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A CLOSER LOOK AT THE NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR JOB DESCRIPTION

woman working in server room

Whether you’re completely new to the IT field or just considering your next step in your career, becoming a network administrator certainly sounds like an appealing option. Practically every organization has IT needs, so stepping into a position that oversees those networking needs at a higher level sounds like a smart career goal. 

But before you invest time or money into becoming a network admin, you want to know everything you can—especially the factors that job postings aren’t mentioning. We evaluated network administrator job descriptions to nail down the basics and gathered insights from IT professionals to find out all you need to know about working as a network admin. Take a moment to learn what they think you should know.

The typical network administrator job description

Network administrators play an important role in any company—no matter the industry. They’re the point-person for keeping the organization’s computer network up-to-date and running optimally. Whether this means providing suggestions on how to effectively connect or deploy various software systems or what network hardware to purchase or maintaining the security of the system, it’s all in the day’s work of a network administrator.

Common network administrator job duties

Working as a network administrator means wearing many hats throughout the day. It’s likely they’ll have to problem-solve, think strategically and communicate clearly on a regular basis. Here are a few examples of specific duties a network administrator performs, according to U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics:1

  • Determine an organization’s system needs and install network hardware and software
  • Maintain network and computer system security
  • Train users in proper use of hardware and software
  • Interpret and solve problems when a user or automated monitoring system sends an alert
  • Manage organization’s servers, desktop and mobile equipment
  • Ensure email and data storage networks work properly
  • Make sure employees’ workstations are working efficiently and stay connected to the central computer network

Network administration skills employers are seeking

No matter the industry, network admins need a certain set of skills to get hired or even score an interview. We used job posting analysis software to examine over 126,000 network administrator job postings in order to identify some of the top skills employers are seeking.

In-demand technical skills for network administrators:2

  • Systems administration
  • Operating systems
  • Technical support
  • Network configuration
  • Cybersecurity
  • Cloud solutions
  • Databases and programing
  • Network file systems
  • Scripting languages
  • Virtualization
  • Telecommunications

In-demand transferable skills for network administrators:2

  • Basic customer service
  • Project management
  • Scheduling
  • Software development principles
  • Help desk support
  • Writing
  • Test automation
  • Business strategy

While technical skills will help your resume meet employers’ baseline needs and hopefully get you in a position to ace an interview, your transferable skills—like problem-solving, communication and teamwork ability—will help you navigate and excel in your career beyond that point.

But don’t be discouraged if you don’t have many of the technical skills listed above. These are the kind of skills that you can gain by earning a Network Systems Administration degree. 

Education and experience requirements for network administrators

While a degree will certainly help bring your technical abilities up to par, it’s fair to wonder if you could find your way into one of these positions without a formal education. The short answer to that question? Maybe—but it could pose challenges depending on your background.

Our analysis of network administrator job postings found that 90 percent of positions were seeking candidates with an associate’s degree at a minimum.3 Experience is also a big factor—this role isn’t typically entry-level and most candidates will likely need a fair amount of IT and networking experience to be considered a top tier option. Our job posting analysis found that just 23 percent of job postings were seeking candidates with 0-2 years of experience, compared to the 57 percent seeking 3-5 years of experience.3

In addition to formal education, network admin hopefuls should consider pursuing professional certifications as well.

Beyond the network administrator job description

You can only tell so much from a formal job description on paper. There are some things you can only learn from experience. Take advantage of this firsthand insight from experienced professionals.

1. Don’t discount your customer service skills

Working as a network administrator isn’t all technical skills and network systems. Working with network users to solve problems and find solutions for stakeholders while providing insight on network-wide issues requires having strong people-skills. Being friendly and personable can go a long way when working with other IT staff and with network users.

“The part [of this job] many people struggle with is the customer-facing skills,” says David Moise, president of Decide Consulting. “You do not get parodied on Saturday Night Live without there being some truth to it.”

Moise says he’s noticed some progressive managed service providers sending their network staff to “Disney-style” customer service training to improve their communication skills and responsiveness. It’s clear a greater emphasis is being placed on staff who can effectively navigate personal interactions.

2. Play the long game

While jobs in the tech industry are thriving right now and will likely continue to, that doesn’t mean they won’t change. “Focus on the skills that will be in demand over the next 10 years,” encourages Moise. If you see a demand for cyber security increasing in your field, make sure you’re grabbing the IT tickets pertaining to security. Become the go-to security expert and work to earn a job title that reflects that.

Since you won’t likely be a network administrator forever keep an eye out for other IT positions with similar duties and needed skills from DevOps engineer, site reliability engineer, cloud hosting and systems engineer. As the technology world quickly evolves, keep your eyes peeled for what’s coming and position yourself accordingly. 

3. Stay up-to-date

In order to keep your skillset ready for whatever the field has in store in the next few years, you’ll need stay on top of new advances.

“There’s no magic to it,” says Andy Lipnitski, IT Director at ScienceSoft. Simply keep up with news outlets’ tech sections and blogs from the world’s leading network companies. Observe market trends and try out technologies that are gaining popularity. “If there’s a new technology on the market, don’t hesitate to experiment with it.”

4. Certifications matter

While there are more and more tech jobs available, the skills needed for each are becoming more specialized, says Moise. Certifications are often the most obvious way you can prove knowledge to a potential employer. Earning them will help you keep pace with skills and changes in the field and help demonstrate you have a deep knowledge base for hardware components and operating systems.

The Rasmussen College Network Systems Administration degree will prepare you to sit for industry certifications like:

  • Cisco® CCENT
  • CompTIA® A+ (parts 1 and 2)
  • CompTIA Linux+
  • CompTIA Network+
  • CompTIA Security+
  • Microsoft® MCSA Windows 10

Start your career in network administration

Chances are high that if you’ve read through to the end, you’re still interested in possibly becoming a network administrator. That’s great! The tech world is in need of more skilled and personable individuals.

Now that you know more about the job duties and the factors you may not find in the job descriptions, maybe you’re curious about the process to actually become a network administrator. Find out in our article, “How to Become a Network Administrator: The Info You Need to Know.”

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WHY STUDY CYBER SECURITY? 8 REASONS TO REMEMBER

illustration of rubiks cube with tech design

It really does seem like cyber security is impossible to ignore these days. And cyber security experts insist that it will be more and more dangerous for companies to ignore growing digital threats. If you’ve looked into cyber security before, you know how critical this role is becoming in today’s society.

But critical doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a good career choice. You want to get a wide-angle view of working in cyber security to see whether an investment in pursuing this career path appeals to you.

You’ve come to the right place—we asked professionals in the cyber security field to weigh in on why they chose this career and what it could offer to career hopefuls in the future.

So, why study cyber security?

“I’ve been in cybersecurity since, well, the beginning of cybersecurity,” says George Kamis, CTO of Forcepoint. “And what I really like about this field is that it’s continuously changing. It seems like every day there’s another news headline about a cyberattack.”

While some like Kamis may love the challenge of securing networks from continually shifting threats and attack approaches, that’s not all there is to like. Read on to learn what else Kamis and others had to share.

1. Our network connectivity is only growing

The learning curve for organizations adapting to the digital world is steep even now. And it doesn’t show any sign of tapering off. “The world is only becoming more networked,” says Allan Buxton, director of forensics at Secure Forensics.

Buxton explains that even cyber security professionals are constantly learning to keep up with the speed of attacks and change. For instance, Buxton points to the computing systems in newer vehicles needing cyber security review—something that would barely register as an area of concern 20 years ago.

“New fields of discipline will emerge—it’s not a field where you can get your degree, go to work, and never have to take a class again,” Buxton says.

More and more household objects are becoming part of the Internet of Things (IoT) and with each comes new challenges to counter and best practices to absorb—and with that can come opportunities.

“There will always be attackers looking to take advantage of insecure implementations, so there’s a job out there for you if you commit to the profession.”

2. Job opportunities are projected to grow substantially

Speaking of opportunities, these careers are on the rise with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 28 percent growth in employment of information security analysts through 2026—a rate much faster than the national average.1 One of the primary drivers of this growth is the increasing prevalence of cyberattacks.

Great demand doesn’t always equal opportunity where you are, however. IT and cyber governance expert Elvis Moreland points out that even though the job market in general is good for this field, every metropolitan area will be a little different. Sites like Cyber Seek can give you more information on what the cybersecurity needs are in the areas you are considering.

3. Specialties within cyber security are increasing

For a long while, IT departments basically had cyber security duties looped into their work. While it remains closely tied with IT, cyber security is now an established field all to itself—and a variety of roles and needs are developing all the time.

“I enjoy the emerging professionalism of the field,” Moreland says. “Similar to industries like healthcare, we have specialties in governance, engineering, assessment, risk management, compliance, architecture, operations, eDiscovery, forensics, etc. …”

These specialties just create more options for professionals in the field to truly spend time working on what they like best and developing a deep skill set in specific areas.

4. This job can be hard to outsource

When it comes to securing assets and warding off breaches that could bring down a company—few organizations are willing to roll the dice with outsourcing. While obviously there’s no guarantee this will remain true forever, Buxton says the work of information security professionals, particularly when well-established in larger organizations, is relatively tricky to outsource.

This makes many in-house cyber security professionals well-positioned for job security. This should also give information security professionals working for managed service providers (specialized cybersecurity businesses with multiple clients) some peace of mind as well—it’s relatively “sticky” work and clients aren’t likely to hop from provider to provider frequently.

5. You get to be a hero sometimes

“I’m in this career because, honestly, I found it more interesting than design or administration,” Buxton says. “It can be rewarding work, especially when you stop someone from suffering harm, or track down an attacker for real-world consequences.”

Working in information technology is in a way similar to working as a referee—most don’t notice you when you’re doing a good job as things are just working the way they should. While cyber security work still largely follows this mold, there are certainly times where the nature of your work can add some excitement (and recognition) for your day-to-day efforts. Even when a job well-done flies under the radar, you know that your work directly impacts people’s security and thwarts criminal endeavors.

6. You have multiple viable educational paths

Since cyber security is still pretty new, the industry isn’t weighed down by expectations of how the education path should look. While a Cyber Security Bachelor’s degree is definitely a strong option, Moreland says there’s still a path into the field for those with associate’s degrees in IT—particularly those that focus on security, networking, systems management or even programming.

“The key to being a successful security professional in and around IT arenas is to build a foundation in IT and the fundamentals of security,” Moreland explains. “That is also why I recommend obtaining the CompTIA Network+®,  Security+®, and the (ISC)2 SSCP® certifications as part of a comprehensive package.”

