IT Career Finder

Computer programming (often shortened to programming, scripting, or coding) is the process of designing, writing, testing, debugging, and maintaining the source code of computer programs. This source code is written in one or more programming languages (such as Java, C++, C#, Python, etc.).

The purpose of programming is to create a set of instructions that computers use to perform specific operations or to exhibit desired behaviors. The process of writing source code often requires expertise in many different subjects, including knowledge of the application domain, specialized algorithms and formal logic.

Within software engineering, programming (the implementation) is regarded as one phase in a software development process.

Study options:

• New Zealand Diploma in Software Development (NZQA Level 6)

Web developers plan, produce and maintain websites using web programming languages, software applications, and databases.

A web developer may:

• Meet with clients to discuss their website needs
• Identify potential site users and design a website to appeal to this audience
• Construct the layout of a website
• Write and/or add content to a website
• Test, maintain and update content and pages when required to meet changing needs
• Include interactive capabilities on their site using web-based languages

• Front-end Developer: A web developer that codes the front end of a website. While web design is the way a website looks, front-end development is how that design actually gets implemented on the web.
• Back-end Developer: Someone who builds and maintains the technology needed to power the components which enable the user-facing side of a website to exist. Their back-end code adds utility to everything the front-end designer creates.
• Full Stack Developer: Developers that understand how every part of the web development process takes place and can guide on strategy and best practices. They are knowledgeable with the server-side as well as the client-side’s user experience.
• JavaScript Developer: JavaScript (JS) is a web programming language that is supported across all web browsers and tools, and is the language that gives JavaScript developers control and power to create, enhance and modify websites. Even though a JavaScript developer typically works on the front-end, the programming language itself is not limited to front-end use only.

Study options:

• New Zealand Diploma in Web Development and Design (NZQA Level 5)
• New Zealand Diploma in Software Development (NZQA Level 6)

A systems analyst researches problems, plans solutions, recommends software and systems, and coordinates development to meet business or other requirements. They will be familiar with a variety of programming languages, operating systems, and computer hardware platforms. Because they often write user requests into technical specifications, the systems analysts are the liaisons between vendors and information technology professionals. They may be responsible for developing cost analysis, design considerations, and implementation time-lines.

A systems analyst may:

• Plan a system flow from the ground up
• Interact with customers to learn and document requirements that are then used to produce business requirements documents.
• Write technical requirements from a critical phase
• Interact with designers to understand software limitations
• Help programmers during system development, ex: provide use cases, flowcharts or even Database design.
• Perform system testing.
• Deploy the completed system.
• Document requirements or contribute to user manuals.
• Whenever a development process is conducted, the system analyst is responsible for designing components and providing that information to the developer.

Study options:

• New Zealand Diploma in Software Development (NZQA Level 6)

A system administrator, IT systems administrator, systems administrator, or sysadmin is a person employed to maintain and operate a computer system and/or network. System administrators may be members of an information technology (IT) or Electronics and Communication Engineering department.

The duties of a system administrator are wide-ranging, and vary widely from one organization to another. Sysadmins are usually charged with installing, supporting and maintaining servers or other computer systems, and planning for and responding to service outages and other problems.

Other duties may include scripting or light programming, project management for systems-related projects, supervising or training computer operators, and being the consultant for computer problems beyond the knowledge of technical support staff. To perform his or her job well, a system administrator must demonstrate a blend of technical skills and responsibility.

Study options:

• New Zealand Diploma in IT Technical Support (NZQA Level 5)
• New Zealand Diploma in Networking (NZQA Level 6)
• New Zealand Diploma in Systems Administration (NZQA Level 6)
• Diploma in Advanced Network Engineering (NZQA Level 7)

A computer repair technician is a person who repairs and maintains computers and servers. The technician's responsibilities may extend to include building or configuring new hardware, installing and updating software packages, and creating and maintaining computer networks. Computer repair technicians work in a variety of settings, encompassing both the public and private sectors. Because of the relatively brief existence of the profession, institutions offer certificate and degree programs designed to prepare new technicians, but computer repairs are frequently performed by experienced and certified technicians who have little formal training in the field.

A repair technician might work in a corporate information technology department, a central service center, or a retail computer sales environment. A public sector technician might work in the military, national security or law enforcement communities, health or public safety field, or an educational institution. Despite the vast variety of work environments, all computer technicians perform similar physical and investigative processes, including technical support. Experienced technicians might specialize in fields such as data recovery, system administration, or information systems. Some technicians are self-employed or own a firm that provides services in a regional area. Some are subcontracted as freelancers or consultants. This type of technician ranges from hobbyists and enthusiasts that volunteer or make a little side money, to those who work professionally in the field.

Enrol in one of these programme options:

• New Zealand Diploma in IT Technical Support (NZQA Level 5)

A typical help desk can effectively perform several functions. It provides a single point of contact for users to gain assistance in troubleshooting, get answers to questions, and solve known problems. A help desk generally manages its requests through the use of software such as issue tracking systems.

These systems often involve the use of a "local bug tracker" (LBT). This system allows the help desk to track and sort user requests with the help of a unique number, and can frequently classify problems by user, computer program, or similar categories. Many software applications are available to support the help desk function. Some target the enterprise level help desk and some target departmental needs.

Enrol in one of these programme options:

• New Zealand Diploma in IT Technical Support (NZQA Level 5)
• New Zealand Diploma in Systems Administration (NZQA Level 6)