Since 1996, the market for mathematicians, systems analysts and computer programmers has grown by over 70 percent, compared to 13 percent for all occupations. And in 1997, the software and computer services industry grew at a rate of 14.5 percent. When it comes to jobs in the software industry, there is a much bigger variety than meets the eye. A typical software company includes junior developers who write code, intermediate developers who develop bleeding edge techniques, senior developers who design and plan products, researchers who invent new technology, quality assurance staff who test the products, as well as project managers and team leaders. To support these software positions, companies also hire administrative, sales, marketing, human resources and finance staff.
Stories abound of high tech companies in search of skilled workers.
In 1998, Nortel announced plans to hire 4,000 new university graduates and 12,000 more experienced professionals over the next five years. Halifax s EOA Scientific Systems Inc., a computer consulting company that develops science education resources, is recruiting developers, researchers, educators, artists, multimedia programmers and administrative staff, says vice-president of Corporate Marketing, Dave Bourque. Corel Corporation, Canada s flagship software development company, based in Ottawa, has openings for development, quality assurance and technical staff. And the list goes on and on. We are always looking for skilled people, says Miran Aziz, service support manager at ALI Technologies, a Richmond, BC-based company that develops image management software for the medical industry.