If you combine education, experience and up-to-date cyber security certifications, Moreland says your resume starts getting pretty unbeatable.

7. It’s a career of consistent change

“What I love most is that things consistently change,” Buxton says. “Although the fundamentals last—the nuances and details change almost daily.” Buxton says exploits are patched, zero days are discovered, and insiders find new ways to steal data on a regular basis.

“In my field, OEMs and software publishers find new ways to prevent acquisition or review of user data, even though they track and retain more user activity now than ever before,” Buxton explains. “It’s a challenge that can only be met with a commitment to learning.”

This environment also favors people who know how to keep learning. Adam Bobrow, founder and CEO of Foresight Resilience Strategies, plans to recruit junior staff into cybersecurity analyst positions that mostly require critical thinking skills and communication over technical skills.

“At the same time, we will help junior employees to build their technical expertise and accumulate certifications,” Bobrow says. “The goal is to prepare them for opportunities in cybersecurity without requiring them to start with technical skills that could be difficult to acquire in the classroom.”

8. You get to solve complex technical puzzles

“I like figuring out how to break things and stop things from breaking, which I think was actually a perfect segue into cybersecurity,” Kamis says. He explains that cyber security is like a puzzle where you have to consider how you could break into a system and how you could stop a system from being broken into all at once. 

“From the beginning I realized that I enjoyed solving that puzzle from both sides,” Kamis says.

If you’re the type to love getting to the bottom of logical and technical challenges to find satisfactory solutions, Kamis says cyber security can be an appealing career option.

Cyber security professionals are in demand

“There is no question that every organization will only grow more reliant on data and the systems that store, transmit, and analyze it over the coming decades,” Bobrow says. He adds that the growing adoption of IoT technologies will push the amount of data to be analyzed, manipulated and protected to grow at unprecedented rates.

“Cybersecurity will be a necessary expertise and the need for skilled technicians is likely to only increase making it a good long-term bet for a career.”

Organizations are starting to recognize that cyber security, privacy, and risk management are no longer topics discussed in the server room, Moreland says. “Now they are business assurance mechanisms discussed and monitored in the boardroom.”

If all of these details add up to keep you interested, then working in cyber security might be a perfect career move for you. But what would you actually do, daily, as a cyber security professional? Get some answers with our article “Cyber Security Job Description: What to Expect Working in the Field.”

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [accessed August, 2019] http://www.bls.gov/ooh/. Information represents national, averaged data for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. Employment conditions in your area may vary.

CompTIA Network+ and Security+ are registered trademarks of CompTIA Properties, LLC.
Systems Security Certified Professional (SSCP) is a registered trademark of (ISC)2, Inc.

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COMPUTER SCIENCE VS. CYBER SECURITY: CRACKING THE CODE FOR YOUR CAREER

illustration of two boxing gloves with tech icons on them

If you’ve been thinking a career in technology offers exactly the kind of opportunity you want—you’re probably right! Careers in technology are so diverse and wide-spanning that the industry has something for nearly anyone.

That being said, zooming in a little closer is a necessary move if you want to place yourself on a career path in technology. Which route will you choose, and what will you need to succeed? If you find yourself wanting to compare and contrast computer science versus cyber security—read on! These two career paths offer a myriad of potential benefits and opportunities.

It’s just a matter of deciding where to start—so let’s dive in.

Computer science vs. cyber security: The basics

The first thing to note when discussing computer science and cyber security is that this isn’t quite an apples to apples comparison. Computer science is a broadly applicable field of study that’s relatively more established, whereas cyber security is more narrowly focused, with an academic discipline that dives deep into a subset of specialized skills.

Computer science has been an area of study for a long time and creates professionals who go into a wide range of careers. Computer science professionals in these roles might analyze problems to develop solutions involving computer hardware and software, apply theoretical expertise to create new technology, or design computers and the software that runs them.

They go by many names, but professionals who work in cyber security typically develop plans to safeguard computer files against modification, destruction, or disclosure; monitor current reports of computer viruses; encrypt data transmissions and erect firewalls; and perform risk assessments and execute tests of data processing system to ensure functioning of data processing activities and security measures.

Computer science vs. cyber security: Common job titles and salaries

So what types of computer science careers or cyber security careers are out there? To help answer that, we used job posting analysis software to identify the top job titles associated with each. Additionally, when possible we’ve incorporated salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics to provide you a comparison point for earning potential.

Common computer science job titles and 2018 median annual salaries1

  • Computer programmer: $84,2802
  • Computer systems analyst: $88,7402
  • Software developer: $105,5902
  • Computer network architect: $109,0202
  • Database administrators: $90,0702

Common cyber security job titles and 2018 median annual salaries1

  • Information security analyst: $98,3502
  • Network or systems administrator: $82,0502
  • Security architect
  • Cyber security engineer
  • Penetration tester

Computer science vs. cyber security: Education requirements

If you want to work in any of these jobs, a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field is the number one recommendation, according to the BLS.

Choosing a specific degree will come down to the type of work you’d most like to do. Computer science degrees obviously provide a solid foundation for careers that rely heavily on computer science, programming and software development. But what should you study if you are interested in cyber security?

This is one of the major points of divergence between the two fields—computer science is a fairly well-established academic subject, while cyber security is a relatively new discipline. This means many experienced professionals in the field of cyber security tend to have academic backgrounds in broader subjects like information technology. These professionals often made the transition into cyber security through a combination of work experience, personal research and supplemental cyber security certifications to round out their qualifications. 

While this approach to paving their own way into the field is certainly commendable, the need for it is beginning to steadily fade as more cyber security degree programs are created to meet the demands of the market. “I would strongly recommend exploring higher education institutions that offer a two or four year degree in degree in cyber security,” says Sharon Rosenman, vice president of marketing for Cyberbit. “Universities that have created cyber security degrees have current and more well-rounded curriculum.”

Computer science vs. cyber security: Important skills

So what do you need to know if you’re hoping to work in either of these fields? We analyzed over 800,000 job postings asking for candidates with a degree in computer science, and over 70,000 cyber security job postings to identify some of the most sought-after skills for each.

Top five computer science skills:1

  • SQL
  • Software development
  • Java®
  • Software engineering
  • Python®

Top five cyber security skills:1

  • Information security
  • Information systems
  • Network security
  • Linux
  • Project management

Researching a specific career within computer science can give you a better idea of the important skills you’ll need. A database administrator, for example, will need skills like database design and SQL, while a software developer will need skills like Java®, C# and quality assurance testing in their wheelhouse.

Our experts in cyber security recommended a few important areas that are likely to be in high demand for the industry as well. “Incident response is one of the fastest growing and hardest to fill positions in cybersecurity,” Rosenman says. “Cyber defense requires a very specific mindset and skillset that is more akin to first responders than IT.”

Is Computer science or cyber security right for you?

Which path is right for you? No matter which way you are leaning after gathering some of this high-level information, you’ll need more research to really get a grasp of where these two exciting areas of technology can lead you.

If you’re ready to take a closer look at Computer Science, check out our article, “Is Computer Science Right For Me? Everything You Need to Know to Decide.”

If Cyber Security sounds more appealing to you, check out our article, “Why Study Cyber Security? 8 Reasons to Remember,” to learn more about the benefits of this career path. 

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8 SIGNS YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE BECOMING A SOFTWARE DEVELOPER

Becoming Software Developer

Today, high school students seem more likely to have learned coding than cursive. Several states have formally adopted policies to give students access to computer science courses—with some even extending these offerings to middle and elementary school students! This shouldn’t come as surprise, though. Demand for tech-savvy professionals is clearly strong and doesn’t appear to be losing steam any time soon. Nearly every company relies on computer programs, applications or other underlying systems in some way. In fact, employment of software developers is projected to increase by 21 percent through 2028—more than four times the national average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

You know the employment opportunities are out there. But how do you know if you have what it takes for becoming a software developer? We’ve asked tech pros to identify some of the common characteristics found in successful developers. But before we get too far along, let’s first flesh out the details of what you might find in a software developer’s job description.

What does a software developer do?

Software developers are the creative forces behind the apps and programs you use daily—from your email to social media or even the underlying operating systems that allows all those programs to run.

Generally, software developers, focus on either application or system development. Software application developers design and develop computer and mobile applications that perform specific functions while systems software developers create the operating systems that support these other programs or app. Industries like the medical field, the military and the industrial goods sector often enlist systems software developers to design and build new operating systems.

No matter which path you end up taking, you’ll utilize the same traits—like analytical thinking, creativity and problem-solving. But the list doesn’t end there. We enlisted the experts to expand on some characteristics many successful software developers share.

You should consider becoming a software developer if…

1. You like working with people

Contrary to popular belief, software developers don’t spend all of their time holed up in a dark room while their eyes glaze over from prolonged screen staring. While there are certainly times when developers work alone to create their part of a project, there is a lot of time spent collaborating with others on the team, communicating about goals and strategies, and working with others to solve a problem.

“In my company, junior developers often fix senior developers’ code and that’s totally okay,” says Mark Tinnelly, software developer at CardioTech. “Nobody knows everything, and we work together to share and learn from each other.” Both giving and receiving critique is a key component to making sure the technology you’re developing meets the user’s needs.

In addition to working with other software developers, you’ll be collaborating with stakeholders and clients to make sure their goals are met and they’re kept up to date with the progress of the project. “Not only is collaboration is one of the most under-looked responsibilities of a software developer, but in many software positions identifying requirements from stakeholders or clients is half of the job,” says Colin Ma, current lead strategist Study Prep Lounge and former technology consultant.

Though software development projects can take a long time, effective collaboration can make them run smoother and make reaching the end goal even more rewarding.

2. You have a knack for problem solving

A big part of coding is creating technology that solves a user’s problem. There’s also a lot of problem solving involved in the nitty gritty of the actual work in software development. You likely have a knack for problem solving if you’re apt to see connections between pieces that are not obviously connected.

 If you get a thrill from looking at an issue, trying to figure out which angle to approach it from, and you don’t get discouraged along the way, software development might be a great career fit for you.

Every day, software developers solve problems—from writing code to making sure an application functions well in each architecture level. “You need to enjoy problem solving to enjoy what you’ll be doing for 8 hours a day,” advises Paul Kim, lead developer at Maples Design.

3. You’re musically inclined

Scientists have continuously drawn connections between those who love music and those who have a talent for math. While this link is still up for debate, it is easy to see how reading musical notes is similar to coding. Like learning a new language, it takes skill and plenty of practice.

Musicians need both analytical skills and an intuitive nature to improvise music—which can also serve them well when designing a new software system or mobile app. They’re predisposed to ask questions like “how” and “why,” which can help them create a better product.

