The uses of computer and wireless device applications seem endless. Just a sample of the functions include online bill pay, recording patients’ vital signs and lab test results, watching a sporting event and creating engineering or architectural drawings. Junior programmers assist teams in executing these and other uses of computer and wireless device applications through writing the programming code. The following jr programmer job description details the skills and background necessary to contribute to groundbreaking and innovative products.

What Does a Jr Programmer Do?

Working under the direction of an information technology supervisor or manager or software engineer, junior programmers help write the directions for programs and applications to run. They turn letters, numbers and other characters into the commands and protocols that bring software designs to fruition. Junior programmers also help educate or lead training of those using the applications.

Jr Programmer Job Responsibilities – Resume

  • Analyze application and program designs created by software engineers and developers
  • Write instructions for programs and applications, including for data processing
  • Test programs and codes to find mistakes and the sources of and reasons for the mistakes
  • Develop or oversee development of front-end browsers or cross-browsing capabilities
  • Compile data on program or application performance
  • Verify operation and performance of program as intended through periodic check points
  • Allocate memory space on computers and systems for applications, data entry and storage and controls of systems
  • Design online forms
  • Create and maintain databases
  • Report project status and problems with applications to supervisors, such as director of internet technology department or senior
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  • Respond to user questions about glitches or how to use applications

In some organizations, junior programmers may also perform functions of software design and development. These tasks may include planning and explaining how the code is to be written through models, charts or diagrams.

Jr Programmer Essential Skills

Analytical. Programming for computers requires the ability to interpret and convert designs into instructions and codes. Junior programmers need skills to analyze the compatibility of codes or applications with particular operating systems hardware.

Communications. Junior programmers will have to explain technical concepts and procedures to computer users who lack computer and technical vocabulary and background in an understandable and usable manner.

Computer. To write programs and perform other functions, junior programmers must grasp concepts of computer memory, operating systems, syntax of commands and programming languages.

Concentration. The job description of junior programmers involves lengthy sessions of writing codes or writing very long and detailed codes for many complex applications. Concentration skills are essential to avoid or to catch errors which are hard to notice.

Problem-Solving. Problem-solving skills, such as troubleshooting, help junior programmers catch errors, bugs and other reasons for applications not running properly. In the coding phase of program development, junior programmers may encounter lack of memory and operating system compatibility issues that must be addressed.
(https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-programmers.htm#tab-4)

Becoming a Jr Programmer

Aspiring programmers undergo post-secondary education, training and experience to gain a background in the general operation of computers and specifics of programming language. Creators of specific programming products or languages may certify programmers to use the codes. Certain employers may prefer or even require junior programmers to have certification in languages or in particular types of computers or systems.

Education and Training

The vast majority of computer programmers have education beyond high school. A bachelor’s degree is the most widely held of these professionals. According to O*NET, nearly 78 percent have a bachelor’s degree, while another 11 percent have at a post-secondary certificate. Only six percent of computer programmers have only a high school diploma.

Computer science majors predominate the programmers’ field. Some computer science programs allow students to concentrate in certain aspects of computers, such as game development. (https://www.csc.ncsu.edu/academics/undergrad/minor.php) Typical classes include programming and computer use fundamentals, types of programming languages (such as Java), mathematics as applied to computers and data and code structures.

For programmers seeking work in a particular sector, classes related to the industry can prove helpful. For instance, classes for those in the finance sector may include business administration, banking and accounting. This background can prepare programmers for working with securities trading programs or banking apps to be used by customers.

Work Experience

Junior programmers usually turn to internships to obtain work experience in the field. Software companies, computer manufacturers and internet companies afford opportunities for internships. Programmers may tout prior experience, through internships or regular employment, in information technology (IT) departments or in other computer-related or web-design positions or companies.

Work Schedules

Junior programmers hold full-time positions as a general rule. Wireless and other technology allow programmers to work remotely. As a result, many of these professionals may not need to report to an office or physical location except to respond to service calls or train application users. With the ability to work remotely comes an expectation that junior programmers will make themselves available at irregular hours to meet deadlines or respond to users’ problems and difficulties.

Career Prospects

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a decline of eight percent in employment of computer programmers through 2024. This means 26,500 fewer job openings by that time.

This may seem counter-intuitive. Computers, smart phones and tablets enjoy considerable prominence in personal and business affairs. Applications assist users with banking, accessing medical records, paying bills, playing games and traveling to destinations, among other tasks. As demand for applications by consumers, businesses and agencies grows, so will the services of junior programmers.

However, the technology that sustains programming may drive it outside the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, mobile technology allows programming businesses or clients to services beyond the United States where wages and other labor costs may be less than in the United States.

Junior programmers can advance to positions as senior programmers, managers or information technology departments or managers or owners of software development firms.

Conclusion

Programming codes can prove lengthy and complex, especially as the uses and complexity of applications expand. Junior programmers must apply their concentration skills and knowledge of computers and the sector in which they work to write the commands to execute these modern tools of entertainment and business. Those who exhibit the ability to apply these talents in emerging and specialized sectors such as engineering, healthcare, biotechnology, security and finance may find stronger prospects for employment even in the face of mobility that could otherwise transfer jobs outside the United States.