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Information Systems Occupations Sampler

This sampler provides brief descriptions of emerging occupations in the area
of Information Systems Occupations.  These descriptions do not include the
level of detail found in the Occupational Guides, and are intended to provide
users with a basic overview of occupations they may wish to explore further.


EMERGING OCCUPATIONS:

Occupations are emerging in most, if not every, industry.  This report 
focuses on a sample of emerging occupations in California.  There are 
different definitions for emerging, but for this publication emerging is 
defined as follows:

   An occupation that is totally new and created because of a 
   technological innovation

   An existing occupation that has undergone a substantial degree of skill 
   modification

   An occupation that has arisen as an offshoot of an existing occupation



       EMERGING OCCUPATIONS SAMPLER:  INFORMATION SYSTEMS OCCUPATIONS


Occupations Included in this Sampler:

Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technicians
Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Technicians
Closed Caption Reporters
Computer Security Specialists
Information and Image Managers
Librarians, Special
Library Scientists
Local Area Network (LAN) Managers
Programmers, Engineering & Scientific
Software Engineers
Systems Integrators


TRENDS:

Note: 

   The Information Systems Occupations cluster includes jobs that provide, 
   develop or dispense information.

   Computers are becoming essential in all types of work environments.  
   Upgraded computers that are more sophisticated and versatile -- but still 
   affordable by businesses -- will drive up the demand for High Tech workers.

   Today's librarians work extensively with computers because of the growing 
   number of automated information systems available.  These library science 
   experts design and operate automated information systems.


"Rapid technological change will also create a sizable new elite of High 
Tech employees -- from production workers who operate computer-aided 
manufacturing systems to that indispensable technician who shows up when the 
fax or copying machine crashes.  For example, some 1.2 million new jobs will 
open for drafters who work with computer-assisted systems."

                                                 Fortune, July 12, 1993, p 52



                       COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN(CAD) TECHNICIANS

Computer Aided Design (CAD) Technicians assist Industrial Designers and 
Engineers by using computers to design structures and materials that will be 
used in a new product.  CAD/CAM are often linked together as part of an 
automated manufacturing and industrial design process.

What They Do:

CAD Technicians produce working drawings, such as schematics, process and 
instrumentation diagrams, lists of specifications and finished products.  
The computer helps the designers produce drawings and designs more quickly, 
accurately and cost effectively.  The CAD technicians work at a specially 
designed and equipped interactive computer graphics workstation.  The 
technicians are able to call up computer data files that hold information 
about a new product and use programs that convert that information into 
diagrams and drawings of the product.  The diagram and drawings are 
displayed on a video-display screen, which then acts as an electronic 
drawing board.

Skills:
  Read and understand engineering drawings
  Access and convert computer programs into diagrams and drawings
  Manipulate information to get desired results
  Concentrate on details
  Visualize three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional drawings

Related Jobs:
  Architects
  Commercial Artists
  Drafters
  Interior Designers
  Technical Illustrators

Education/Knowledge:
  High School graduate
  Drafting training from trade school, or
  Associate's degree  in drafting, or
  Bachelor of Arts in industrial design
  Training in CAD, engineering, mathematics, mechanical drawing, design and 
  computer programs with video-display equipment


                 COMPUTER AIDED MANUFACTURING (CAM) TECHNICIANS

Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) technicians use computers to determine 
the process and equipment required to manufacture a product.  Within the 
next few decades, these technicians could help the production rate of the 
United States rise about ten times higher than the current rate.

What They Do:

CAM Technicians are involved with setting up the manufacturing processes to 
operate at maximum efficiency.  To accomplish this, computers are used to 
gather data from different sources on the availability and location of parts 
and materials, conditions on the factory floor and other components relating 
to the manufacturing process.  The technicians monitor and control the 
automated aspects of the manufacturing of the product.  They also run, 
maintain and repair the computer-controlled manufacturing devices, ranging 
from a simple automated device to a sophisticated robot.