“If you like to play an instrument and read notes, you are already halfway there,” says former software developer, Alessandro Marianantoni. Like reading or composing music, software development has a lot to do with recognizing and manipulating patterns.

You’ll also notice similarities between musicians and software developers in the way they collaborate as well. “It’s like playing in a band,” says Jerry Anderson, Software Engineer at Renty.ae. “Together it’s more complicated, but the result is far more powerful.”

4. You like to see order in things

Do you arrange the dishes in your cupboards just so? Do you like the feeling of a clean, tidy, structured room? Good news! Software development is all about order and ensuring applications take steps in an order that makes logical sense.

“Having a knack for organization gives you a head start in spotting potential ways to improve your code,” notes Kim. Even if you don’t feel like your organizational skills are top notch right now, you can develop stronger organizational tendencies as you go through your classes and school. It doesn’t hurt to start developing routines and systems to help you get more organized in your daily life.

Whether your crayons were arranged in rainbow order as a child, or you get a little annoyed by your sister’s messy craft drawer, if you like organization, you might find success in software development.

5. Trying new things gives you a thrill

“Technology moves at an incredibly fast pace, and a software developer must stay on top of things and adapt to these changes,” explains Tinnelly.

From changes in coding to company requirements, to the particulars features users want in their software, developers are constantly adapting and melding into new ways of doing things. You’ll need to stay on top of industry news, key metrics, and basics of project management and flow.

As a software developer, you can’t wait around for someone else to take initiative and teach you what you need to know. “Great developers will find different resources or talk to the right people and find the solution no matter what,” says Sanjay Patoliya of Teclogiq. This may mean doing research, seeking out mentors, courses or workshops to learn a new skill on your own. Chances are both the skill and the demonstration of your drive will go far.

6. You stay intrinsically motivated

There’s no doubt about it—coding can be tricky work. Not only are you continuously solving problems and adapting to new changes, but you’re also memorizing code, remembering company protocol and backtracking to fix mistakes you made.

“[It’s having the] willpower to stay motivated even when the going gets tough,” says Tinnelly. “When you learn to code, there will be a point where you’ll feel discouraged because of all the mistakes you make. But you have to stay focused…it’s a game of patience.”

Software development can be finicky—portions of code that seemingly work perfectly on their own can go completely off the rails when interfacing with other code. Fixing these issues can take a fair amount of trial and error, so a natural sense of determination can be a big plus.

7. You enjoy puzzles and strategy

Were you the one who spent hours at the kitchen table mulling over that 10,000-piece puzzle? Coding is all about putting together the pieces of an enigma—creating a brand new program or solving problems from an old one. Writing new code often means writing, testing and then revising. There are often many moving pieces.

“Sometimes coding is about having a certain number of pieces and putting them in the right order,” explains Marianantoni.

Like those giant, kitchen-table puzzles take persistence, so does software development. A single project can take weeks, months and even years. If you like coming up with strategic solutions and enjoy a long game, becoming a software developer could be a perfect fit for you.

8. You love Technology

It may seem like a no brainer, but loving technology is a must for software developers. This is a field with people consumed by new games, programs and gadgets. But this infatuation isn’t just based on an appreciation for exciting new features or capabilities—there’s also the thrill of figuring out how all this new stuff works! Software developers are natural tinkerers and like to find ways to implement the latest and greatest innovations to their repertoire. 

Can you see yourself as a software developer?

Do you see any of those qualities in yourself? If so, you may be a natural fit for working in software development. Of course, it takes more than natural tendencies to make it as a software developer—you’ll need formal training as well. To learn more about how Rasmussen College can help you get there, visit the Software Application Development program page.

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HOW TO BECOME A SOFTWARE DEVELOPER: EXPERTS EXPOSE THEIR BEST ADVICE

how to become a software developer

You’ve had your eyes peeled for a new career path that makes good use of your skills, presents a fun challenge and offers opportunities to take your career to new heights. After all that research, one job title stands out from the rest: software developer.

This in-demand tech career is well worth considering. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 31 percent employment growth for software developers from 2016 to 2026—that’s more than three times the national average!1 This is one career path where you can put your natural tech talents to work for employers who are seeking the best software developers to keep up with industry growth.

Now that you’ve got your eyes set on an exciting career option, you just need to know how to become a software developer, so you can start turning your dream career into a reality.

How to become a software developer

Choosing to become a software developer is the first step toward your new career, but you need to know what to do next. We’ve spoken to industry experts and rounded up the latest data so you’ll know exactly how to start your journey toward landing a job in software development.

Have a passion for coding

“Aspiring developers need to love learning and have a passion for coding,” says Mark Runyon, senior consultant for Innovative Architects. Software developing requires you to spend much of your day working with code or thinking about creative ways to solve problems with code. You’ll enjoy your work more and stand out from others in the field if you have a passion for coding that drives you to excel.

“Technology is constantly evolving,” Runyon adds. “You have to want to explore the new technologies and discover new ways of doing things to be successful as a software engineer.” In the fast-paced tech industry, a true love of coding will give you motivation to keep your skills up to date.

Brush up on your tech skills

Speaking of skills, software developers need to enter the workforce with a solid set of tools at their disposal if they want to stand out to employers. “Pick a stack (a set of technologies and tools used to create and run software) and get really good at it,” advises Scott McGillivray, chief technology officer for Pop-Art.

The exact coding skills and languages you’ll need will vary depending on the workplace, but it helps to know what languages are most commonly sought after from employers. We used real-time job analysis software to identify the top five technical skills employers are looking for in their software developers:2

  • Java™
  • SQL
  • JavaScript™
  • C#
  • Python

Be a star communicator

Technical skills are essential to a career as a software developer, but soft skills that allow you to work on a team and creatively solve problems can be just as important. “I’m far more interested in the ‘unteachable’ qualities, like initiative, curiosity, collaboration, communication style and cultural match,” McGillivray says.

Austin Norby, software developer with Blue Star Software, says communication is a key trait for software developers.

“Developers need to be able to communicate their understanding of their ideas, translate them into code and engage in a continuous feedback loop until the product is completed,” Norby says.

Curious about what other soft skills you’ll need? Our analysis shows these as the most in-demand soft skills for software developers:2

  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Problem solving
  • Troubleshooting
  • Research

Gain experience

Taking initiative to create relevant work samples and gain experience can be the difference between landing your dream job and heading back to the drawing board.

“As a guy who’s seen a lot of resumes, I can say that the ones that get my attention have links to actual, running samples of the developer’s work,” McGillivray says.

Just because you haven’t been hired yet doesn’t mean you can’t build up a portfolio of your best coding work. Runyon suggests turning coding into an after-hours hobby that’s both fun and expands your skills. “I usually have a few side projects that I work on for fun. It can be a new technology that I want to try out or putting together a cool piece of software to solve a personal need.” In addition to improving your coding prowess, this practice can also show employers you have the committed, passionate mindset they’re looking for. Developers looking to gain additional experience should look into getting involved with open-source projects—they’re an excellent way to contribute to something tangible and learn along the way.

Earn a Bachelor’s degree

Some software developers are able to land a job without a four-year degree, but our research has shown us that’s no longer the norm. A Burning-Glass.com analysis of software development job postings found that 91 percent of employers prefer their software development candidates to have a Bachelor’s degree.2 The BLS agrees, saying that most software developers typically have a four-year degree in Computer Science or a related field.1

While a degree isn’t everything in a field where you can show what you know relatively easily, employers still use it as a litmus test to weed out underqualified candidates. Your best bet at becoming a software developer is to combine real-world technical skills with a Bachelor’s degree to show employers you have the passion, commitment and technical know-how to get the job done.

Go land your dream job

There’s no doubt about it: software development is the place where your passions and talents combine to make a career you can get excited about. Now that you know how to become a software developer, it’s up to you to take the first step toward this in-demand career.

The data doesn’t lie. If you want to be eligible for 90 percent of software developer job openings, you’re going to need a Bachelor’s degree. Learn more about how a degree in Computer Science can qualify you for these coveted positions.

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WHAT DOES A SOFTWARE DEVELOPER DO? AN OVERVIEW FOR 2018 AND BEYOND

male staring at computer

You’ve always had a penchant for solving puzzles and problems—especially when it comes to technology. Not only that, but friends and family come to you with all their tech troubles. And they count on you being the first one in line when a new gadget is released. You simply love the innovative and sophisticated world of tech.

You have a lot of the characteristics of a person who would make a great software developer: you’re musically-inclined, you like working with people and you stay intrinsically motivated. This techy job seems like a great place for you to start, but you’re probably wondering: What does a software developer do every day?

We connected with professional software developers across the country and gathered government data to help you answer this very question. If you’re interested in a sneak peek of the career life of a software developer, then read on.

What is a software developer, exactly?

You know that smartphone app you rely on? That computer game that kept you transfixed for hours as a kid? That program that helps you budget and track expenditures? Software developers created all of them.

Software developers are the creative, brainstorming geniuses behind computer programs. While some software developers may focus on a specific program or app, others create giant networks or underlying systems that help trigger and power other programs. This is why there are two main classifications of developers: software applications developers and systems software developers.

What do software applications developers do?

According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), developers in this sector are responsible for designing computer or mobile applications.1 The nature of their work is largely focused on creating for consumers. This involves understanding user needs, developing software solutions, monitoring performance and modifying programs as needed.

What do systems software developers do?

These professionals are focused on operating systems-level software, compilers and network distribution software, as outlined by the DOL.1 This role is more geared toward designing solutions for enterprise organizations. This includes developing software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific and general computing applications.

What are some common software developer job duties?

Much of the actual creation of software programs happens through the writing of code, and software developers oversee that. Depending on the company where they work, a software developer will analyze the needs of the user and then create, test and develop software that will solve a problem, provide entertainment or simply make life easier for that target market.

After mapping out the design, creating flowcharts and drafting out each step of the process, developers will build diagrams and models to instruct programmers how to write the code for the program.

Other job duties include mapping out the software to have on record for future upgrades and enhancements, testing the software, and collaborating with other computer specialists to make sure the software is top notch and functioning properly.

What skills does a software developer need?

Not only are software developers in charge of outlining and creating the code and design for a program, but these types of careers generally involve a lot of collaboration between various stakeholders. It’s important for a software developer to have a combination of technical know-how and excellent interpersonal skills.

1. Problem-solving

The whole point of developing software is to create programs that solve the user’s problem. If you’re the type who tends to identify issues and figure out the best way to approach a solution, you may be a perfect fit for a software development career. Not only that, but programming alone is often an exercise in problem-solving and troubleshooting—being able to patiently and strategically tackle potential bugs or issues in code is a big part of their work.

