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The demand for skilled and experienced computer programmers continues to grow dramatically. As more and more businesses are making big digital moves, many business owners are finding themselves in need of computer programmers who can help them migrate their data in the most efficient and reliable manner possible. With that being said, programmers can be found beyond the technology field. Even more, professional programmers tend to be paid more in fields such as educational, accounting, web development, and more. With millions of more positions opening up, half of the job openings in the U.S. that require programming skills are outside of IT. We take a look at nine different industries that hire people with these intricate skills. 

Web Development 

Web development is a major industry that tends to rely on programming skills more than any other field (with the exception of technology). This industry has grown drastically in the past few decades, where graphic designers, web designers, and even video game developers find themselves in need of a professional programmer. Programmers help designers and developers with optimizing and navigating digital tools. 

Accounting and Finance 

This is where business-computer languages such as Python, Java, C++ come into the picture. Finance professionals and accountants heavily rely on these programs when it comes to specific services such as risk management, pricing, and trade management. Python is a preferred option for most business professionals. Employees in this field also rely on programmers to help them enhance their analytical tools. 

The Medical Field 

Medical professionals and doctors are responsible for keeping documents confidential and out of reach. They reach out to their health information managers to file these documents accordingly. Although, the job is made easier on health information managers with those who can work through and sort databases. This has become a very important skill, especially with the innovation of telehealth. 

Government Offices

Similar to medical facilities, government offices retain a heavy amount of confidential information and documentation. Government officials also opt for the skills of a computer programmer in order to help their employees do their jobs at a faster pace. With various reports coming in and out of government facilities, computer programmers are needed to help these workers expedite these arduous tasks. 

Retail Chains

Some small businesses may hire a computer programmer from time to time. Although big businesses, such as national chains, may find computer programming skills more suitable. With so many facilities of the same company, it may be quite the challenge to sort and analyze consumer data and statistics. Computer programmers can also help them optimize their applications when it comes to analyzing revenue and other expenditures. 

Schools

More and more students have begun to take up the practice of computer science and programming starting in high school. Within these courses, students are expected to prioritize and apply skills of logic, computation, organization, and collaboration. 

Additionally, computer programmers have been called into schools to help prepare interested students for courses that they will be taking in college and throughout their professional lives. Most importantly, students who want to go into computer programming are being taught coding languages with the programs that are made available to them. 

Marketing 

Similar to many other concentrations of work, marketing businesses are expanding into the digital realm. As of recent years, computer programmers have been rather essential to marketing companies. Those with programming experience may be placed in positions to perform technical skills that allow these businesses to design, create, and optimize their products and services. Software engineers are the computer programmers that can be found in these businesses. 

Business

Although “business” is an umbrella term, many business-based careers require the skills of data analysis, which can often be found in those who specialize in computer programming. Either that or businesses will seek candidates that have a background in studying computer programming skills, such as analyzing data science and statistics. Similar to accounting, business sectors will look for those who know how to apply and translate Python. 

Manufacturing

Mechanical engineers make up the vast majority of employees in manufacturing facilities. In fact, in most engineering settings, the six highest paying skills are all somewhat related to programming, Much like business and accounting, Python ranks as the best-paid engineering skill. Engineers are expected to handle many job tasks, where they might need to learn how to code, and how to translate these languages, on-site. 

Contact Marble Computer, Today!

Adding programming skills can help almost all professionals in nearly any industry when it comes to making their business stand out. The professionals at Marble Computer are here to assist you, especially if you’re planning on converting to a new language. Contact us today to learn more about how we can optimize and enhance your programming today. 

COBOL has survived sixty years of usage, but that doesn’t mean it’s in any less in demand than before. COBOL programmers are still heavily utilized in Information Technology organizations such as government agencies, banks, consultants, and various other business organizations. The ease of use and mobility of COBOL proved itself so useful that it has dominated much of the application development needs for government and business and their processing of data, since the early 1960s. Major federal agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service and the Social Security Administration rely on large scale applications developed in COBOL. It’s safe to say that the COBOL programming language is everywhere, so it’s rather helpful and informative to understand what COBOL is, what a COBOL programmer does, and how exactly they do their jobs. 

COBOL, which stands for Common, Business-Oriented Language, is a computer programming language that brought about a way for coders to write programs that were transportable among computer-manufacturers. In other words, code written for one computer could run on another even if the computers were from different vendors. 

So, who is a COBOL  Programmer and What Do They Do? 

A COBOL programmer is one who writes and works hands-on with a large-scale computer developing code in COBOL. This is the primary responsibility for all COBOL programmers. They tend to be mostly found in programming in the field of business data processing. 

In addition to constantly working with COBOL, these programmers work to design, develop, and configure codes for new programs. When they create new codes, they test the programs to ensure the proper state of function on the intended operating system. These programmers are also trained to implement any necessary adjustments. Due to the advent of newer languages such as Java and C++, most COBOL programmers work on existing COBOL software that is already in place. A fair portion of COBOL programmers are veterans in this business. Young talents who specialize in COBOL programming are sorely needed by large organizations regardless of where one is domiciled. 

Some of the other common responsibilities that COBOL programmers take up in addition to COBOL programming consists of the following:

• Developing and maintaining COBOL applications
• Understanding the transactional requirements of the application 
• Developing, designing, coding, and testing new changes to enhance software applications 
• Test COBOL programs to catch errors and apply solutions to the faulty lines of the computer code responsible 
• Actively utilize code responsibilities, which are collections of independent lines of codes intended to simplify the writing
• Responsible for technical analysis and design, code and testing coordination
• Document and file systems and enhance programs that are developed and implemented
• Gather and document system requirements
• Fine-tune DB2 SQL queries
• Define coding standards to ensure and secure code integrity

What Are the Skills and Merit a COBOL Programmer Needs? 

If you’re wondering what it takes to be a COBOL programmer, then we’re more than happy to provide this information. First and foremost, employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or any other related field. Employers also like to see that your coursework is/was encompassed around programming languages, code development, and software development. It is highly recommended that aspiring coders take up internships or part-time jobs during the course of studies to receive hands-on research with COBOL and other programming languages. Since many administrative offices and business organizations rely on, you may want to consider taking administrative courses for additional skills and insight within the computer programming industry. 

Some other further skills that are essential to a COBOL programmer’s career extend to the following: 

• Excellent oral and written skills as you’ll be working with Information Technology Management and Business Management 
• An in-depth understanding of project management and the software development paradigm
• Obtaining a vast amount of knowledge regarding business processes in healthcare, banking, finance, and government sectors 
• Knowledge of advanced debugging tools

COBOL programmers can also generally benefit from the knowledge and expertise of the following technical skills: 

• Databases: MS SQL Server, Oracle RDB, and DB2
• Languages: Java, COBOL, TSO, JCSL, and CICS
• Platforms/systems: z/OS, Windows, Linux, UNIX, IBM Mainframe
• Tools: Endevor, Abend-aid, Xpediter, Rational, and Micro Focus 

Apart from intensive technical skills, COBOL programmers are also set to the standard of obtaining soft skills when dealing with their work. The following soft skills include:

• Analytical skills
• Concentration
• Detail-oriented
• Troubleshooting skills
• Relationship management

All of these skills can take the future generation of COBOL programmers a long way in the programming field. 

Choose Marble Computer Today to Apply COBOL to Your Application Development Environment 

At Marble Computer, Inc., we have a team of professionals that specialize in the migration and maintenance of COBOL for all businesses. Contact us today to learn more about what our COBOL services entail.