Career Path Planning in Computer Science - Coursework Example

CAREER PATH PLANNING IN COMPUTER SCIENCE Introduction Computer Science provides a wide coverage for the s, from having knowledge on the theory part to the physical skills for computer solutions development. It offers strong foundation allowing graduates to have opportunities for adaptation of new technologies and ideas. Having undertaken a full course in Computer Science, the graduate at the end of the course becomes a Computer Scientist. He or she is therefore required to be in a position to design and build software, develop effective ways of solving computer problems, and innovating better ways for computers use and addressing various computer challenges. Designing and implementation of software refers to the task of software development. This has grown to cover web development aspects, interface design, issues concerning securities, mobile computing among others. Most graduates usually follow this career path. Despite having taken a degree being sufficient to venture into this career, some graduates decide to undertake a master’s degree (Lopatto, 2004). Career opportunities is provided in various settings such as software companies, computer services companies, industries, health sectors, banking among other sectors. Coming up with new ways of computer use requires one to come up with various innovations in computer technology applications. This pathway includes graduate work that is advanced, positioning one in an industrial research or research in a university. Coming up with effective ways in solving computing problems needs one to apply knowledge and theory in computer science to come up with solutions to computational problems. This needs graduate work to PhD level, later positioning in Research University or development laboratory or industrial research (Goode, 2008). Typical job Roles On completion of my computer science course, two career jobs of my choice are web designer and software tester. Having gained all the skills and knowledge over the years of my degree course, it would be easier to handle the two careers in the real life situation. Software Tester As a software tester, one is engaged in quality assurance level of development of software and deployment. The person is involved in conducting both automated and manual software tests to ensure their fitness for the purpose they are meant for. This career of software testing involves software and system analysis to eradicate risks and prevent other software issues. The software tester role is tied to development of software systems and other technical products such as electronic goods, vehicles, healthcare and defense. Software testers are usually employed to remove bugs and other issues from the product before they are accessible by the daily users. The software testers are capable of working on multinational projects and technical individual projects that involves the globe and worth billions of pounds. These software testers are familiar with the use of coding languages and programming. Code assessment is one of the roles played by a software tester (Whittaker, 2000). Essential features and Activities As a software tester, the requirements of the project determine the roles. They can start working in a given project at the primary stages for assessments of risks that can occur or join the project midway when testing is required. Big organizations usually have software testers concentrating on one project. This is different from small organizations that have multiple projects handled by the central team. Software testers are involved in various typical activities which I am expected to handle at the end of my degree course. As a software tester one is expected to meet with the system users to get the clue on the projects scope. Knowing the reason for the existence of the project together with the objectives makes the software tester concentrates towards the achievement of the stated goals. The tester will therefore assure those engaged in the project of objectives achievement at the end of the project. As a software tester, one is expected to work together wit the software developers and the members of the team supporting the project. Working together with these members creates room for innovations and new methods and skills for a software tester. The software tester must be in a position to know the business requirements. This allows for the working towards fulfilling of such requirements which makes up the goals of the business owners. The tester should be involved in project planning. This would equip him or her with the knowledge of the stages that the project is going to undertake. The tester will therefore know where and when to intervene, due to the identification of the critical stages in the project (Patton,2006). The software tester should be involved in the software systems and applications monitoring. Monitoring allows for the problem identification at the primary stages. This brings the issues under control before they cause adverse problems that might interfere with the functioning of the device. The software tester is involved in the testing of the extent to which the device can manage to work comfortably. Computer software may work and fail at some point. It is therefore for the tester to put precautions on the functioning of certain software to prevent overworking. Testing of software performance allows for the provision of the user with software that will enable for better work performance hence quality output. The software tester therefore ensures of high level performance for the fulfillment of an individual requirement. The software provided should be functioning well and comfortable to work with. The tester is therefore equipped with the testing of the functioning of the software before it is made accessible to the user. The tester is also engaged in the testing of scalability. The system should be in a position to handle the work that is growing and be able to accommodate the growth. This ensures the user for handling of a large volume of work. The tester also writes and executes test scripts. These are instructions performed on the system that is under test or to test for the functioning of the systems. This assures of good product to the user. There is also the controlling of both manual tests and automated tests by the software tester. This provides signal for system malfunctioning hence fast corrective measures. The testing of the system is carried out in various environments whether mobile or web. The system is therefore placed in an environment that it functions well. The software tester also reports bug in writing. These are errors that occur in the programs that contradicts its functioning. This makes it easy to know the specific problem in the program. They also carry out resource planning as they play various roles in their implementations. Reviewing of documents to