2. Teamwork

Contrary to what’s commonly assumed, software developers aren’t secluded at their desk with no contact with the outside world. In reality, they spend a lot of time teaming up with other developers and programmers to create a prime product for the user. Great communication, empathy and a knack for collaborating with others is a must.

3. Analytical and strategic

Coding and software are enigmas of a sort, and if you’re someone who likes solving a mystery by looking at the big picture as well as the smaller steps along the way, you’ll be right at home developing software. There’s a lot of thoughtful planning that goes into creating these types of programs. If you can figure out the fastest or most efficient path from point A to point B, the world of software development will welcome you with open arms.

4. Intrinsic motivation

Creating software can be tricky, tedious work, so it’s important that you don’t get bogged down or discouraged when you don’t succeed the first time you try something. If you’re the type of person who is naturally determined to finish everything you start, you’ll be well-suited for a career in software development.

Where do software developers work?

Job opportunities for software developers are vast and varied. Software applications developers held just over 831,000 jobs in 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).2 There were about 425,000 positions for systems software developers in that same year, equating more than 1.25 million opportunities for software developers.2

So where are these opportunities, exactly? The skills of software developers are needed in a variety of industries. The BLS lists the following as the most common fields for each type of software developer2:

Software applications developersSystems software developers
Computer systems design servicesComputer systems design services
Software publishersManufacturing
Finance and insuranceSoftware publishers
ManufacturingFinance and insurance
Management of companies and enterprisesEngineering services

As you can see, a variety of industries rely on the skills of software developers. There are also several options when it comes to the work environment, as well as the type of work a software developer may end up doing. Many work in a traditional office environment, but there is also opportunity to work in agency settings or to telecommute. This variety allows you to tailor your career to fit your personal preferences.

What is the average software developer salary?

In today’s digital economy, virtually everything is revolved around technology. This means qualified software developers are a hot commodity.

The BLS projects careers for software applications developers to grow 31 percent through 2026, which is more than four times the national average.2 This is largely due to the growing desire for businesses to produce new mobile device applications.

The outlook for systems software developers isn’t quite as favorable, but it is still projected at the faster-than-average rate of 11 percent.2 Although this type of work isn’t as prevalent, it does typically come with higher compensation.

The median annual salary for systems software developers in 2017 was $107,600, as reported by the BLS. 2 On the other hand, software applications developers came in at $101,790. 2 Considering the average for all occupations was $37,690, it’s clear that a software developer salary, regardless of which route you choose, will come with exciting earning potential.

Create your career in software development

The future is bright for software developers of all kinds. Now that you’ve had a backstage look at this critical role, you can better discern if you’re programmed to work in software development.If you’re ready to start developing your career in this field, start planning your next steps by reading our article, “How to Become a Software Developer: Experts Expose Their Best Advice.”

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BECOMING A WEB DEVELOPER

female developer reading code on a monitor

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a web developer, you came to the right place! Pursuing a new career is a big decision, so it’s important to do your research.

Perhaps you’ve always dreamed of becoming a web developer. Or maybe the time you’ve spent tinkering with the HTML & CSS code on your hobby blog’s platform has sparked your inner curiosity about life as a professional web developer. No matter how you made it here, you’ve got some questions and we’ve got some answers!

We gathered a combination of expert insight, government information and real-time job analysis data to provide you with the answers to all of your burning questions. Below you’ll find eight common questions about becoming a web developer.

What do web developers do?

Let’s start with the basics. You’re probably well aware that web developers build websites, but there’s much more to it than that. Web developers must also analyze user needs to ensure the proper content, graphics and underlying structure are used to meet both the goals of the user and the website’s owner, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).1

Common responsibilities include:1

  • Using authoring or scripting languages to build websites
  • Writing, designing and editing webpage content or directing others producing content
  • Identifying and correcting problems uncovered by testing or user feedback
  • Converting written, graphic, audio and video components to compatible web formats

What is the career outlook for web developers?

If learning what web developers do has you excited about the thought of becoming one, you’ll be happy to hear that positions for these pros are growing. According to the BLS, web development jobs are projected to increase 15 percent through 2026.1 That’s more than double the average projected growth rate for all occupations.

“Everyone wants a website,” says Brandon Swift, co-founder of Santa Barbara-based Volt Commerce. “As a web developer, you’ll never be short on work.”

Websites have become a critical component for businesses to stay competitive. A company cannot simply utilize a generic online template if it wants to provide a custom, genuine experience for its consumers. This is part of why Swift believes the field should remain strong going forward.

Knowing there’s strong demand is great, but what about the career path for web developers? Most will start out in a junior web development role and eventually work their way up to a senior developer position—but from there it can get interesting. You may eventually manage a team of developers, or you might opt to hone in on a specialized area of web development. Experienced developers could also try their hand at freelancing or starting their own business.

What are some common jobs for web developers?

There are several job titles that fall under the umbrella of “web developer.” A professional with these skills and knowledge is qualified to work in a number of positions related to web development and computer programming.

Curious about the most common web development jobs out there? We used job analysis software to examine more than 197,000 web developer jobs posted over the past year.2 The data helped us determine some common job titles for web developers.

Web development job titles2

  1. Front-end developer
  2. Back-end developer
  3. User experience (UX) designer
  4. User interface (UI) developer
  5. Software developer

How much do web developers make?

It’s promising to know that jobs are projected to increase, but you’re probably also curious about what to expect from a typical web developer salary. If you’re going to invest your time and money into pursuing a new career, you want to know it’s going to be worth it in the long run.

You’ll be happy to hear that the BLS reports the 2018 median annual salary for web developers at $69,430.1 This is notably higher than the average for all occupations in 2018, which was $38,640.

It’s worth noting that web developer salaries can vary quite a bit depending on factors like industry, education or experience level, geographic location, and whether or not you’re self-employed. In 2018, the lowest 10 percent earned less than $38,000 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $124,000 annually, according to the BLS.1

What are some characteristics of a good web developer?

There are a few inherent qualities shared by many successful web developers. After speaking with professionals in the industry, we identified a few transferable skills that play a pivotal role in the day-to-day operations of the job.

1. Good communication skills

Web developers must work with multiple members of an organization to ensure everyone’s goals are being met through the website. It’s important to maintain open lines of communication and be able to translate technical jargon into layman’s terms for other team members.

If you have children, you’ve probably become a skilled amplifier when trying to explain complex subjects to your curious kiddos. If you can do a decent job of explaining why the sky is blue to a 5-year-old, you should have a pretty good handle on simplifying the language used to describe a technical problem to a client.

2. Love of learning

To make it as a web developer, you’ll need to have a natural curiosity. If you’re the type to scour YouTube and web developer blogs for tutorials and inspiration, and just can’t wait to jump in and start learning new techniques, you’re on the right track.

New scripts, widgets and designs are released daily so web developers must stay up to date to remain relevant in the industry. At first it might seem daunting trying to keep up on all of this, but often these new tools are created to make things easier—which provides a nice incentive for the effort.

3. Patience

A website is never fully complete. Often, client work will go back and forth and the smallest details will require tedious nurturing, according to Sid Savara, senior web developer at Honolulu-based Red Aloha. When minute changes or updates are requested, it’s important to remain patient. This also reinforces the need for strong communication skills; the better you are able to communicate, the less likely you are to have a never-ending development process.

4. Perfectionism

“Most web developers I’ve encountered [suffer from] borderline obsessive compulsive disorder when it comes to checking and double-checking their code,” says Sam Mc Roberts, CEO of Seattle-based VUDU Marketing.

It is critical for web developers to employ this extreme attention to detail, according to Mc Roberts. One small mistake can break an entire website, so he says there’s a very limited margin for error for web developers when the time comes to launch a new site or page.

What web development skills do you need to succeed in the field?

Knowing that you have the natural characteristics of a web developer is a great start, but you won’t find success with those qualities alone. In order to excel in such a technical profession, it’s imperative that you master the hard skills to complement the soft skills.

Our job posting analysis helped us identify the top 10 technical skills employers are seeking in candidates.2 This will give you an idea of which skills you should focus on sharpening to become a hot commodity in this field.

Top 10 technical skills for web developers:2

  1. JavaScript®
  2. HTML5
  3. Web application development
  4. Java®
  5. Software development
  6. j Query®
  7. SQL
  8. Angular JS
  9. CSS
  10. User interface (UI) design

Not familiar with some of these skills and coding languages? Don’t worry! This is precisely the type of web development training and expertise you can expect to gain from earning a degree in Web Programming.

How do you become a web developer?

Now that you’re aware of the skills needed to succeed as a web developer, let’s talk about the education and training that will help you land a job. The educational requirements vary depending on the work setting, according to the BLS, but the most common requirement is an associate’s degree.1

It’s true that you can teach yourself to code online but remember that there’s much more to web development than purely coding. A formal education will help you master your programming skills, gain practical hands-on training and prepare you to successfully work with clients and find creative solutions to business challenges.

What are some common misconceptions about web development?

Now that you have an idea of what a web developer does, it’s important to know what a web developer does not do. We want to clear up any misconceptions about this career before you decide whether it’s right for you.

1. Web development is not necessarily web design

One of the biggest misnomers out there is that web development is synonymous with web design, which is untrue according to Oleg Korneitchouk, director of web development at New Jersey-based SmartSites. He says that development is taking the designer’s work and turning it into a functional website.

Designers are the creative individuals who are focused on the overall look and feel of a website; while developers are the analytical individuals who concentrate on the general performance aspects of the site. Some of this confusion may stem from the close relationship between front-end development and web design. Many web designers also learn the skills of front-end developers in order to become more well-rounded.

2. You are never ‘finished’ with a website

A website is like a plant that needs constant nurturing. Just when you think it’s perfect, you’ll find a glitch that needs to be fixed or an element that the client wants added. Technology is constantly evolving so there will always be improvements to be made. Think of it this way: Even if someone created the “perfect” website in 2005, that site will still look very dated and could have several security or structural deficiencies in the back end when compared to the latest and greatest sites of today.

3. Web developers do more than just write code

The truth is that web developers don’t just sit and stare at a computer screen all day. While writing code is a big part of the job, interacting with designers, illustrators, copywriters and other personnel involved in the planning process is an essential piece of the puzzle.

Web developers also analyze website performance and work with website stakeholders to prioritize strategic updates and improvements. On top of that, it’s crucial for them to spend time researching new techniques and technologies.

