AboutJeff Laatsch Expertise I can answer programming questions related to: C, C++, PHP, PERL, VB, SQL, ASP, JAVA, JS, XHTML, XML, CSS, PL/SQL, AWK, SED, VI Editor and if I don`t know the answer I have 20+ years systems experience as my resource.
I can handle general questions in most areas of computer science including systems integration, API, networking related issues.
Experience An accomplished WEB Master/Developer, Programmer Analyst, Systems Administrator with 12+ years of industry background in full system management and technical hardware/software support expertise including SUN, HP-UX, AIX, LINUX, and Windows NT,Win2000, 2003 with Active Directory: Well rounded in software engineering principles, requirements gathering, analyst, definition, system architectural design, OOA, OOD, UML, SEI-CMM and SDLC: Knowledgeable in Data Warehouse, Data Mart technologies, and experienced working with ORACLE databases utilizing ERP, SQL, PHP, PERL, C, C++, PL/SQL,SQL, JAVA, VB.NET, SOAP and other Dynamic WEB technologies: Analytical thinker and problem solver: Goal oriented professional who has a Masters in Computer Systems with emphasis in computer programming (C++ and Application Development).
Education/Credentials City University, WA 12/03
Master of Science in Computer Systems
with Emphasis in Computer programming (C++/App Development)
Chapman University, WA 6/01
Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
Emphasis in Computer networks and security
20+ years of experience in the Computer Science Industry
Awards and Honors 7/96,9/96,10/96,1/97,2/98,6/99,10/01,7/02,01/03,
Outstanding Achievement & Special Recognition
Question I am interested in pursuing a career in the Computer Information Systems field. I would like to know what responsibilities such a career would consist of. That is, what could I do in this field?
Answer Wilhelmina,
Thanks for writing.
Employment opportunities for CIS graduates continues to be very positive. The demand for CIS graduates has increased for the past several years, and it should continue to increase for at least the next five years.
Job titles and descriptions vary from business to business. Therefore, the following job descriptions are not meant to imply that all persons with the following job titles perform the same duties and responsibilities.
Careers:
1. Systems Analyst:
Systems Analysts work closely with managers, software programmers, and computer users to pinpoint needs and reach goals. Businesses of all types rely on Systems Analysts to integrate and upgrade their systems and ensure that they run smoothly. An entry-level analyst might work closely with end-users to analyze their needs and design an information system solution.
2. Database Analyst:
A Database Analyst is a persons that must be familiar with the organization's database structure and assists systems analysts and business programmers in developing or modifying applications that use the database.
3. Database Administrator
Database Administrators interact with top management, end users, and system developers to do long range information planning and design. The Database Administrator is responsible for improving database performance, ensuring the overall security of the database, and for providing training and support to users.
4. Web Developer Webmaster Web Engineer
Web Developers design, implement, and support Web applications. Most Webmasters Web Developers Web Engineers maintain a company's Web site, but the responsibilities vary from company to company. A Webmaster may develop the content and graphics for a Web site. A Webmaster may control the infrastructure for a Web site. A Webmaster may coordinate a team of Web developers that work on a Web site. Helpful software to know if you desire to become a Webmaster are HTML, Java, and JavaScript. A Webmaster also needs to know about servers and databases.
A Web Developer may be responsible for supporting the marketing related features of a Web site. Helpful software to know includes HTML, Java, JavaScript, Perl, and VBScript. It is also a plus to know Adobe PhotoShop and Macromedia Flash. Two of the more popular certifications for Web Developers are through the IWA (International Webmaster Association) and WOW (World Organization of Webmasters).
5. Help Desk Technical Support Application Support
Most medium to large organizations have Help Desk Operators to assist with computer questions. A Help Desk Operator may answer software and/or hardware questions for employees over the telephone, e-mail, or in person. A help desk operator may also assist in writing and maintaining Help Desk Manuals. The Help Desk Operator position is usually an entry-level position and will help a person gain experience. A Help Desk Operator can be promoted to a Help Desk Manager or other technology positions.
6. Webcasting
Webcasting features streaming rich multimedia. A Webcast is similar to a television broadcast, but airs on the Internet. Employment opportunities are available for people with knowledge in a range of fields, including production and camera use, content development and technical writing, audio/visual expertise, engineering, networking, and other technical areas.
7. PC Technician - Field Engineer
Responsibilities of a PC Technician might include installation of hardware, troubleshooting hardware, and repairing hardware. This also requires to have a A++ certification, or MCSE. Other responsibilities may include software installation and upgrade and troubleshooting software. Because this career field has to work with end users, communication skills as well as technical skills are very important in this job.
A field Engineer is like the PC technican except that they are out in the field servicing equipment. Now in the Cellular Phone Industry just knowing how to resolve PC issues doesn't complete the requirement. You will need to know about the Cellular Phone Industry, and some Engineering courses on Cellular Industry would also help.
8. Communications Analyst - Network Engineer
A Communication Analyst helps in the research, design, installation, and maintenance of local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). Common environments include voice, fiber optics, and TCP/IP. The Communications Analyst assists with connectivity problems; they analyze data flow; they configure routers and switches; they maintain firewalls.
9. Applications Programmers - Software Developer
An Applications Programmer writes software to handle specific jobs.
10. Programmer/Analyst - Systems Integration Engineer
Computer Programmers write detailed instructions that list in logical order the steps the computer must follow to organize data, solve a problem, or do some other task. They test the operation of programs to be sure instructions are correct and will produce the desired information. If errors occur, programs must be changed and rechecked until they produce the correct results. They prepare instruction sheets for computer operators who will run the programs.
11. Network Administrator
A Network Administrator must have a thorough knowledge of operating system software as well as network operating system software. A Network Administrator ensures that servers and workstations operate properly. Network Administrators maintain backups and security procedures. Network Administrators often have some type of certification such as MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Engineer), CNE (Certified Novel Engineer), or CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate).
12. Systems Administrator
A System Administrator must have a thorough knowledge of operating system software as well as network operating system software. The primary job of a System Administrator deals with full management of a system such as a Application Servers, Database Servers, Primary Domain Controllers, Backup Domain Controllers.
Now this just covers a few of the many possibilities in the field of Computer Information Systems. For example, the Medical field is another field that covers all of the above but deals with MEDICAL information only.
