them for efficiency. It also may require modifying preexisting software systems to make them better. As a programmer, it is your responsibility to make sure programs are efficient and well written, as well as being on time to work.

Working with data, people, and things Being a computer programmer means that you will be in contact with all three aspects. You work with the data of your own programs or others, as well as the data they are manipulating. You deal with the people you work with and for, as well as people who are using your software. The things you work with are your computer and your desk.

Work Environment Computer programming will virtually always require you to be inside a building and at a computer. Given this, working conditions tend to be comfortable and are typically very sparing of physical harm.

Working Hours Working hours for a programmer are usually standard 9-5 business hours, resulting in a standard 40 hour work week, although some employers may have varying times.

Aptitudes and Abilities Being a computer programmer requires a lot of aptitudes and abilities. Of these include advanced math skills, logical reasoning, complex problem solving, fast basic math skills, proper English and a higher understanding of the language, written comprehension, and oral expression and comprehension.

Education and Training For a typical programmer, a bachelor’s degree (4 years) is required in computer science. To be considered a qualified programmer, one must have a bachelor’s degree in computer science and work for a few years in the field and have some training and work experience.

Salary and Benefits The median annual wage for a programmer in 2013 was about 76,000 dollars. They make about 35 dollars hourly. Most programmers receive paid vacation, sick days, and insurance plans.

Career Outlook Computer programming careers have an estimated outlook of 8% to 14% growth in 2012.

International Career Outlook In 2012, it was projected that there would be approximately 120,000 job openings for programmers

Lifestyle/Lifestyle Goals Being a computer programmer pays considerably more than a lot of jobs. This can lead to a luxurious and financially healthy lifestyle, one that I would like to live.

Location Due to the versatility of laptop computers, computer programmers can work virtually anywhere in the world, and almost anywhere in their own home.

Career Cluster/Interest Area This career falls under the information technology career cluster, and the business detail interest area.

Plant Scientist

Basic Description A plant scientist’s job is to conduct research in the maintenance, growth, and yield of agricultural plants and trees and discovering mineralogical differences in soil and how it affects plant growth. I find this career very interesting because I think plants are incredibly important to humans and furthering our knowledge of them can be very beneficial.

Values The values of this career include achievement, which means that you can use your strongest abilities on the job. It also has independence, which lets an employee time to work alone if the job allows it. Lastly, it has recognition, which means that the job has possibilities for advancement and leadership opportunities.

Tasks and Responsibilities Tasks include discovering effects and sources for poor soil and water conditions, promoting healthy land use, developing methods for controlling weeds, and researching insecticides. Responsibilities include making sure the crops are safe for human consumption and doing no harm.

Working with Data, People, and Things As a plant scientist, you work with people, since you work with people on a day to day basis and frequently on projects and group efforts. You work with things because there are many instruments and tools for collecting information and putting it together. Data is a common thing because you are constantly collecting information to use in graphs and other ways to store it.

Work Environment : As a plant scientist, you are outside often. It is not every day that you are inside, but typically once a week. Depending on your location, this could be varying in comfort.

Working Hours Working hours for a plant scientist are typically 9-5, standard business hours, although some may be different depending on employer, location, and climate.

Aptitudes and Abilities Aptitudes and abilities include oral and written comprehension, reasoning, oral and written expression, and information ordering.

Education and Training Being a plant scientist requires a lot of education and training. Some jobs in this field only require a master’s degree, and even fewer yet require bachelors, but most likely will require a doctorate in biology.

Salary and Benefits : A plant scientist gets paid about 60,000 dollars annual and around 30$ an hour. Benefits typically include possible flextime, health insurance, and sick time.

Career Outlook The plant scientist career has an average growth, so its career outlook is roughly average.

International Career Outlook The international outlook for this career is also about average of that for other careers worldwide.

Lifestyle/Lifestyle Goals Since plant scientists get paid fairly well, this can result in a pretty expensive lifestyle. I find this life style attractive, so this suits me well.

Location Being a plant scientist would most likely require you to live/ work in a warm climate, or a climate suitable for the plants or plant groups you’re working with.

Career Cluster/Interest Area This career falls under the scientific research and engineering career cluster, and the plants and animals interest area.