Start developing your career

So what do web developers do? How much do web developers make? And how do you become a web developer? No matter what your original question was, you’ve now got your answer. Now that you have a better idea of what to expect from the field, only you can decide whether you’re cut out to become a web developer.

If you envision yourself succeeding in one of these web development jobs, it’s time to start planning out your next steps. Learn more about how a degree in Web Programming can help set you up for success in the field.

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8 SURPRISING WAYS COMPUTER SCIENCE BENEFITS SOCIETY

computer science benefits

“Why is computer science important?”

It might seem like a simple question, but there’s a lot that goes into answering it. You might start by focusing on the benefits it could bring you personally. You might talk about how computer science-related jobs are appealing in their versatility, earning potential and demand. You might hear about all of the things we use on a daily basis today that were only created because of computer science.

But what you don’t often hear about as often is the altruistic side of computer science and the work professionals in this field do to make the world a better place.

If you’re looking to leverage your love of technology to make a difference, then rest assured. Computer science is an incredible career choice for someone who wants to change the world.

“Societies will die if they don’t continue to innovate,” says Werner Krebs, CEO of Acculation. Krebs says technologies are neither good nor evil on their own, but, in the right hands, can become powerful benefits to society. “We need bright and ethical people to understand our best and most powerful technologies to ensure they are used for good.”

If you want some concrete examples of just how much computer science benefits society, you came to the right place. We enlisted tech professionals to share with us how their daily work helps people and plays a vital role in their communities.

Computer science benefits society by…

1. Directly meeting needs

“Since my first day in computer science, I’ve been trying to have a positive impact on society,” says Thibault Rihet, software engineer at Trialog. Rihet explains that computer scientists can easily get into direct applications that address societal issues like poverty, unemployment, climate change and more.

Rihet explains that France is utilizing startups by assigning teams to create solutions when a public agent identifies a problem. Then the solutions go live nationally. This approach allows computer scientists and other technology professionals to jump in and meet needs as they arise in their communities.

Sites like DataKind, Taproot and Code Alliance can be excellent resources for computer scientists who want to put their skills to work for global issues, according to Rihet. These platforms allow a wide array of tech professionals to create, support and execute projects that change lives.

There are also indirect benefits from the tools computer scientists build, Rihet points out. Consider charities that are now able to streamline their donations, or crowdfunded campaigns that can gather a following and financial backing.

2. Empowering people who are often overlooked

“An amazing benefit of software is that it can be freely distributed to everyone, thanks to open-source contributors,” Rihet says. “This fact truly empowers people.” When tools to build revenue and solve business problems are available to everyone—it can level the playing field.

For example, finding clients can be an expensive endeavor. If you are a service provider coming to your business without a ton of extra cash, it can be hard to stay afloat. Samantha Hugo, CEO of Hugomatica, says computer science can make a huge difference here.

“For example, beauticians often do not determine their own work hours or find their own clients because they don’t know how.” Seeing this need, Hugo’s company created an app that allows beauticians to recruit their own clients and set their own schedules. “As a women-owned company, we try to find apps that are needed and that will help people in areas that have been overlooked by most coders.”

3. Paving the way for a more equitable world

Computer science can really help level the playing field in terms of inexpensive solutions. But Hugo also points out that it can be an equalizer in other ways. Though technology as an industry has an under representation of women and racial minorities, Hugo sees computer science as a tool for societal re-balance when it comes to gender identity, background, ethnicity and beyond. Code is code—and if you’ve created something genuinely useful, your background isn’t going to hold you back.

“The App Store has the same requirements for all developers,” she points out. Hugo says it is a positive step for society that computers are blind to everything but the code.

4. Accelerating healthcare progress

Healthcare tends to be a pretty high priority when you consider how to improve people’s lives.

One of the most exciting facets of computer science is its power to improve and accelerate every other field. “Data science and artificial intelligence (AI) as subsets of computer science allow people and organizations to accelerate and ‘prepackage thought.’ In this way, computer science and artificial intelligence can make any other discipline many, many times better.”

Genomics and personalized medicine are an excellent example of how computer science-driven technologies are accelerating healthcare progress. The genome sequencing process that powers this frontier of medicine used to cost tens of millions of dollars to complete, but machine-learning techniques and improved computing power have dropped costs substantially.

5. Furthering education

Can you imagine modern education without computer software or the internet? Whether you’re taking a class online, researching for a paper or sharing work via the cloud, computer science pros have helped make this possible.

E-learning platforms and applications give students new tools to problem-solve and study, which has changed the academic world. The ability to take classes online is also a huge benefit for the world—as it creates access to education for students whose locations, abilities or finances were a barrier.

6. Expanding communication

“The biggest contribution computer science has made is in the field of communication,” says Manonit Nand, teacher and system administrator at the Mayoor School. “Computer Science has made the whole world a very small place—available at your fingertips now.”

Nand mentions social media, video calling and chatting apps—even the applications that allow you to share documents and photos with someone else long-distance. These capacities have completely revolutionized the workforce.

7. Predicting and avoiding catastrophes

Computer science is scaling—and scaling very fast for that matter, according to Nand. Applying computer science to prediction can have a huge impact on the world. “We are predicting human behavior; we are predicting climates, seasons, ocean currents, etc.” Nand says.

With these tools, we can predict everything from an incoming tsunami to the outbreak pattern of a pathogen. In that way, some of the most life-saving work that happens in our world relies on computer scientists. Computer science is even in action when predicting the trajectory of dangerous comets near our planet.

8. Positively impacting every area of society

Though it’s not always hands-on, almost every aspect of society—from family-owned businesses needing digital protection to homeless shelters needing a way to streamline their volunteer base—relies on the innovations spurred by computer science professionals.

“Computer science is a noble profession without which today’s world would come to a complete halt,” and says. When it comes to finding a career that allows you to positively benefit the world around you, look no further than computer science

How will you make a difference?

There’s no denying it—the reach of computer science is extensive. And we’re only just scratching the surface with what good can come from it!

Now that you know the many ways computer science benefits our society, you might be wondering about the roles in which you’d put a Computer Science education to use. Check out our article, “What Can You Do with a Computer Science Degree?” to learn more.

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WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A COMPUTER SCIENCE DEGREE?

woman doing coding on computer

If you’re thinking about majoring in Computer Science, you probably have a few questions about your future options after graduation. What can I do with a computer science degree? Are computer science jobs in demand? What types of computer science jobs would be available to me?

While having a list of questions about this field might seem a little overwhelming, the good news is that you’re smart enough to be asking about it in the first place. And we can help provide you with some answers!

In this article we’ll take a closer look at the jobs you can get with a computer science degree. Along the way you’ll have a better understanding of computer science-related career salaries, job duties and employment growth outlooks.

Computer science jobs: Duties, salaries and growth

Computer Science majors have the ability to apply their skills to practically any industry—automating processes and creating helpful software applications is almost universally useful. But you may be wondering: What are the most common computer science degree jobs? What would I be doing in these roles? What should I expect from a computer science salary? What does the computer science job outlook look like?

You’ll find the answers to your questions below. We’ve combined expert insight with data from real-time job analysis software and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to provide a detailed breakdown of the jobs that most commonly call for a computer science degree. Read on to learn more about the duties, outlook and earning potential for each of these computer science jobs.

6 Top computer science careers for degree holders

This type of knowledge and training can help prepare graduates for a broad range of technology careers. So what can you do with a computer science degree? Our analysis of more than 1 million job postings seeking candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science helped us identified six of the top options.1 

1. Software applications developer

  • Projected employment growth (2018–2028): 26 percent (much faster than average)2
  • Median annual salary (2018): $105,5902
  • Common job titles: Software development engineer, Java developer, applications developer

What do software applications developers do?

Think of how often you send an email, scroll endlessly on social media or stream media on your phone or computer. Practically everything we do with the help of computers is powered by software. Software developers are the people responsible for creating, testing and modifying these programs. Everything—from the front-and-center user interface to the unseen underlying code that ensures it performs as planned—is affected by software development professionals.

In their day-to-day work, most software developers work as part of a development team whose work is segmented and guided by project managers. Their product must meet desired specifications and ultimately interface well with other segments of code—which is no small feat. Some software developers may specialize in areas such as quality assurance, where duties focus on testing software for issues, documenting them and assisting in resolving whatever gone wrong. 

2. Computer systems analyst

  • Projected growth (2018–2028):9 percent (as fast as average)2
  • Median annual salary (2018): $88,7402
  • Common job titles: Business analyst, business systems analyst, IT analyst, information systems analyst

What do computer systems analysts do?

Computer systems analysts roles are so versatile that there are many ways to answer this question. But at a high level, they’re the individuals responsible for merging business needs with IT initiatives. They use their expertise to analyze, improve and plan IT systems in order to meet the specifications needed for a business process.

So what does that look like? They’ll spend a considerable amount of time meeting with the “business side” of an organization gathering information about organizational needs—How will this system be used? Will this need to work at a larger scale in the future? Will this need to connect with other systems? Once the specifications are determined, computer systems analysts will work with the technical teams to develop plans for how they’ll deploy technology to meet those needs.

3. Systems software developer

  • Projected growth (2018–2028): 10 percent (faster than average)2
  • Median annual salary (2018): $110,0002
  • Common job titles: Software architect, software developer, systems engineer, software engineer

What do systems software developers do?

Systems software developers have quite a bit in common with software application developers. They use their knowledge of programming, mathematics and computational theory to develop software to meet a specific need. That said, the work of a systems software developer is often focused on creating or modifying things like entire operating systems (Windows® being a prominent example) or industry-specific software systems.

With Microsoft and Apple dominating the desktop computing scene for operating systems, you might think a role like this would have a very narrow range of potential opportunities. The reality is that many systems software developers work for employers or clients that need specialized software the greater public would likely never see.

Industries like financial services, telecommunications, aerospace engineering and law firms all commonly employ systems software developers. Another growth area springs from the growing number of devices with internet connectivity—that touch screen menu on your fancy new refrigerator required someone to design the interface and the underlying system controlling it.

4. Web developer

  • Projected growth (2018–2028): 13 percent (faster than average)2
  • Median annual salary (2018): $69,4302
  • Common job titles: Front-end developer, back-end developer, web designer, web development architect

What do web developers do?

As you can probably guess, web developers are the tech professionals who build, maintain and design websites. Web development is a subcategory of careers that can cover a fairly broad range of roles. Some web developers focus primarily on “front-end” features like the design, layout and other surface-level functional elements of a website. Others focus on the “back-end” systems that ensure the site works as intended and communicates properly with other systems connect to the site—for example, inventory databases and customer relationship management systems for online retailers.

