Ethan Hood THE COMPUTER CAREER PROBLEM

THE PROBLEM The focus question is: “Is a computer career for me?” We need to identify the criteria for answering the question. The criteria important to me are: Alignment with values (IE: Is it ethical? Am I fulfilled? Do I make enough money?) Day to day working life conditions (is it boring or dangerous?) Interest Opportunity for advancement Availability of jobs

ANALYZING THE PROBLEM – WHAT I ALREADY KNOW I know that I am currently interested into computers, however I still am concerned that I may no longer be interested in computers. Computer careers are rarely unethical. However, programmers have an ethical obligation to produce good work, as people’s lives may be on the line (such as car computer systems). There appears to be nothing evil about making video games, for example. The day to day life of a computer worker probably involves sitting in front of the computer for most hours of the day. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (US), employment for programmer positions is expected to grow at an average rate, with most job growth within data processing firms, software houses, and computer consulting businesses.

ALGORITHM 1: WEB SOLUTION PROS AND CONS Take online career quizzes to see if any computer related careers match my values and my interests. Then, research the possible careers to see if they match my criteria. Pros: Able to get very direct answers quickly. Easily accumulate a number of sources to balance it out and make a decision. Lots of information is available for research. Gives specific careers are suggestions instead of just answering yes or no. Cons: Limited access to the reasoning behind the results. No real life expertise. No way of accurately researching the “opportunity for advancement criteria”, there is no data on this.

WEB SOLUTION These are the steps of the algorithm Use the Career Cruising Matchmaker to determine possible computer careers. Use the Career Cruising Skills Quiz to determine if computer careers match my skills (or projected skills after university). Research these careers extensively using a variety of online sources like careerprofiles.com and Career Cruising.

ALGORITHM 2: REAL LIFE SOLUTION PROS AND CONS This would involve me interviewing my Dad, who has worked in the computer field for 30 years. Pros: Real world experience, credible source, high level of knowledge about top level computer related jobs, good connections Cons: Out of date information on entry level conditions of the computer industry, only one source

REAL LIFE SOLUTION There is only one step to this algorithm: interview my father and ask any questions I have.

CHOOSING AN ALGORITHM I think the best algorithm is the Web Solution. This is because it is very versatile and will offer me endless information, and shows me if I would like the career or not. The only problem is the fact that there isn’t any information on “opportunity for advancement” (meaning: how often would I get a raise, promotion, or new job opening?). The other algorithm does not have enough sources.

ANSWER After testing the algorithm I have concluded that a computer career is a possibility for me. Values: a career computers matches my values: I want to work in an interesting fast moving field like programming or robotics. Day to Day: this field is where I draw most of my concern. I think a different field may have a more fun day to day life. Interest: I am interested in computers enough to pursue a career. Opportunity for Advancement: I have determined that the sky is the limit for a computer career. Availability of jobs: there is a demand for programmers and similar workers, but it is only growing at an average pace.