Computer Systems Programmer/Analysts

You have several options to learn more about what it is like to be a computer systems programmer/analyst. You can spend a day with a working professional in this field in order to experience a typical day firsthand. Career days of this type can usually be arranged through school counselors or the public relations manager of local corporations.

Strategy games, such as chess, played with friends or school clubs are a good way to put your analytic thinking skills to use while having fun. When choosing a game, the key is to make sure it relies on qualities similar to those used by programmer analysts.

Lastly, you should become a computer hobbyist and learn everything you can about computers by working and playing with them on a daily basis. Surfing the Internet regularly, as well as reading trade magazines, will also be helpful. You might also want to try hooking up a mini-system at home or school, configuring terminals, printers, modems, and other peripherals into a coherent system.

Other ways to learn more about this career include participating in information interviews and job-shadowing experiences with computer systems programmer/analysts; getting involved in summer exploration programs in computer science and other fields that are offered by colleges and universities; and participating in competitions that are offered by SkillsUSA, Technology Student Association, and other organizations.