Computer Systems Designer

What a Computer Systems Designer Does

Those who work in computer systems design create computer and IT systems that allow businesses and other entities to operate effectively and efficiently. As a computer systems designer, you will facilitate these computer and IT systems, working to design custom software programs, manage computer and information systems, as well as manage computer facilities. Your work may be done onsite for one particular company, or you might do your work on a contract basis for several organizations. Additionally, some computer systems designers specialize in a particular service, like websites, e-commerce, and data centers. Information security has become a growing concern for organizations, and computer systems designers are increasingly being used to manage these threats. Computer systems designers will typically work a regular full time week in business office settings. However, some may work in computer operations centers if they specialize in facilities management and maintenance, and others are able to work from home or other remote locations.

How to Become a Computer Systems Designer

Traditionally, computer systems designers did not have to meet any formal educational requirements because most employers simply hired designers based on their work experience. However, as the field has become more complex due to advancements in technology as well as increased societal and business dependence on computers, it would be beneficial for prospective computer systems designers to earn at least a bachelor's degree in computer science in order to show employers that they have met a standard of education and professional skills. For career advancement, computer systems designers should consider earning a higher degree in the field or in a study related to the field, such as earning a master's degree in management if one aspires to work in a management position. Voluntary professional certification is also available for those looking to boost their credentials. Such certifications can be obtained from organizations like the Institute for Certification of Computing Professionals (ICCP) and include titles like Certified Computing Professional (CCP), Certified IT Consultant (CITC), and Associate Computing Professional (ACP).

Career Outlook for Computer Systems Designers

Though most work places only employ a handful of computer systems designers, this particular occupation is still prospering and prospective designers should still be able to find a position with relative ease. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that in 2008, approximately 1.5 million jobs were in the computer systems design and related services industry. That number is growing, too. During the 2008-18 decade, employment opportunities will increase a whopping 45 percent, which is above and beyond the national job growth 11 percent average of all industries combined. This will pour about 656,400 new computer systems designing jobs into the market, according to BLS, which is great news for those looking to join the field. The continual demand for computer efficiency and security calls for more workers, so as long as computers remain an integral part of society, then computer systems designers will remain an integral part of the technology industry. In addition to a prospering job climate, future computer systems designers can also look forward to ample financial rewards. The average salary for these designers is $1,401 per week, though those who work in specialty positions and management positions typically earn more.