Bao's+I+Search+Research

BAO NGUYEN

WEST JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL MS. BURTON I-SEARCH RESEARCH PAPER

 __ INTRODUCTION __ My main occupation that I would like to follow is to be a computer programmer. There were many careers before this one, but I made my final decision. One of the first occupations I considered was a construction worker, but I figured I would be tired everyday. My second choice was a car engineer. I’m still thinking about whether or not I can still do both just to make more money.

............I chose to be a computer programmer because I don’t think it is slot of work. I feel that I can be comfortable working as a computer programmer. The only problem is; I don’t know much about it. I want to know how to actually program a computer. I thought it would be easy, but it is hard when I tried. I also want to know what is inside the CPU, and what other kinds of technology computer programmers get to work on. I also have to find out what colleges I could go to that would help me the most. I want to go to a college that teaches a lot about technology, and also teach me enough about the academic subjects. I also want to have more than about 3 degrees. That would make me very successful in life, and it will make me get closer to my dream. I just can’t wait to I get out of high school now. I will also take preparatory classes about technology. ....   __ STORY OF MY SEARCH __

As I searched to find out everything I needed to know, it was very stressful. Even though I had all of the notes in my other class, I still wrote more notes down. I felt that it could be very helpful for my research. It was very stressful because there was //so much// notes to write. Most of the time, I didn’t even know what I was copying down or what I was looking for. What also was helpful was that I knew one website that gave me all the information that I needed, and also everything that I wanted to know. The Occupational Outlook Handbook. It showed a lot of careers and I found out a lot about a computer programmer.

...............Then I had to look for two colleges that may be most helpful to me. This was very hard. I couldn’t find almost anything about the colleges. Well despite of that, the two colleges that I chose were Louisiana State University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I figured they would be helpful, but looking for information about them was exhausting. I went on about twenty websites trying to find out what I needed to know. I found out everything about M.I.T., but LSU was a challenge. I couldn’t find the undergraduate enrollment, and the major, and minority programs, so I stopped worrying about the smallest things about the college.

__RESULTS__
It was easy to find information based on my career. I went on the Occupational Outlook Handbook website and found everything I needed to know. Also, everything I wanted to know. I found the job requirements for my career and so much about the colleges. This is what I found out: ............In the category “Nature of the Work”, computer programmers write, test, and maintain detailed instructions and programs. They also conceive, design, and test logical structures for solving problems by computer. That isn’t the only things they do, though. They also update, repair, or expand existing programs. For the programmers working on large objects, they use computer-assisted software engineering (CASE) tools to automate the coding process. For the programmers working on a mainframe, or large centralized computer, they may prepare instructions for a computer operator. The computer operator will run the program and they also may contribute to the instruction manual for the program. ................In the work environment, programmers spend most of their time in front of a computer terminal. They also work in clean, comfortable offices. Computer programmers usually work 40 hours per week. Long hours and weekend work may be required. Programmers may be susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort, and hand or wrist problems, usually called carpal tunnel syndrome.



.................A bachelor’s degree is usually required. A two-year degree or certificate may be adequate for some positions. Skilled workers who keep up to date with the latest technologies would have good opportunities for advancement. Employers, who use computers for scientific, engineering applications usually, prefer college graduates who have a degree in computer or information science. Employers who use computers for business applications hire people who can manage information systems and business, and who possesses strong programming skills. Most system programmers hold a four-year degree in computer science. They also must be able to work with database systems such as Oracle and Sybase. Programmers in the entry level or junior programmers may work alone on simple assignments. They also may work on a team with experienced programmers, but they must work under close supervision. Because technology changes so rapidly, programmers must continuously update their knowledge and skills. They do this by taking courses sponsored by their employer. ..................Employers look for people with the necessary skill who can think logically and pay close attention to detail. Programming calls for patience, persistence, and the ability to perform exacting analytical work under pressure. The ability to work with abstract concepts and do technical analysis is important because they work with software that control the computer’s operation. Employers want programmers who are able to communicate with non-technical personnel. Business skills are important if you want to advance to managerial positions. ..................In advancement, programmers may be promoted to lead programmers or be given supervisory responsibilities. With general business experience, programmers may become system analysts. They may also be promoted to managerial positions. Programmers with specialized knowledge or experience regarding a language may work in research and development and may even become computer software engineers. ...................Computer programmers employment change is decreasing by 4 percent from 2006-2016. Because of this change, employers will continue to need some local programmers, especially those who have strong technical skills. Organizations will look for programmers who can support data communications and help implement business.

....................The median annual earnings for computer programmers were $65,510 since May 2006. the middle 50 percent earned between $49,580 and $85,080 per year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $38,460, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $106,610. Insurance carriers earned more than $65,650. Management of companies and enterprises earned about $67,170. Computer systems design and related services earned $67,880 per year, and software publishers earned $79,270 per year. ..................I chose two colleges that I would like to attend in the future. One of the colleges is the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. It is set in an urban area and is a private college. The undergraduate enrollment percentage is 57% male, 45.4% female, and minority percentage is 47%. The degrees offered are S.M, Ph.D, and Sc.d. Major programs are double major, and six other STS subjects. Admission requirements requires a bachelor’s degree, and test scores for the TOEFL and IELTS. M.I.T. requires a minimum score of 577 for paper testing, 233 for computer-based method, or 9091 doe the IBT. The minority programs are four undergraduate STS subjects. Extracurricular activities include: swimming for infants, ice skating, dance class, art, hobby shops, etc. Financial aids include: prospective freshmen and transfers, and enrolled undergraduates. If you would like to know more about M.I.T., you may visit the campus at 77 Massachusetts Ave, or contact the president of M.I.T., Susan Hockfield, at (617)253-1000. I found all of this information at: Web.mit.edu; applyweb.com; and mitsloan.mit.edu. .....................The other college I would like to attend is Louisiana State University, or LSU. It is settled in an urban area, but is a 4-year college. The degrees offered are a bachelor’s degree, and a master’s degree. LSU requires 18 units of college, minimum GPA of 3.0, minimum SAT score of 1030, and a composite ACT score of at least 22. Extracurricular activities include: basketball, golf, swimming, gymnastics, track and field, soccer, etc. Financial aid includes: pre-doctoral scholar’s institute, student aid & scholarships, and the Tuition Opportunity Program for Students, or TOPS. You may contact William H. Worger at (225)578-3202 for administration, or visit LSU in Baton Rouge, LA 70803. I found this information at www.Lsu.edu and fastwed.com.  __ REFLECTION __ ....................I was very surprised when I found all of this information. I never knew how much computer programmers get paid. I didn’t even know what they have to do, or what companies they work for. I still didn’t find out how to program a computer, but I will learn one day as I follow my occupation. I know one thing, though; I want to work for a good company, and make enough money to support my family; if I have a family in the future. It seems that this occupation could help me, also. I know what I need to do in high school to attend the colleges I wish to attend to help me with being a computer programmer. I will do what I have to do to have a better future. I will try to get all the admission requirements for college, and get all the degrees I need to be an official computer programmer. This wouldn’t affect my high school years in any way because I thought about all of this since middle school. So I will always look forward into doing this. I don’t think I would change my occupation because I thought about it lately, and I wouldn’t have much time to change my mind. I wouldn’t even attempt to find any more information because this was hard enough. I wouldn’t even change my idea about the colleges I want to attend. So I made my final decision.