Task 20

1. Task 20 By Dru Irwin

2. Software Engineers Software engineers maintain all software. From the research to designing new software, the engineers are also there for training and support. Engineers are normally needed when there is a problem with a software which needs an expert to fix. Employers will look for people who handle jobs well under pressure and are able to work extra hours to meet deadlines. This is valued by employers because it shows the employees determination and effort they are willing to put in to keep their job. Team working skills are also wanted by employers because it shows that the employee has people skills and is able to help others which is part of the job. However there is a certain characteristic which some people may not fit. Employers may want numerical and analytical skills which is where the employee can look at a problem/situation and analyse it thoroughly and choose the best course of action. This is valued by employers because it saves time and money by getting something right the first time. • Typical responsibilities include: • investigating current applications • liaising with users • producing specifications • costing new or modified systems • agreeing proposals • writing new software and operating manuals • testing the product to ensure that it operates satisfactorily • training users • handling support and feedback. Qualifications; graduates with a degree in a relevant subject such as computation, software engineering, physics, mathematics or electronics.

3. Website Designer Web designers plan, create and code internet sites and web pages, many of which combine text with sounds, pictures, graphics and video-clips. Website designers are employed by software firms, IT consultancies, large corporate companies and any company that uses computers. Imagination is a key skill which web designers must have. This is desirable to employers because it shows the employee has fresh ideas and can create a variety of websites to satisfy the customer’s needs. Again creativity is needed to create the websites. The employee must be able to make a website from what someone else wants. • Responsibilities of the job include: • meeting/liaising with clients to discuss requirements and/or project progress • creating web site designs • producing sample sites • demonstrating and receiving feedback about draft sites • keeping up-to-date with recent technological and software developments • developing skills and expertise in appropriate software/programming languages including html, Javascript and others • producing products that are user-friendly, effective and appealing • working as part of a multi-disciplinary team. Patience is also a key skill. It takes time to create a website which is up to standard. The employee must be able to take things at a sensible pace and not rush the finished product otherwise the employer may get a complaint from the client. Attention to detail is wanted by employers because it shows that the employee has a keen eye and takes their time to create a good final piece which is up to the customers standards. Communication is valued because the employee must be able to figure out what the customer wants by talking to them. This way they can create an accurate website for the customer which is also exactly what they want. Qualifications; seek graduates with relevant IT, computer science or engineering qualifications. It is essential to provide employers with links to/sample demonstrations of web pages that you have produced.

4. Information scientists are responsible for managing the acquisition, supply and distribution of information within an organization or section of an organization, and for making that information accessible to its' clients and/or customers. Motivation is valued by employers because they want employees who require very little supervision and direction to get the work done in a timely and professional manner. Employers may seek employees who are interested in keeping up with new developments and knowledge in the field. Employers would also want an employee who shows excellent research skills. This shows that the employee is organized, motivated and shows they are open to new ways of doing things and willing to accept constructive feedback. Team-working is a top valued skills because it shows that the employee can effectively cooperate with others in the performance of job assignments. It also shows they have ability to relate well to others (of all types and ages) to successfully accomplish tasks and goals of the job. Computer literate is wanted as well because the employer must see that the employee knows what he/she is researching or teaching. Information scientist • Typical Employers; • private and public sector organizations • public libraries and information services • government departments • professional associations • research establishments • charities • academic or school libraries • commercial organizations • Responsibilities of the job include: • evaluating, organizing, classifying, managing and distributing information in a variety of formats • answering Freedom of Information (FOI) requests • carrying out audits, inquiries and internal commissions • answering enquiries • maintaining statistical and financial records • writing reports • using specialist computer applications • searching for and retrieving information from the internet and online databases • promoting and marketing services. Qualifications: A Library Association/Institute of Information Scientists accredited degree or postgraduate qualification in information science/management or librarianship is usually required for entry into the profession. At least one year of relevant experience is often necessary prior to postgraduate study.

