Careers

There is a wide range of jobs available in the field of data processing, the most common of which are keypunch operator, computer operator, programmer, systems analyst, and data processing manager.

The keypunch operator must be both accurate and fast while punching programs and data onto cards. Moreover, he or she must be able to work under pressure when the workload in the data processing department is heavy. Recently, the introduction of terminals and screens has partly replaced the use of punched cards and, consequently, reduced the tasks performed by the keypunch operator.

The computer operator should be a reliable person because the job involves responsibility for very expensive machines. His work is rather routine, like changing tapes and disks, but the operator should be mentally alert to cope with a multiprogramming environment which requires mixing many jobs, and be able to cope with emergency situations, if and when they arise. As soon as there is a malfunction in the system, the operator has to recognize it and report it to the manager, who would then advise the manufacturer. The operator’s knowledge is mainly concerned with the hardware and not with the software, but he or she should have interest in programming and should know enough about it to be able to interpret the programmer's instructions. In very large and modern installations, the operator sits in front of a screen that shows an up-to-date summary of the computer jobs as they are being processed. The operator's duties have become so complex that certain programs called operating system (OS) which supervise the work of the computer are written to simplify the job. Often programmers start their careers as computer operators, and then slowly work their way up the ladder.

The main tasks of a computer programmer are first, to write programs to solve problems; second, to write them on time as they are needed; and third, to write them clearly by fully documenting them so that other programmers can understand them. The kinds of problems that are tackled depend on whether the programmer is working for a computer manufacturer or user. The former needs such programs as compilers, assemblers, executives, operating systems, and utility routines. These programs are intermediaries between the machine and the commercial programs which are written in one of the high-level languages. They are about the system, and therefore programmers who write them are called systems programmers. Manufacturers usually sell this kind of software along with their systems. If the programmer is working for a computer user, however, his or her programs may deal with either scientific or commercial problems.

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