Potential careers in software and computing
The professional fields of application for computing specialists are plentiful. Computing managing executives make up 15% of all executives in France. Between 2005 and 2015, 207 000 new computing positions were created (statistics source: the 'Centre d'Analyse Stratégique' and DARES, January 2007). Unemployment isn't an issue and higher education graduates are in demand. The software and associated services field wasn't severely affected by the 2009 crisis and remained France's leading recruitment sector for managing executives.
The computing sector is dynamic and experiencing strong, sustained growth. It plays an active, wide-stretching economic and human role in society. Every day brings new technological advances and applications which generate a need for innovative projects to meet future demand. It is reasonable to expect that the next technological revolutions will be closely linked to a number of predominant factors relating to:
- the omnipresence of the Internet,
- the increasing popularity of communication devices (PDAs, pocket PCs, iPhones...) and the development of interactivity between these types of products,
- the interdependency of information systems and physical acquired data processing (labels, sensors, readers, etc.),
- the acute nature of security issues,
- the emergence of enhanced mobility and roaming computer technology enabling increased movement, data exchanges and usage anywhere, at any time,
- the convergence of multimedia outlets (web, television, PCs, mobile terminals, etc.),
- etc.
They design or adapt the core software used in hardware systems within the context of specific physical architectures. Their work may also focus on the optimisation of physical architectures by promoting the use of cutting-edge technological solutions. They coordinate and oversee the implementation processes.
They are actively involved in defining the specifications, design process and production of software sub-systems to be integrated within physical and software systems.
They develop and implement communication networks through which voice data, images and other data travel. It is their job to overcome the issues presented by distance and the diverse types of systems and software packages being used. As part of their role, they advise and assist by continually remaining on top of technological advances.
As a specialist in the field of communication matters, the engineer installs, manages and ensures company networks operate to optimal efficiency levels. Their key tasks include:
- selecting, installing and configuring networks
- managing the network's security requirements
- integrating new tools, email servers, antivirus software…
Their position represents a strategic investment on the part of the employer meaning they must work in a thorough, prompt and autonomous manner. Computer security is progressively a more noteworthy component of these occupations due to ever-increasing accessibility and user mobility demands.
The primary objective of web computer engineers is to deal with the online website publications featured within the sites they manage. They must:
- enable access to new content;
- put forward appealing solutions;
- make sure ongoing content evolution requirements are met.
Web computer engineers must have the ability to take on board the needs of the numerous professional partners they work with: graphical designers, ergonomists, developers, clients, end users, etc... They must be able to work independently and maintain a keen focus on potential future technological developments.
Multimedia in a general sense and, more specifically, computer games are areas which have their own place within the computing field. These specialised areas call for highly-developed, diverse and rapidly-evolving computer skills such as:
- development techniques: Internet programming, artificial intelligence;
- man-to-machine communications: multimode systems using voice-triggered interfacing;
- machine-to-machine communications: networks, systems, security, multimedia traffic.
Most projects in this field are conducted within multidisciplinary groups made up of people with varied areas of expertise. They require highly-polished technical skillsets and strong innovation abilities.