5. Systems designer/builder • Typical employers of systems designers • software firms • IT consultancies • large engineering, telecommunications and computer companies • major commercial and industrial organizations • retailers • the Civil Service • financial institutions. • Self-employment is often possible for designers with several years' experience. Systems designers (also known as systems builders or architects) analyze, design and modify networks, computer systems and websites. Employers value meticulousness employers because they need people who are careful, precise and thorough so the job gets done to a high standard the first time. Team-working is a top valued skill in this job because it shows that the employee can effectively cooperate with others in the performance of job assignments. It also shows they have ability to relate well to others (of all types and ages) to successfully accomplish tasks and goals of the job. The employee must be able to meet high standards. This is valued and important to employers because it shows the employee is hardworking, organized, and they also have the ability to work hard consistently to meet the standard. It also shows the employer that the employee has the ability to work without getting overloaded even when the pressure is high. • Typical requirements of the job include: • researching current arrangements • consulting clients and systems analysts about required specifications • producing designs that utilize suitable software and hardware • liaising with other IT staff such as software engineers and programmers • producing, installing and implementing the new system • testing and modifying it to ensure that that it operates reliably. Qualifications: Computer literacy and familiarity with programming languages and relevant software is essential to the job. Graduates with a computer science or software engineering degree are generally preferred.

6. Qualifications: A degree in any subject is acceptable, although employers may prefer graduates with technical or creative qualifications. These include graphic design, fine art, 3-D design, illustration, multimedia technology, software engineering, IT and computer science. Multimedia Programmer Multimedia programmers are responsible for designing and creating multimedia computer products that combine text with sounds, pictures, graphics, video-clips, virtual reality and digital animation etc; Team working skills are valued in this job because it shows that the employee can effectively cooperate with others in the performance of job assignments. Enthusiasm is wanted by the employer because it shows that the employee has the ability to remain consistently positive and optimistic and to maintain enthusiasm in all work tasks and projects. creativity is needed to create the multimedia programmes. The employee must be able to make a programme from what someone else wants and show their expertise whilst using intuitive to make the programme better. This shows the employer that the employee has a range of ideas and can meet others standards and targets. • Typical employers of multimedia programmers: • software and multimedia houses • computer games companies • specialist multimedia and web design companies • IT consultancies • large organizations with in-house websites, multimedia and new media departments. • Job responsibilities include: • creating multimedia product designs • meeting/liaising with clients/managers to discuss requirements or project progress • producing, demonstrating and receiving feedback about products • keeping up to date with technological and software developments • developing skills and expertise in appropriate software/programming languages • producing products that are user-friendly, effective and appealing • working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

7. Computer Sales Support Computer sales support staff provide pre-sales and after-sales technical advice and support about computer systems to customers. Employers want employees who are good at communication in both verbal and written communication. This is useful in this profession because the employee must have so9me commercial awareness so they are able to do the main part of the job which is to sell support. Interpersonal skills are wanted so the employer can see that the employee relate to relationships or communications between people. This is useful because the employee is able to discover what the customer wants quickly and efficiently. Good organizational skills are wanted and valued by the employer because it shows the employee has the ability to organize self and others and to work consistently and without getting overloaded even when the pressure is high. Qualifications; Employers normally prefer graduates with relevant qualifications in computer science/engineering, physics, electronic engineering, mathematics and software engineering • Key responsibilities include: • identifying and establishing new business; • organizing sales visits; • entertaining clients; • negotiating contracts; • undertaking relevant research; • maintaining records; • giving demonstrations; • making presentations; • attending trade exhibitions, conferences and meetings; • preparing tenders and proposals; • reviewing sales performance; • writing reports and sales literature.

8. Sources; http://essaybank.degree-essays.com/education/employers-value-particular-employee-attributes.php 11/01/13 http://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/job-descriptions/279039-software-engineer-job-description 9/10/13 http://www.theladders.co.uk/jobs/it-and-internet/?TrackID=117556&utm_source=google-ppc&utm_medium=ppc-phrase&utm_term=it-jobs&utm_campaign=Jobs-Sectors-Phrase 9/10/13 http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081124003347AANYC9a 24/01/13 http://www.networkworld.com/news/2010/020110-best-it-jobs.html 9/10/13 http://blog.readytomanage.com/top-10-most-valued-job-skills/ 11/01/13