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Computer Systems Engineer/Architect

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AVG. SALARY

$96,210

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EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree

Interviews

Insider Info

For Jennifer Paschall, keeping up with the daily changes in technology is a constant challenge.

Paschall has been in charge of building and managing systems for Johns Hopkins University Medical Service Plan for the last two years. She's also responsible for five full-time programmer analysts, as well as several contractors. In short, she has her hands full.

"One challenge I think all professionals in health-care systems management face is adjusting to the ongoing industry and regulatory changes," she says. "The systems need to continuously change."

She adds that it helps to have clients decide which are the really important requests. That way, she can figure out how to best use the available resources.

The dynamic nature of technology offers a constant challenge for Paschall. In many cases, there's no need to reinvent the wheel. She says solutions can be found by "usually applying the same technology in a slightly different way."

Paschall says she believes better solutions using different technology are sometimes overlooked. That's why she tries to make sure she and her staff keep their skills up to date.

"I need to apply my own time to learning new technical skills and encouraging the staff to do the same," she says. "Or perhaps open doors for allowing time on the clock for technical growth."

Paschall uses many different skills in her job. She says she enjoys using her problem-solving, creativity, organization and communication abilities.

The road to her current career began with a major in mathematics. She didn't decide to pursue a profession in information systems until after her first year.

"I did not have much previous computer experience, but took several introductory classes and really enjoyed them," she says.

She adds that the math seemed to be very theoretical. The computer skills had lots of practical applications.

Paschall enjoys writing a program to make the computer do something. She loves seeing the results immediately. "This appealed to me and I stuck with it," she says.

The most exciting thing for Paschall is "seeing the results of a program or system that we developed, and hearing from customers that it is easy to use, saves them time or money or increases their revenue."

Paschall says she has "found success in following problem-solving skills for most situations, whether technical or not. These skills are certainly needed in this field. They can probably be applied to most professions and even personally."

And she has a piece of advice for students: "When presented with a problem, first you need to investigate what the real problem is. Then, you should consider several alternatives to solving the problem and determine the costs, risks and benefits of each."

Paschall recommends getting feedback from peers and interested parties on all options. "Present all information to the decision-maker, but make it clear what your recommendation is, and why."

Brian Marshall is a human resources assistant vice-president at a company that develops broadband wireless technologies. It employs several systems architects.

"Systems engineers are in such demand, they can contract themselves out and be based almost wherever they want to be based," he says. "Get attached to a consulting organization and be sent around North America or around the world on assignments."

In order for someone to be a systems engineer, they have to have a variety of experience.

"Generally, network engineers have to have been a software developer before getting into systems design. To design a system, you have to understand the components of a system. You also have to understand the network protocols," Marshall explains.

"It's not so much the quantity, it's the variety of knowledge and skill that makes them unique, and therefore particularly valuable."

Gary Cohee is a developer. He says he likes his profession for many reasons. "Probably the foremost is that I love working with computers!"

Cohee says the pay is good and there are excellent benefits, such as vacation and health, "since the field is so competitive."

He also enjoys the creative freedom. "What it all comes down to, though, is that you have to love what you do to be happy at your job."

Cohee would encourage students to select a career in this field. "But only if you genuinely find the field interesting. By all means, give it a try."

He suggests starting out by taking an introductory programming class and working up from there.

"The important thing is, and I'll say it again, if you don't get excited about it, then it's probably not the career for you. If you don't like it from the start, like any other career, it's not going to grow on you."

Cohee's average day is eight hours, including a 45-minute lunch. On the average, Paschall works about nine hours a day.

Paschall says she would certainly encourage all students to take introductory classes in computers or computer programming to see whether it suits them.

"There are many different types of jobs in the computer industry, but in general I think you need to be detail-oriented to excel in a systems career."

Cohee says when you're working your way up the ladder in the computer field, be careful of programming "sweatshops."

"Many people out of school don't realize how easy it is to burn yourself out. Don't forsake your personal life for the good of the company. That applies to all professions.

"It's OK to be a geek, but try to keep up on current events and sports. It's good to have something to talk about around the water cooler."

A career as a systems analyst offers great opportunities. "These are the people designing the big telecommunications networks of the future," says Marshall. "They've got interesting work. They're in high demand. What more could you ask for?"