Career Profile: Programming
 As a profession, programming is an interdisciplinary field that uses engineering, science, and math to develop the languages that instruct computing devices how to operate. As a major focal point in information technology, programming has influenced how some of our everyday tech gadgets function. Everything from your computer, global positioning systems, Blackberry or iPhone has been programmed to function in a very specific manner. Programming is as much of a science as it is a language and art. Not only do programmers need to be technical in their approach, but they also need to know how to write code using programming language such as C++ or Java.
While most programmers need to be analytical thinkers and detail oriented, they must also be creative and fluent in writing codes. Further, since technology is continuously evolving and producing bigger and better products, programmers must be able to keep pace with trends and ensure that they are skilled in any new changes to programming languages. Typically, however, most programmers find their specialty in a programming for a particular device, such as a server.
Programmers are traditionally divided into two categories: system programmers and applications programmers. System programmers write the codes to run software like Microsoft Windows. Applications programmers are write the codes for software which completes a specific task, examples would include Microsoft Word. In addition to writing codes, programmers also maintain, test, and repair codes.
The programming industry as a whole is healthy, but job prospects for programmers are not as plentiful as they once were due to outsourcing. However, those programmers who remain on the cutting edge of technological developments and have an understanding of business needs will remain desirable job candidates. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job opportunities for programmers will remain average as compared to all other occupations through 2014.
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