These roles focused on the “back-end” of a website are likely the best fit for computer science graduates. Their knowledge of database structures, programming logic and mapping information flows can help bridge the gap between desired website functionality and the systems an organization uses.

5. Network systems administrator

  • Projected growth (2018–2028): 5 percent (as fast as average)2
  • Median annual salary (2018): $82,0502
  • Common job titles: Systems administrator, information analyst, information systems manager

What do network systems administrators do?

The role of a network systems administrator can be hard to pin down as job duties and descriptions will vary somewhat from organization to organization. That said, most systems administration roles will focus on the high-level management and maintenance of servers, storage and the associated operating systems and applications that run on top of them. Duties can include pushing out system-wide updates and patches, creating user accounts with appropriate levels of access and deploying new hardware systems as needed.

With cloud-based servers and storage becoming increasingly common these roles have shifted substantially—and in all likelihood will continue to evolve. Systems administrators who understand how to use scripting languages to automate processes are a valuable asset to an IT team.

6. Database administrator

  • Projected growth (2018–2028): 9 percent (faster than average)2
  • Median annual salary (2018): $90,0702
  • Common job titles: Database administrator, database analyst, database developer, data architect

What does a database administrator do?

Data is essentially the lifeblood of technology. As both an input and output, it powers software and systems and helps us do things that would be mind-boggling 20 years ago. Every online purchase, restaurant review left, doctor’s appointment scheduled—the list goes on—depends on databases that are well-structured, secure and regularly maintained. That’s where a database administrator comes in.

Database administrators are tasked with tending to a key component of any information technology or software operation—the databases they use. In this role, they determine how to securely store and efficiently organize important data and ensure access is granted to the right users.

They may also merge existing databases or migrate data to new platforms, which takes careful planning to ensure compatibility and functionality remains for connected systems. Database administrators are also tasked with regularly creating database backups in order minimize damage caused by storage failure.

Qualify yourself for these computer science careers

So what can you do with a computer science degree? It turns out—there’s a whole lot. With all of these computer science degree jobs to choose from, you should feel more confident about your decision to follow this educational path.

Now that you know more about your potential career options, it’s time to learn more the program that can help you get there. Check out the Computer Science degree page for more information.

Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft, Inc.

1Burning-Glass (analysis of 1,075,843 job postings requiring a Computer Science bachelor’s degree, Nov. 1, 2018 – Oct. 31, 2019)
2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, [accessed November, 2019] http://www.bls.gov/ooh/. Information represents national, averaged data for the occupations listed and includes workers at all levels of education and experience. This data does not represent starting salaries. Employment conditions in your area may vary.

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TWELVE WAYS TO GET UP TO SPEED WHEN TEACHING A NEW SUBJECT FOR THE FIRST TIME

increasingly, teachers find themselves expected to teach subjects which are beyond their areas of specialism. Whilst you may embrace the challenge, it can feel somewhat daunting. To provide you with some ideas and support, we’ve listed twelve tips below to help you increase your knowledge and confidence when teaching a subject as a non-specialist.

non-specialist-tips

1. Remember that first and foremost you’re a good teacher!
If you are a competent, confident teacher of one subject then you’re already half way towards being a competent teacher in a new subject, no matter how far removed it is from your specialism. Having a good working knowledge of how to manage a class and how to engage and inspire your learners is a great basis for teaching any subject – don’t lose sight of that!

2. Don’t underestimate the challenge
However, don’t be overly confident either. When the non-specialist subject we add to our timetable is relatively closely aligned to our area of expertise there can be a tendency to assume that the switch will be straightforward. If, for example, as an art teacher we’re asked to teach photography or fashion, or as a geography teacher we’re asked to teach history. Sometimes even subjects that are closely aligned in the curriculum can require quite different skill sets of students and may need a different focus and approach in your lessons.

3. Find a ‘buddy’
Fine someone who has taught your non-specialist subject before and ask if you can adopt them as a mentor. Having someone who you can turn to when you’re struggling can really increase your confidence.

4. Team teach
If possible, ask your buddy if you can observe them teaching – or perhaps you can consider team teaching trickier parts of the curriculum as you approach them for the first time. This can be a great way to draw on the knowledge of more experienced colleagues and can also be beneficial to students who experience two different approaches in the classroom.

5. Understand the mark scheme
Even if you’re teaching at a lower key stage which is not examined, having a good understanding of the success criteria of exams that students are eventually working towards can help you to ensure students develop the appropriate knowledge and skills throughout their exposure to the subject.

6. Ask colleagues for schemes of work, lesson plans and resources
Don’t reinvent the wheel. There may be existing schemes of work or resources that are held centrally in the department or that colleagues, either in your own school or another, have developed for teaching the subject. You’ll want to make sure you’re familiar with the plans, adapt them to suit your style and to best meet the needs of your cohort. There are also some great lesson plans available online which could provide you with some inspiration.

7. Join the subject association or online forums or chats
If your new subject has an association, it’s worth considering joining. This can be a great way to access expertise and resources which you’ll find valuable. Check whether your department already has a school or group membership to the association or ask if they’d be willing to cover the fee for you to join in order to provide you with some support. Sometimes you can join an association’s mailing list without paying to join the association; this can be a good way to keep on top of latest developments in the subject.

8. Identify key challenges in teaching the subject
Ask colleagues who’ve taught the subject before to help you understand where the common pitfalls are. Which areas do they find especially hard to teach? Which parts of the curriculum do students struggle with? Also, as someone who is new to the subject, you are likely to be able to identify areas which are appear trickier to grasp than others – use this experience to put yourself into the shoes of your learners and think about how best to gain a better understanding of difficult areas together.

9. Model learning
When we are new to a subject we have a unique chance to actively role model learning to our students. It’s okay for them to know that you are new to the subject too – use the fact that you’re learning together to generate discussion about how best to approach the learning and actively share the parts you’ve found harder to master and explore how you’ve overcome these challenges. Seeing your teacher as a learner too can be quiet inspiring as a student and can motivate them to learn.

10. Work a few weeks ahead
It can be hard to get ahead on planning, but where possible it’s really helpful to work a few weeks ahead of your students as the topics covered in a few weeks’ time may add to what you’re currently covering, or may form a natural topic of more advanced questions from able students.

11. Encourage students to lead the learning
Taking on the role of teacher is a fantastic way for students to develop and embed learning so do not feel that you have to lead every pat of every lesson. Instead, encourage students to take the lead and have them teach different topics back to the class. Taking on the role of expert can provide a real confidence boost and having to understand a subject well enough to teach our peers is a great way to ensure that the appropriate learning is in place.

12. Attend a course!
Of course, one of the quickest and easiest ways to get up to speed when teaching a new subject for the first time is to attend relevant CPD. Creative Education have a wide range of courses aimed at non-specialist teachers which can give you a real confidence and knowledge boost in those early days.

Our non-specialist courses are suitable for KS3 and 4 teachers looking to successfully apply their teaching experience to deliver lessons in unfamiliar subjects.

They are available in a range of subjects and cover key curriculum topics, popular lesson activities, common problem areas and how to interpret and use existing lesson plans.

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2020 UTME: JAMB Registers 1.9 Million Candidates, Highest Recorded in History

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has registered over 1,900,000 candidates for the 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculations Examination, as the registration for the examination closes by midnight on Monday (today).

JAMB said on Sunday that the 1.9million was the highest number of registration done in the history of the board and would still increase as more candidates were expected to register on Monday.

The PUNCH reports that the UTME examination has been slated between March 14 and April 4 with an optional mock examination scheduled nationwide for Tuesday, February 18.

The board’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Dr Fabian Benjamin, confirmed the 1.9million registered candidates in an interview, noting that it was the highest registration in the history of the board.

He said, “The registration closes on Monday night. As I speak to you, we have registered over 1.9million. That is the highest we have ever had in the 41-year history of the board. Right now, we have surpassed the last year’s statistics at 1.8million. That is to tell you that nobody has an excuse of why he or she could not register.

“On the February 18 Mock, we have put everything in place. Our workers who are deployed for the exercise are already on the field. And as you are aware, the essence of the mock is to test the readiness of our facilities and also give the candidates the opportunity to have a hands-on experience on the computers.”

Our correspondent, who monitored the UTME registration in three Computer-Based Test Centres in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, reports that there is already a last-minute rush at the centres.

The candidates thronged the centres at Jabi, Central Business District and Kubwa in their hundreds trying to beat the Monday deadline.

At the Global Distance Learning Institute, Central Business District, the centre Manager, Mr Emeka Nwanaka, confirmed the last-minute rush, adding that there were, however, no issues of biometric failure.

Earlier: JAMB Registers 1,434,632 Candidates So Far, Insists on 17th February Deadline

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has disclosed that a total of 1,434,632 candidates have so far registered for its ongoing 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME and Direct Entry. The board also said the closing date for the registration remained February 17 and charged prospective candidates not yet registered to take advantage of the remaining days to do so.

JAMB, also warned Computer-Based Test, CBT, centres against turning away candidates who obtained ePINS elsewhere.

According to JAMB, this warning became necessary following a series of complaints received by the board that some centres are turning away candidates simply because they did not obtain their ePins from such centres.”

The board called on all accredited CBT centres to comply with the rules of engagement in order not to attract any sanction.

Earlier: JAMB Registers 700,000 Candidates in 2 weeks

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disclosed that about 700,000 candidates have so far been registered for the 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) nationwide in two weeks.

This was made known by the Board’s Head, Media, and Information, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, in an interview with newsmen.

According to him, the exercise has been hitch-free, with the impressive turnout from the first day at the various accredited Computer Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide.

He stated that there are 21 days left to go for in this year’s registration exercise and called on all prospective candidates who wish to register for 2020, the UTME and Direct Entry, to seize the opportunity and register, as there will be no extension.

Benjamin also noted that the Board had blacklisted 41 centres out of the 692 centres used, over issues such as registration cyber fraud, extortion, and technical deficiency.

Earlier: JAMB Registration Statistics 2019: Statistical Reports on UTME Applications

Following the 2019 Policy Meeting held on Tuesday, 11th June, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB has released the 2019 UTME application statistics for tertiary institutions across the country.

According to the information released by the board, the University of Ilorin, Kwara State had 108,912 applications, making it the University with the highest first choice applications for 2019, with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State coming in second place with 81,397 applications.

For colleges of education, the data revealed the Federal College of Education, Zaria to have the highest first choice applications, with 3,770 applications. Kaduna Polytechnic, had the most applications for polytechnics, with 3,529, while Aflon Digital Institute, Abuja had the highest first choice applications for Innovation Enterprise Institutions- IEIs.