approve their functionality is also carried out by the software tester. They usually work towards completion of the project at the stated deadline and carry out a follow-up to see their effectiveness. The software testers also design tests and ensure the eradication of risks that are capable of occurring. Preventive measures are placed at the primary stages to prevent the occurrence of such risks. The users should also become assure of the quality of the system by provision of high quality system which matches the latest technology (Tamres, 2002). Typical person specification For one to work as a software tester in the real world situation, there are things that one is expected to be familiar to work effectively and achieve the highest level of quality work. One must have undertaken a degree in computer science or software development and passed. There should an experience with manual software testing and also automatic testing. One should know how to carry out acceptance testing, which involves determination of requirements of software. One should also be familiar with full release cycle of software in commercial software setting. There is also the need to be familiar with testing of website and also desktops software. This career also needs one with knowledge on automation tools common tests and also bug-tracking tools. There is also need to have better understanding in python scripting and being expert in the use of selenium and configuration. One should also have a good experience in user-focused testing and agile development methodologies. Looking at the personal abilities and skills, one should be an expert in solving of problems and have excellent interpersonal skills. There is also the need for one being capable of working to deadlines that are tight and able to manage complex workload. One is also expected to be proactive, taking responsibility comfortably, self-motivated and working under limited supervision. As a software tester, one should be able to communicate easily with scientists and developers sharing motivations and challenges. One must also be in opposition to be able to explain typical tests patterns to both developers and scientists. One is expected to have the abilities on how to comprehend challenges that are scientific relevant to the organizations’ customers. You should also be familiar with the software packages used typically by these customers. One should be excellent in communication skills orally and written. He or she should also be well organized, punctual, and flexible in work approach and attentive (Myers, Sandler & Badgett, 2011). Professional, legal and ethical considerations These include the accepted standards for both individuals and legally accepted by law. These standards are meant to guard the users against exploitation or any kind of abuse by the providers. As a software tester, contribution of one to human well-being and society is very important. Software testers should work towards the development of the systems that minimizes the negative effects to the society and simplifying the daily human activities. Avoid the creation of systems that harm others. The computer systems can cause resources and information losses which might be harmful to individual users and organizations. It’s upon software testers to reduce such risks due to security issues or coding errors by adhering to standards of test systems. Honesty and trustworthy is also important. This expects the testers to be honest, being aware of their knowledge and limitations when testing computer systems. The software tester should also report with immediate effect on realization of a problem in computer system to avoid adverse consequences on the users. Proper credit for rational property should be given. The software tester should not take credit for work by someone else. One is expected to reorganize and credit fully work by someone and use own ideas to carry out software testing. Have respect on others privacy. Software testers should ensure that the programs given out protects the user’s private information and prevent unauthorized people from having access to it. There is also the need to honor confidentiality. When working for an organization or an individual, high secret should be maintained concerning their information unless required by law or other ethical guidelines (Parsons & Oja, D. 2012). The software approval should only be done in a condition that it is safe and meets the users’ specifications. There is also the need for one to take responsibility of the work he or she does by himself or herself. Programs presenting errors needs revising by the software tester who approved it. Ones undertaking a project, the software tester should be able to identify and address ethical and economic issues concerning work projects. This allow for the reporting to employers incase of identification of any problem from the project before continuation. The software tester should also ensure that they approve software that fulfills the needs of the users. There is also the need to ensure adequate debugging, testing and software review. One should also not engage in illegal; financial practices such as taking of bribes or double billing. There is also the need to improve on ones ability to provide safe, reliable and quality software. Website Designer A web designer on the other hand is involved in the planning, creation and coding of web pages. The designer does this by the use of both skills, technical and non-technical, leading to production of websites that fits the requirements of the user. The designers are usually involved in the looking of aspects of pages from both technical and graphical views. This allows for the production of appearance of the website and the ways in which they work. These designers are also equipped with the maintenance of the site that had existed before. This term web designer is sometimes used in the place of web developer, but is easily confused. Web development is a specific role, focused at the end development of the website. Developing of a website usually incorporate coming up with more complex search functions together with other things. The current development of smart phones or tablet devices has formed a new way for websites designing. This expects a website designer of ensuring the responsiveness of web pages despite of the device used by the viewer. Therefore, website testing at different stages for various devices has formed an important job aspect. Essential features and Activities Web designer activities also vary. This depends on the type of organization they work for and website technical level. As a website designer, one meets the clients and identifies the clients’ needs. He or she also cooperates with them regularly. This strengthens the designers’ relationships with the clients hence a chance to win their trust making them open to share their complaints and needs. Formations of