Skills:
  Read and understand engineering drawings 
  Access and convert computer programs into diagrams and drawings
  Manipulate information to get desired results
  Concentrate on details
  Visualize three-dimensional objects from two-dimensional drawings

Related Jobs:
  Drafters
  Maintenance Technicians
  Robotics Operators
  Robotics Technicians

Education/Knowledge:
  High School graduate
  Associate's degree with courses in drafting and basic engineering, 
    hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics, data processing, design and computer 
    programs with video-display equipment
  Business manufacturing and production management courses


                          CLOSED CAPTION REPORTERS

Real-time technology makes information available as it happens - or at the 
real-time it occurs.  This type of technology is used in computer aided 
transcription and court room reporting.  It is also used by Closed Caption 
Reporters to transcribe television programs for the hearing impaired.

What They Do:

Closed Caption Reporters type the words spoken during a broadcast directly 
into the computer.  The words are then converted into captions and displayed 
on the screen within seconds for the hearing impaired to enjoy the dialogue 
on television.  Closed Caption can be used during both regular weekly 
scheduled programs (which are not performed live) as well as a number of 
live broadcasts such as news and sports events.  This means that reporters 
must be able to type and transcribe quickly and accurately.  The reporters 
need to be dependable workers who can type 200-300 words per minute in order 
to keep up with the dialogue on the show.

Skills:
  Enter spoken (live) script into computer 
  Concentrate on details
  Type 200-300 words per minute
  Adapt readily to many kinds of programs 

Related Jobs:
  Court Reporters
  Typists
  Secretaries
  Stenographers
  Word Processing Technicians

Education/Knowledge:
  High school graduate
  Two to three years of education at a certified court reporter school
  National Shorthand Reporter Certificate
  Pass State hearing exam
  At least one year experience as a Court Reporter


                          COMPUTER SECURITY SPECIALISTS

The increasing use of personal computers and the growing number of in-home 
telecommuters creates more opportunities for amateur and professional 
computer users to experiment with various codes and gain illegal entry into 
a secured computer system.  Workplace crime has also become more prevalent 
in recent years.  Theft of computer programs and planting of viruses are 
being committed by employees as well as outside computer users.

What They Do:

Computer Security Specialists coordinate planned security measures to 
protect information in computer files from accidental or unauthorized 
modification, destruction or disclosure.  The Specialists sometimes help 
design and monitor security systems.  Security Specialists work for both 
public and private companies on top security computer networks.  
Corporations are increasingly contracting with security consulting firms to 
manage their computer security systems.  The consulting firms who specialize 
in computer security manage the systems from outside the company, cutting 
down on inside security violations.

Skills:
  Gather and analyze information in new ways
  Recognize problems with programs
  Diagnose system errors
  Understand human behavior
  Interact with many kinds of people

Related Jobs:
  Building Security Guards
  Computer Systems Analysts
  Computer Programmers
  Information Security Specialists

Education/Knowledge:
  Bachelor degree in computer science, information systems, accounting or 
  related field 
  Know how to operate and connect security equipment, including alarms, 
  monitoring systems and access control devices
  Expertise in electronics, accounting, information analysis and building 
  design


                        INFORMATION AND IMAGE MANAGERS

Information and image management is a rapidly expanding application of 
computer technology.  Optical disk technology leads this field in the 
ability to store vast amounts of information and retrieve it in seconds.

What They Do:

Information and Image Managers develop methods and procedures for 
collecting, organizing, interpreting and classifying information to put into 
the computer.  They manage the procedure of scanning entire documents into 
the computer so that users can view the whole form or call up only the 
information they want.  The scanning is done by technicians who process the 
documents and then check for accuracy.  Many imaging systems are being 
tailored to individual needs of companies who store large amounts of written 
material.  The managers work closely with designers who create these 
specialized imaging systems.

Skills:
  Gather and analyze data
  Create and implement plans 
  Develop programs to customize information

Related Jobs:
  Chief Information Officers
  Imagers
  Information Scientists
  Librarians
  Managers

Education/Knowledge:
  Bachelor of Science in image technology


                               LIBRARIANS, SPECIAL

There are many librarians who specialize in one particular area of 
information.  These librarians Research, retrieve, catalog and disseminate 
information like regular librarians do, but they usually help a more 
specified group of people.  Two examples are the News Librarians and the 
Health Sciences Librarians.

What They Do:

News Librarians manage information resources stored in files, on tapes and 
microfilm or in computers.  The information is used by news and editorial 
staff in publishing establishments, such as newspapers and magazines, and in 
broadcasting establishments, such as radio and television stations.