View the table below for more details on the 2019 UTME application statistics for Institutions.

2019 UTME APPLICATION STATISTICS BY INSTITUTION

TOP TEN INSTITUTIONS – (ALL UNIVERSITIES) – FIRST CHOICE

2019 POSITION           INSTITUTIONS   TOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICATIONSPERCENTAGE (%)
1stUniversity of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State108,9125.77
2ndAhmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State81,3974.31
3rdUniversity of Benin, Benin City, Edo State78,7414.17
4thUniversity of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State77,2904.10
5THUniversity of Lagos, Lagos State74,7133.96
6THBayero University, Kano, Kano State72,4363.84
7THUniversity of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State63,3783.36
8THObafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife, Osun State56,8953.02
9THNnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State56,3272.99
10THUniversity of Jos, Jos, Plateau State51,0532.71

JAMB Registration Statistics: 2019 UTME APPLICATION STATISTICS BY INSTITUTION TOP TEN INSTITUTIONS 

(ALL COLLEGES OF EDUCATION) – FIRST CHOICE

2019 POSITION           INSTITUTIONS   TOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICATIONSPERCENTAGE (%)
1stFederal College of Education,3,7700.20
2ndSaadatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso, Kano3,7310.20
3rdCollege of Education, Akwanga2,4310.13
4thFederal College of Education (Tech.), Potiskum2,2570.12
5THCollege of Education, Gidan-Waya2,2140.12
6THIsa Kaita College of Education, Dutsinma2,1790.12
7THFederal College of Education, Kan^1,9740.10
8THFederal College of Education, Katsina, Katsina State1,8890.10
9THFederal College of Education (Tech.), Gombe1,7710.09
10THAminu Saleh College of Education, Azare1,3500.07

JAMB Registration Statistics: 2019 UTME APPLICATION STATISTICS BY INSTITUTION TOP TEN INSTITUTIONS

(ALL POLYTECHNICS/MONOTECHNICS) – FIRST CHOICE

2019 POSITION           INSTITUTIONS   TOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICATIONSPERCENTAGE (%)
1stKaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna3,5290.19
2ndRamat Polytechnic, Maiduguri3,0470.16
3rdFederal Polytechnic, Ilaro2,8910.15
4thFederal Polytechnic, Offa2,8430.15
5THYaba College of Technology, Yaba2,2870.12
6THFederal Polytechnic, Nekede1,6600.09
7THNuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria1,6110.09
8THThe Polytechnic, Ibadan1,5740.08
9THFederal Polytechnic, Ede1,5020.08
10THKwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin1,4410.08

JAMB Registration Statistics: 2019 UTME APPLICATION STATISTICS BY INSTITUTION TOP TEN INSTITUTIONS

(INNOVATION ENTERPRISE INSTITUTION- IEIs) – FIRST CHOICE

S/NINSTITUTIONSTOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS 
1Aflon Digital Institute, Abuja38 
2PEFTI Film Institute, Lagos, Lagos State33 
3Nigerian Television Authority, Television College, Jos, Plateau State24 
4National Film Institute, Jos, Plateau State23 
5UNICEM Community. Dev. Initiative Train. Inst. Mfamosing, Cross River State17 
6Ibrahim Shehu Shema ICT and Business Institute, Katsina14 
7Afrihub ICT Institute, Abuja14 
8Maurid Institute of Mgt And Tech, Mbiaso, Akwa Ibom State13 
9Kaduna Business School, Kaduna, Kaduna State13 
10Complete Computers And Tech Inst, Benin, Edo State13 

Earlier: JAMB Registration Statistics for 2019: Over 1.6 Million Candidates For 2019 UTME

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB has disclosed that it has so far registered over 1.6 million candidates between Jan. 10 and Feb. 15 for the 2019 UTME and says not less than 1.8 million candidates would be registered for the examination by the end of the registration exercise scheduled for Feb. 21, 2019.

This was disclosed by the Board’s Head, Media and Information, Dr Fabian Benjamin in an interview with newsmen.

He said the ongoing registration so far has been satisfactory as it has recorded little or no hitches. It was gathered that Lagos State recorded the highest number of registered candidates 234,259 candidates.

An official bulletin of the board tagged ‘jambulletin’ issued on Sunday revealed that preparations for the successful conduct of the examination scheduled to commence few weeks from now is in top gear.

EARLIER FROM JAMB 2018: The following JAMB 2018 UTME statistical reports on registration and applications were released in the 2018 JAMB Admission Policy Meeting where the presentation was made by the Registrar.

JAMB Registration Statistics 2018: 1.6 Million JAMB UTME Forms Were Sold for 2018 UTME

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has just recently disclosed that about 1.6 million registration forms have been sold for the 2018 UTME.

The board’s Head, Media and Information, Dr Fabian Benjamin, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Lagos.

He mentioned that this year’s registration for the examination has proven to be one of the best in recent times.

He stressed that the board is seriously considering reducing the subsequent registration periods to about one month.

He however, warned that there will not be any more extensions in future registrations as some mischievous elements usually take advantage of that to undermine the integrity of the exam.

2018 vs 2017 UTME Applications By First (1st) Choice Preference

PREFERENCE20172018
TOTAL APPLICATIONSPERCENTAGE (%)TOTAL APPLICATIONSPERCENTAGE (%)
DEGREE1,687,55197.971,558,68694.29
NCE17,3381.0124,5241.48
ND17,3091.0169,7124.22
NID380.022050.01
TOTAL1,722,2361001,653,127100

Graphical Presentation of JAMB 2018 Applications Statistics of Institutions By 1st Choice Preference

Credit: JAMB

JAMB 2018 UTME Application Statistics By States of Origin/Ranking

S/NSTATETOTALPERCENTAGE(%)
1IMO93,0485.63
2OYO86,6875.24
3OSUN86,0655.21
4OGUN80,4534.87
5DELTA80,1314.85
6ANAMBRA72,8714.41
7EDO66,5524.03
8KADUNA65,9923.99
9KANO64,8183.92
10ONDO63,9503.87
11KWARA63,4973.84
12BENUE63,1163.82
13ENUGU62,6393.79
14KOGI61,9753.75
15AKWA IBOM57,8573.5
16ABIA47,8482.89
17PLATEAU43,6012.64
18EKITI43,2802.62
19RIVERS42,5602.57
20NASARAWA36,2252.19
21LAGOS31,4371.9
22CROSS RIVER30,5841.85
23EBONYI29,8421.81
24KATSINA29,5821.79
25BORNO28,5361.73
26NIGER26,2081.59
27GOMBE25,2951.53
28BAUCHI24,9021.51
29TARABA22,3541.35
30ADAMAWA22,2231.34
31BAYELSA19,4511.18
32JIGAWA18,3651.11
33YOBE15,5360.94
34KEBBI15,3410.93
35SOKOTO13,4930.82
36ZAMFARA10,0900.61
37FCT6,4380.39
38OTHERS2850.02

Graphical Representation of JAMB 2018 UTME Application Statistics By States of Origin

jamb-statistics-graphs-2

Credit: JAMB

Graphical Representation of JAMB 2018 UTME Application Statistics By States of Origin and Gender

jamb-statistics-graphs-3

Credit: JAMB

JAMB 2018 UTME Application Statistics By States of Origin and FCT (Top Ten)

JAMB 2018 UTME Application Statistics By States of Origin and FCT (Lowest Ten)

Credit: JAMB

JAMB 2018 UTME Application Statistics By Faculty (Degree)

Credit: JAMB

JAMB 2018 UTME Application Statistics By Technology and Non-Technology Based Courses (Polytechnics/Monotechnics/IEI’s) – First Choice

Credit: JAMB

JAMB 2018 UTME Application Statistics By Science and Arts Based Courses (Colleges of Education): First Choice

Credit: JAMB

JAMB Registration Statistics: 2018 UTME Application Statistics By Institution (Top Ten Institutions)

All Universities – First Choice

2018 POSITIONINSTITUTIONSTOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICATIONSPERCENTAGE (%)2017 POSITION2016 POSITION
1stUniversity of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State86,4015.231st1st
2ndAhmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State74,6354.512nd3rd
3rdUniversity of Benin, Benin City, Edo State70,3224.253rd2nd
4thUniversity of Nigeria Nsukka, Enugu State66,4864.024th4th
5thUniversity of Lagos, Lagos State62,4363.785th7th
6thBayero University, Kano, Kano State56,2613.406th5th
7thObafemi Awolowo University, Ile-ife, Osun State48,6462.949th9th
8thNnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State48,5542.948th6th
9thUniversity of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State47,5442.887th8th
10thUniversity of Jos, Jos, Plateau State46,0822.7910th10th

All Colleges of Education – First Choice

2018 POSITIONINSTITUTIONSTOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICATIONSPERCENTAGE (%)2017 POSITION2016 POSITION
1stFederal College of Education, Zaria2,8360.171st1st
2ndFederal College of Education (Tech.), Potiskum2,2440.142nd3rd
3rdCollege of Education, Akwanga1,9500.123rd5th
4thAminu Saleh College of Education, Azare1,6520.105th2nd
5thFederal College of Education, Kano1,5590.0910th10th
6thFederal College of Education (Tech.), Gombe1,4530.094th6th
7thCollege of Education, Gidan-Waya1,3030.08Not in top ten4th
8thCollege of Education, Waka-Biu1,0220.066th7th
9thIsa Kaita College of Education, Dutsinma9680.06Not in top tenNot in top ten
10thFCT College of Education, Zuba9450.06Not in top ten8th

All Polytechnics/Monotechnics – First Choice

2018 POSITIONINSTITUTIONSTOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICATIONSPERCENTAGE (%)2017 POSITION2016 POSITION
1stYaba College of Technology, Yaba5,2750.32Not in top tenNot in top ten
2ndFederal Polytechnic, Ilaro5,2580.321st2nd
3rdFederal Polytechnic, Offa4,4560.272nd1st
4thThe Polytechnic, Ibadan4,0750.25Not in top tenNot in top ten
5thFederal Polytechnic, Ede4,0470.244th3rd
6thKaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna3,9220.243rd4th
7thLagos State Poly, Ikorodu3,6290.22Not in top tenNot in top ten
8thKwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin3,0410.186th7th
9thFederal Polytechnic, Oko2,7810.17Not in top tenNot in top ten
10thFederal Polytechnic, Nekede2,5290.159thNot in top ten

Innovation Enterprise Institutions (IEIs) – First Choice

S/NINSTITUTIONSTOTAL NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS
1Pefti Film Institute, Lagos, Lagos State26
2Global Maritime Academy, Ogoni-olomu, Ughelli South, Delta State25
3Conarina Maritime Academy, Oria, Abraka, Delta State24
4Unicem Community. Dev. Initiative Train. Inst. Mfamosing, Cross River State21
5Complete Computers And Tech Institute, 11 Adesuwa Grammar Sch Rd, Gra, Benin18
6Mario Institue Of Hospitality Mgt And Entrepreneurship Educ. Nsukka, Enugu State15
7National Film Institute, Jos, Plateau State13
8Nigerian Television Authority, Television College, Ray Field, Jos, Plateau State10
9Ibrahim Shehu Shema Ict And Business Institute, Katsina, Katsina State9
10Digital Bridge Institute, Oshodi, Lagos State5

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National Youth Service Corp NYSC Recruitment 2020-2021 Job Vacancies

NYSC Recruitment 2020-2021 is ongoing and, this page will provide detailed information about the NYSC Recruitment 2020-2021 and also give clear guidance and direction of the application process and other updated information.