website specifications are also carried out by the designer. I should therefore be in a position to come up with website specifications that is detailed once I decide to become a website designer. This equips me with the decision of the contents of the website to ensure it is appreciated by the clients and it fulfills their needs. The website designer also carries out page layout designing including size of the texts and colors. Different clients prefer different colors and text sizes when working or running certain programs. It is therefore the work of web designer to provide as many colors as possible or various text sizes. The client should be in a position to change color or text appearances to what fits his or her needs. The designer also designs graphics, animations and involved in the manipulation of digital photographs. These graphics and animations should be made in a way that they are adjustable with the new technology so as to maintain the quality of the website to the highest level possible. As a website designer, one is expected to register the domain names of the web and organization of website hosting. This allows for the appearance of individuals websites on the web for public view. Registration of the domain names allows for the approval of their effectiveness to the clients hence easier accessibility and use. The designer is also equipped with the presentation of website design ideas to the client at the start. This makes the client decide on what he or she needs and the designer advices on the best design after considering the clients’ needs. The designer is also involved in the coding by use of different software. This involves computer programming, designing process, trouble shooting and maintenance of the initial codes of computer programs. There is also functioning with various content management systems. This makes publishing and edition of content easier. It also allows for organization and deletion together with maintenance from central interface. Designer is also involved in search engine optimization. This allows for the accessibility or visibility of the website. Website visibility makes the use of the website easier for the client. As a website designer, one is required to legal requirements related to the career. These requirements includes; accessibility standards, privacy and freedom of information. The designer also designs visual imagery for websites and ensures it matches with the branding policy of the company and the client needs (Badre, 2002). Typical person specification To be a web designer in the real life situation also looks into various qualifications. One should have done GCSE English and Mathematics and passed. One should also be familiar with other application software such as Microsoft office. There is also need to know how to use problem solving skills and thinking creatively to achieve the objectives. You should also be able to work effectively with other staff members and maintain effective relationships including with the customers. One should be in a position to plan and prioritize own workload to secure deadlines with quality cost. There is also the need to be capable of applying principles of design for websites delivery and be committed on an approach that is customer focused (Liu & Arnett, 2000). Professional, legal and ethical considerations Website designer should aim towards enhancement of web accessibility. This allows people with disabilities to also use the website. There is the need to provide equivalent alternatives to visual and auditory contents. One should add descriptions to images and come up with transcripts for videos and audio files (Petrovici, 2013). Use of markup and style sheets is vital. One is expected to use HTML where appropriate and also use of predefined CSS style. Clarification of natural language usage is also necessary. Concerning the copyright, one is not allowed to use someone’s copyright without the owner’s permission. The privacy of the website is also important. Obtaining information from another website expects one to have detail private policy of the website which provides details of the information you want to collect through your website. The web designer is expected to adhere to the Cookies Law. This law guards what is suppose to be sold through website hence monitoring illegal sales and advertisement. There is also the need to provide basic information on the website such as email, name, and geographic address. Marketing of email is also prohibited. One is expected to send information that fulfills the users’ needs (Duquenoy, Jones & Blundell, 2008). Evaluation The two jobs, web designer and software tester, have the same requirements with both opportunities available for graduate who has undertaken computer science course.The legal and ethnics considerations are more or less the same as far as the field of computer science is concerned. Having undertaken computrer science at degree level one can decide to specialize in any of the above jobs but the basic knowledge requirements are the same. Different people undertaking the two jobs can always work together for provision of high quality programs. Having gone through the two jobs and considering my skills and knowledge, I would like to work as a web designer. Furthermore, when I decided to undertake this degree course I have always had the interest of becoming a Web Designer. This has been enhanced by my experience in handling python, java and dracket. I am also good in JavaScript, HTML, CSS and also oracle sql. These are basic requirements for a Web Designer. Having studied Computer Science up to level 5 has equipped me with the knowledge and skills and I believe in working comfortably as a Web Designer. Summary In summary, having looked at the two jobs I have come to realize once in the field of computer one is expected to be updated with the new technology. It is expected of one top give his or her level best ones working for an organization. This creates ones good image and gives him or her long term employment to the company. However most employees are usually interested in the amount of salary they are being given. As a Web designer or in any field of computer one should concentrate towards provision of high quality job and innovating of new ideas as this may make one achieve a high level in Computer Science. Adhering to the rules governing programs and system is also important as this maintains ones positive image. BIBLIOGRAPHY BADRE, A. (2002). Shaping Web usability: interaction design in context. Addison-Wesley Professional. DUQUENOY, P., JONES, S., & BLUNDELL, B. G. (2008). Ethical, legal and professional issues in computing. Australia, Thomson. GOODE, J. (2008, March). Increasing diversity in k-12 computer science: strategies from the field. In ACM SIGCSE Bulletin (Vol. 40, No. 1, pp. 362-366). ACM. LIU, C., & ARNETT, K. P. 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