Health Sciences Librarians Research and locate information relating to 
patient care needs or medical Research purposes.  Health Sciences Librarians 
work in Veterans Affairs Hospitals, military hospitals, Research centers, 
state hospitals, and educational institutions or private hospitals, health 
related businesses or private schools.

Skills:
  Access automated information 
  Organize, catalog and disseminate printed or automated information
  Gather and analyze data

Related Jobs:
  Librarians 
  Medical Researchers
  News Information Resource Managers

Education/Knowledge:
  Bachelor's degree in any field   
  Master's degree  in library or Information science
  Knowledge of automated networks 


                             LIBRARY SCIENTISTS

Information is becoming increasingly important in many sectors of our 
economy.  Recent advances in microelectronics, fiber optics, and digital 
technology facilitate the storage, retrieval, analysis and transmittal of 
information.  In the future emphasis will be less on the physical collection 
of information and more on the access to information.  Librarians will be 
dependent on electronic networks and computer software.

What They Do:

Library Scientists design and operate computer-based information systems; 
manage information resources, systems and services; and provide 
individualized information services.  The system takes the information and 
distributes it by way of the telephone, electronic mail, cable TV, computer 
networks or satellites.  Library Scientists engage in Research to improve 
access to information and to increase knowledge about the production, 
transmission and utilization of information.

Skills:
  Develop and design information system programs
  Plan and designate information delivery methods
  Influence many kinds of people
  Gather, analyze and report data

Related Jobs:
  Librarians
  Library Assistants
  Systems Experts

Education/Knowledge:
  --  Master's degree in library science
  --  California Library Media Teacher Credential available for those with a 
      teaching credential who want to enter the library science field
  --  Ph.D. is available in special field of study
  --  San Jose State University has the only Master's of Library Science 
      program in California.  Berkeley and UCLA library science programs are 
      on hold due to reorganization efforts.


                      LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN) MANAGERS

Local Area Network (LAN) is a system that connects Personal Computers (PCs) 
so that users of linked PCs can share data and communicate with each other.  
Users can send large amounts of information electronically over LANs.  LANs 
are not only necessary in offices but are very useful in factories.  They 
may connect information between design groups, engineering groups and 
various locations on the factory floor for an open and speedy line of 
communication.

What They Do:

The number of LAN Managers has increased in response to the growing number 
of LAN systems.  These Managers install new software programs and upgrade 
existing programs.  They maintain and care for the systems and monitor 
network traffic and file storage.  The Managers develop file system backup 
and restoration procedures.  LAN Managers resolve and troubleshoot users' 
network-related problems and ensure that network users are trained in the 
use of resources and features available.  They combine technical ability and 
communication skills with a thorough knowledge of the computer industry.  
Many LAN Managers are trained on the job by using their existing computer 
knowledge and skills.  They are encouraged and/or required to continually 
attend training workshops on LANs, computer security and computer systems to 
keep up-to-date on the latest techniques, procedures and available systems.

Skills:
  Evaluate network use and storage capacity
  Gather and analyze data
  Use computer technology to solve a variety of complex problems
  Develop computer programs to customize information networks

Related Jobs:
  Computer Programmers
  Computer Security Specialists
  Information Systems Analysts
  Systems Installers
  Systems Administrators
  Telecommunications Analysts

Education/Knowledge:
  Bachelor of Science. required, preferably in computer field
  College level courses in computer programming and information science or 
  related field 
  LAN training workshops 
  Knowledge of computer programs and systems


                  PROGRAMMERS, ENGINEERING AND SCIENTIFIC

Many technical innovations in programming have redefined the role of the 
programmer.  The development and increase in programming tools and 
innovations have simplified and shortened the process of writing new 
programs.  The Engineering and Scientific Programmers specialize in programs 
used by Engineers and Scientists.

What They Do: 

Programmers convert scientific, engineering and other technical formulas 
into a format that the computer can process.  Programmers also help to 
simplify the statement by developing new programs or expanding computer 
programs that already exist.  Computer Programmers work with Engineers and 
other technicians to solve problems of intent, inaccuracy or feasibility of 
computer processing.  One of the new innovations used by Programmers is 
Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE).  CASE tools simplify code 
generation by allowing the programmer to generate whole sections of codes 
automatically, rather than line by line.  The software programs can be as 
simple as single user applications or as complex as extended client server 
data base applications.