The NYSC scheme was established to revamp the country after the Nigerian Civil war. The happenings in our history gave way to the birth of the National Youth Service Corps by decree No.24 of 22nd May 1973 which mentioned that the NYSC is being created with a view to proper advice and establishment of common ties among the youths of Nigeria and the promotion of national unity. As a growing country, Nigeria is more troubled by the problems of underdevelopment, namely: poverty; mass illiteracy; acute shortage of high skilled manpower; poor inadequate socioeconomic infrastructural facilities and housing.

Complete Guide For Nysc Recruitment 2020-2021

These questions and more will be answered in the following information presented in this post. The application process will be explained and candidates will be given guidance on about to submit their applications for the NYSC Recruitment 2020-2021.

NYSC Job Uniqueness

  • It manages numerous job applications in A Consistent Way
  • Employment Opportunities are announced For Free
  •  Applicants can monitor their Recruitment Campaigns
  •  Recruitment Campaign is free.
  • Job allocation is strictly on merit.
  • Lastly, it oversees Vacancies More Effectively

How to Register on the NYSC Job Portal

  • Tap on the “Register” tab at the top of the screen on your computer.
  • Fill in your details on the form then go to your email to see the activation email. Follow the directives in the mail.
  • Once your account is activated, you will receive another email showing you your login details. Kindly keep these details safe as you will need them to apply for more vacancies on the e-Recruiter platform.
  • Login with the details sent to you and fill out the forms as described below.
  • A page is displayed after login and you are to enter your personal details. At the end of filling the form on this page, click on the “Update” button at the bottom of the screen.
  • Next, click on Additional Information. Fill in your details. Make sure you upload your NYSC video CV URL.
  • Click on the Passport tab. Upload a passport that meets up with the passport requirements.
  • Click on “Educational Qualification”. Click on “Add Qualification”. Go on and fill the appropriate details.
  • Click on the “Employment History” tab. Fill the form and tap on the “Update” button.
  • Click on the “Certifications” tab. Also, tap on the “Add certification” and fill out the form. Don’t forget to “Update” the information.
  • Finally, go to the “Documents” tab. On there, select the document to be uploaded. Select the file and upload it.
  • Once you are done, congratulations! You have successfully created a profile on NYSC Job Portal. You can use this profile to apply for any vacancies available on the Portal. You can also change and add more details to your information at any time.
  • To apply for a vacant position, click on the “Vacancies” tab at the top of the screen.
  • On the list of vacancies display, tap on the “View/Apply” link beside the vacancy you want to apply for.
  • A short description of the vacancy is displayed. Click on the “Apply Now” button.
  • Once the Application is completed, a notification is shown on the screen: “Application Complete! Thank you for applying for this vacancy. After examining all applications, only suitably qualified candidates would be shortlisted and contacted.” You will also receive an email confirmation in your email account.
  • You have successfully applied for a vacancy.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE

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[UPDATED] Re-printing of JAMB Exam Slip to Begin on Saturday 7th March, 2020

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB has revealed that the printing of exam slip for the 2020 UTME will begin on Saturday 7th March 2020 ahead of the main JAMB CBT Exam which is slated to commence on March 14th. The printing of JAMB Exam slip is to enable candidates to know the exact exam date, time and venue/center for their JAMB-UTME exam.

jamb registration slip printing

Update: Reprinting of JAMB UTME Examination Slips has commenced. Please see the details below;

According to the JAMB Board, from Saturday 7th March, candidates will have their slips placed on their JAMB profiles. However, those who are unable to access their slips through their portal can visit the board’s service portal; www.jamb.org.ng to print the slip.

Update: The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB Examination Slip Reprinting will commence on Saturday 7th March 2020.

Candidates are advised to print their exam slips before the commencement of JAMB Exam, in order to familiarize themselves with the examination schedules as no excuse will be accepted for missing the examination.

How to Print JAMB Examination Slip

Please Note: If you registered for the JAMB 2020, you are advised to print your Jamb Exam slip to know your centre, exam date and time. According to the board, there will be no mop-up exam for candidates who failed to appear on the date and time of his/her exams.

How to Reprint your Jamb Exam Slip via JAMB Portal

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB has finally enabled the portal for printing of 2020 UTME Exam Slip. This is for candidates who did not receive their exam slips via email addresses.

Please take note that the Printing can only be done using a computer system with a Printer attached to it. You are to use your phone to confirm if yours is available on the JAMB portal before going to a Cybercafe to print it out.

Step 1. Go to the official JAMB Portal: https://www.jamb.org.ng/ExamSlipPrinting2/PrintExaminationSlip

Step 2. Enter your JAMB Registration Number or Email address or Phone Number you used to register for the exam on the appropriate column.

Step 3. Click on “Print Examination Slip”, your exam slip will Pop Up on the screen.

Step 4. If you already have your computer connected to a printer, just proceed to print your exam slip.

Please allow popup for this site from your browser

If you get the above message. Please follow the step below.

1. Click on Option
2. Click on “Allow pop-up for http://www.jamb.org.ng
3. Automatically, the pop-up of your JAMB Exam slip will be displayed on a new window, you can go ahead to print it out.

Note: You are to print 2 copies of the UTME Examination Slip in Full Colour. You will submit one at the Exam Hall and you have to keep one for reference purpose.

Update: Reprinting Of JAMB 2020 Exam Slip Via Email Has Officially Commenced

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB has started sending the 2020 UTME exam slips to all registered candidates via email. Please see the guide below

How to Print JAMB Slip 2020 (via Email)

Step 1: If you get an e-mail from JAMB, simply look for an attachment that comes with the mail. This attachment is a PDF file, named most likely as your JAMB registration number.

Step 2: Download the PDF file to your phone or PC system (Laptop) to ensure you now have it offline. If you have a printer at home, you can simply print the Exam Slip directly from the computer without having to visit the Business Centre/Cybercafe.

Step 3: If you don’t have a printer at home, then go to any Business Centre, log into your email, re-download the Exam Slip and ask that an operator should help you print the Exam Slip. Note: Please ask the computer operative in the cyber cafe if their System is connected to a printer before proceeding.

Step 4: You are advised to print 2 Copies of the Exam Slip because you would be required to submit 1 of them at the Exam Centre. You will then keep the other copy for reference.

Note: You don’t need to be in a hurry to print your exam slip. Nigeriaschool.com.ng believes that JAMB will release a procedure to print the Exam Slip directly from their portal. We will update the guideline on how to do that in this post.

Important Notice: Candidates should take note that the procedures to check Jamb exam slip will need to be carried out using an actual computer system that has a printer attached to it.

Announcement: Please be informed that not all the UTME Exam Slips have been sent, and this will go on in batches. If you have not yet received an mail from JAMB, do not panic and keep checking your email address for the mail. We expect JAMB to make provision for candidates who are unable to access their exam slip via email to print it from the JAMB portal.

Remember: The Jamb 2020 Examination will begin on the 11th of march, 2020. click here to see more detail

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2020 JOINT ADMISSION AND MATRICULATION BOARD (JAMB) UTME EXAMINATION DATE

The authority of the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced the period which all the candidates that registered for its 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) will write their CBT examination.

JAMB Exam Date:

According to the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the examination proper will commence on 14th March, 2020.

Meaning that your exam will fall to a day between those period. To know your exact date, you will have to reprint your examination slip some days to the exam. You can get your examination slip from your registered email address or directly from JAMB website.

The venue of your examination will be determined by the examination town you picked during registration.

Candidates are to begin the printing of the 2020 UTME notification slips from 7th March, 2020.

Below are some links you can consider checking to help you prepare better and also tackle the 2020 UTME like a champion:

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EGYPT’S FORMER PRESIDENT MUBARAK DIES AGED 91 AFTER

  • EGYPT’S FORMER PRESIDENT MUBARAK
EGYPT’S FORMER PRESIDENT MUBARAK

Former President Hosni Mubarak, who ruled Egypt for 30 years, died on Tuesday at the age of 91 after undergoing treatment in intensive care following surgery.

The former air force officer will be buried in a military funeral but the timing was still unclear, a military source told Reuters.

Mubarak’s son Alaa said in a Twitter post that included images of his late father that he had died on Tuesday morning.

Mubarak was ousted following mass protests in 2011. He was arrested two months later and spent several years in prison and military hospitals.

He was sentenced to life in prison for conspiring to murder 239 demonstrators during the 18-day revolt, but was freed in 2017 after being cleared of the charges.

He was however convicted in 2015 along with his two sons of diverting public funds and using the money to upgrade family properties. They were sentenced to three years in jail.

In an early reaction, the United Arab Emirates’ minister of state for foreign affairs, Anwar Gargash, said the Arab world had lost a statesman who took significant national and historic positions.

Mubarak did not leave the country after his overthrow, unlike Tunisia’s Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali, who fled with his family to Saudi Arabia after being ousted in protests that triggered the “Arab spring” revolts that spread to Egypt and elsewhere in the region.

In contrast, the Mubarak family has stayed in Egypt since 2011 but kept a low profile.

Many Egyptians who lived through Mubarak’s time in power view it as a period of autocracy and crony capitalism. His overthrow led to Egypt’s first free election, which brought in Islamist President Mohamed Mursi.

Mursi lasted only a year in office after mass protests in 2013 led to his overthrow by then defence chief General Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who is now president.

Mubarak-era figures, meanwhile, are gradually being cleared of charges, and laws limiting political freedoms have raised fears among activists that the old regime is back.

Mubarak had long maintained his innocence and said history would judge him a patriot who served his country selflessly.

MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.

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