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Tasks* |
- Modify existing software to correct errors, to adapt it to new hardware
or to upgrade interfaces and improve performance.
- Design and develop software systems, using scientific analysis and
mathematical models to predict and measure outcome and consequences of design.
- Consult with engineering staff to evaluate interface between hardware
and software, develop specifications and performance requirements and resolve customer
problems.
- Analyze information to determine, recommend and plan installation of
a new system or modification of an existing system.
- Develop and direct software system testing and validation procedures.
- Direct software programming and development of documentation.
- Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals
and technical issues such as software system design and maintenance.
- Advise customer about, or perform, maintenance of software system.
- Coordinate installation of software system.
- Monitor functioning of equipment to ensure system operates in conformance
with specifications.
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Tools & Technology* |
Tools used in this occupation:
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Desktop computers |
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High end computer servers — Application servers; Directory servers |
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Integrated circuit testers — In circuit emulators ICE; Logic analyzers |
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Notebook computers |
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Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers — Personal digital assistant
PDAs |
Technology used in this occupation:
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Data base management system software — Database management software; Distributed
database management software; IBM DB2; Microsoft transact-structural query language
T-SQL |
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Development environment software — C; Embedded systems development software;
IBM Rational Rose XDE Developer D93; Microsoft Visual Basic |
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Object or component oriented development software — C++; Practical extraction
and reporting language Perl; Self; Simulation language SIMULA |
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Operating system software — Job control language JCL; Novell Linux; VxWorks
software; Win CE |
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Program testing software — Defect tracking software; Fault testing software;
IBM Rational ClearQuest; Mercury Interactive LoadRunner |
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Knowledge* |
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Computers and Electronics — Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips,
electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications
and programming. |
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Mathematics — Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics,
and their applications. |
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English Language — Knowledge of the structure and content of the English
language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and
grammar. |
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Engineering and Technology — Knowledge of the practical application of engineering
science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures,
and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services. |
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Customer and Personal Service — Knowledge of principles and processes for
providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment,
meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction. |
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Design — Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in
production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models. |
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Education and Training — Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum
and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the
measurement of training effects. |
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Communications and Media — Knowledge of media production, communication,
and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform
and entertain via written, oral, and visual media. |
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Clerical — Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems
such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription,
designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology. |
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Telecommunications — Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching,
control, and operation of telecommunications systems. |
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Skills* |
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Complex Problem Solving — Identifying complex problems and reviewing related
information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
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Technology Design — Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve
user needs. |
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Troubleshooting — Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what
to do about it. |
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Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and
weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. |
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Active Learning — Understanding the implications of new information for both
current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
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Programming — Writing computer programs for various purposes. |
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Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in
work related documents. |
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Systems Analysis — Determining how a system should work and how changes in
conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes. |
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Mathematics — Using mathematics to solve problems. |
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Operations Analysis — Analyzing needs and product requirements to create
a design. |
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Abilites* |
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Deductive Reasoning — The ability to apply general rules to specific problems
to produce answers that make sense. |
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Inductive Reasoning — The ability to combine pieces of information to form
general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated
events). |
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Information Ordering — The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain
order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of
numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). |
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Oral Comprehension — The ability to listen to and understand information
and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
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Oral Expression — The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking
so others will understand. |
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Problem Sensitivity — The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely
to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is
a problem. |
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Mathematical Reasoning — The ability to choose the right mathematical methods
or formulas to solve a problem. |
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Near Vision — The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet
of the observer). |
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Originality — The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a
given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem. |
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Written Comprehension — The ability to read and understand information and
ideas presented in writing. |
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Work Activities* |
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Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including
hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data,
or process information. |
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating
results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
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Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons,
or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
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Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and
applying new knowledge to your job. |
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Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and
plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information
to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail,
or in person. |
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Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information
from all relevant sources. |
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Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing,
or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
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Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant
information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply
with laws, regulations, or standards. |
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing,
estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances
or events. |
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Work Context* |
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Face-to-Face Discussions — How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions
with individuals or teams in this job? |
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Electronic Mail — How often do you use electronic mail in this job? |
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Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — How important is being very exact
or highly accurate in performing this job? |
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Work With Work Group or Team — How important is it to work with others in
a group or team in this job? |
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Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — How often does this job require working
indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? |
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Spend Time Sitting — How much does this job require sitting? |
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Structured versus Unstructured Work — To what extent is this job structured
for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities,
and goals? |
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Freedom to Make Decisions — How much decision making freedom, without supervision,
does the job offer? |
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Telephone — How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? |
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Contact With Others — How much does this job require the worker to be in
contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform
it? |
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Job Zone* |
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Title |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed |
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Overall Experience |
A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is
needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years
of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. |
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Job Training |
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience,
on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. |
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Job Zone Examples |
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training
others. Examples include accountants, human resource managers, computer programmers,
teachers, chemists, and police detectives. |
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SVP Range |
(7.0 to < 8.0) |
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Education |
Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not. |
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Interests* |
Interest code: IRC
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Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with
ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve
searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally. |
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Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that
include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants,
animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations
require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely
with others. |
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Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set
procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details
more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow. |
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Work Styles* |
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Analytical Thinking — Job requires analyzing information and using logic
to address work-related issues and problems. |
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Attention to Detail — Job requires being careful about detail and thorough
in completing work tasks. |
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Cooperation — Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying
a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
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Initiative — Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
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Achievement/Effort — Job requires establishing and maintaining personally
challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
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Adaptability/Flexibility — Job requires being open to change (positive or
negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
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Innovation — Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop
new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. |
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Integrity — Job requires being honest and ethical. |
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Dependability — Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable,
and fulfilling obligations. |
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Persistence — Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. |
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Work Values* |
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Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented
and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. |
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Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employs to
work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility
and Autonomy. |
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Wages & Employment* |
National
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Median wages (2005) |
$39.48 hourly, $82,120 annual |
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Employment (2004) |
340,000 employees |
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Projected growth (2004-2014) |
Much faster than average (36+%)
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Projected need (2004-2014) |
180,000 additional employees |
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