Skills:
  Gather and interpret information scientifically
  Use computer technology to solve a variety of complex problems
  Design or expand computer programs for specific purposes 

Related Jobs:
  Computer Operators
  Computer Systems Management Technicians

Education/Knowledge:
  Bachelor of Science in information science, mathematics, computer science 
    or physical sciences information systems
  Graduate degree preferred

"As one of the fifty occupations with the fastest job growth in California, 
employment opportunities for computer programmers, including aides, will 
rise from 74,600 in 1990 to 107,500 in 2005 -- a job growth of 44 percent."

                    --Projections of Employment by Industry and Occupation 
                      Labor Market Information Division, EDD, December 1993


                              SOFTWARE ENGINEERS

As the technology gets cheaper, more industries and institutions are 
requiring their workers to incorporate the use of High Tech computers into 
their daily duties.  Other companies are overhauling their old equipment to 
meet modern needs.  There is a need for Software Engineers to write 
customized programs because companies are putting microchips in almost 
everything from telephones to thermostats.

What They Do:

Software Engineers consult with hardware engineers and other engineering 
staff to evaluate operation and performance requirements of the overall 
system.  They Research, design and develop software systems in conjunction 
with hardware product development for medical, industrial, military, 
communications, personal aerospace and scientific applications.  Software 
Engineers create instructions for the computer and tell it how to perform 
the task needed.  Software Engineers may program computer systems to use 
artificial intelligence (AI) technology.  This technology tries to emulate 
certain aspects of human thinking, such as learning, reasoning, problem 
solving and understanding languages.

Skills:
  Design software programs for specific purposes
  Gather, interpret and use information 
  Use computer technology to solve a variety of complex problems
  Interact with other engineers

Related Jobs: 
  Computer Programmers
  Information Systems Specialists
  Software Developers
  Systems Analysts
  Systems Integrators

Education/Knowledge:
  Programming experience
  Bachelor of Science in applied math, engineering or computer science
  Knowledge of computer engineering and electronics
  Master's degree needed for top positions


Computer Software Developers/Engineers:

According to Money (June 1990) in 1989 employment at the top 100 personal 
computer software companies shot up 23.5 percent.  The Office of Technology 
Assessment predicts more than 100,000 new jobs will be created for Software 
Developers by the end of this decade.

Computer Software Developers:

According to U.S. News and World Report (September 17, 1990) the best places 
to find software developer positions are in cities that have the highest 
concentration of High Tech firms .  The West Coast in general is good 
hunting grounds for software developers.

Computer Software Engineers:

According to U.S. News and World Report (November 1, 1993) the number of 
open positions should grow by 20 percent during the nineties.  Large cities 
are magnets for small software companies.


                             SYSTEMS INTEGRATORS

Open systems enable computers from different manufacturers to interact.  
Also, with open systems, many types of software can be used and different 
systems can be interconnected.  To many people who work daily with 
computers, open systems mean independence from any single software vendor 
and freedom to make choices.

What They Do: 

Systems Integrators help companies use open systems programs to gain the 
networking advantage.  Systems Integrators use their knowledge of computers 
to assemble the most efficient computer system for the user by putting 
together two or more dissimilar components or systems and making them work.  
Progress relies on computer networking.  It is the job of Systems 
Integrators to create computer programs that can link systems together.  
There are programs available that have the ability to run on a variety of 
computer platforms from microcomputers to mainframes and that can merge 
older systems with newer, state-of-the-art applications.

Skills:
  Gather, interpret and use information 
  Use computer technology to solve a variety of complex problems
  Solve problems in new or creative ways

Related Jobs:
  Computer Engineers
  Computer Programmers
  Local Area Network Managers
  Software Consultants
  Systems Analysts

Education/Knowledge:
  Bachelor of Science degree in computer science or related field
  Master's degree in computer science or related field is preferred
  Know the open systems applications that are currently available 
  Know how to use the major computer programs that are on the current market


Some Network Managers and Administrators are former Data Processing Managers 
and Administrators whose duties and title may have changed along with the 
computing environment.
                        --LAN Magazine, Nov. 1993

Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department,
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
         (916) 262-2162.