Computer Scientists and Database Administrators
Computer science encompasses a wide range of subjects, and positions within this field are often defined using general terms. For the most part, computer scientists work as theorists, researchers, and inventors. They use their advanced theoretical knowledge to solve complex problems and create and apply new technologies. The duties of a computer scientist vary from job to job. For instance, computer scientists may specialize in areas such as programming-language design, virtual reality, complexity theory, or human-computer interaction.The database administration industry emerged out of a need to store, manage, and extract data effectively. Professionals in this field work with database management systems and related software in an effort to organize and store large amounts of data. Database administrators set up computer database systems according to user requirements, test and alter these systems, monitor system performance, and integrate new users into the systems when necessary. Because sensitive data is constantly being created as a result of the internet and electronic commerce, many database administrators also coordinate the security measures for systems.
Network systems and data communications analysts create, test, and evaluate a variety of systems that operate over the internet, local area networks (LANs), and wide area networks (WANs). The communications systems and networks that these professionals oversee range in size. A connection can be as small as two offices in the same building or as large as the global e-mail network of a multinational organization. After modeling, analyzing, and planning a network, analysts are sometimes asked to recommend the best hardware and software to use within that network.
Other related IT workers include telecommunications specialists, web developers and designers, and webmasters. Telecommunications specialists design voice and data communications systems, supervise the setup of these systems, and help monitor and maintain the systems after they are installed. Web designers are responsible for creating and designing websites on a daily basis. Webmasters attend to the technical aspects of sites and help outline and approve their content.
Most computer scientists, database administrators, and network systems analysts work 40 hours a week. Telecommuting among professionals in these fields is common, as laptops, e-mail, and the internet allow many computer experts to complete their work from remote locations. The training and qualifications necessary to compete for jobs in computer science and database administration vary. The majority of employers prefer applicants with formal degrees, and education requirements can range from an associate's degree to a doctorate.
Computer scientists and database administrators work in every sector of the economy, but organizations involved with computer systems design are the primary employers of these types of professionals. A portion of these workers are self-employed as well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income of computer and information scientists in the U.S. in 2006 was $93,950. That same year, database administrators earned a median salary of $64,670, whereas network systems and data communications analysts made an average of $64,600 a year. The median annual salary of all other computer specialists in the country in 2006 was $68,570.