Analyzing the Two Employment Opportunities, Term Paper Example

Introduction

For this report, I chose to research Microsoft Company and the two IT positions – that of Information Technology Software Development Engineer and Information Technology Operations Program Manager. The purpose of this analysis is to discuss and evaluate the basic criteria and standards for each job and to decide, which of the two positions will suit my personal characteristics and career expectations. I view Microsoft as a promising means to make a good career.

As of now, I want to see whether I possess skills and knowledge needed to apply for any of the two positions. I also expect to create an objective picture of professional performance at Microsoft. Apart from evaluating the general requirements for both positions, I would like to evaluate in what workplace environment and conditions employees at Microsoft are bound to work. This report will serve the two purposes: to make a choice between the two positions and to see whether any of the two can provide me with learning and experience needed to make a good career in IT.

Required Background

Software Development Engineer is fairly regarded as one of the promising and the fastest growing positions in the IT industry (BLS). Those who apply for this position must possess at least a bachelor’s degree and have extensive experience in working with various computer technologies and systems (BLS). With the basic educational background, Software Development Engineers must stay aware of the latest technology developments and use these in practice (BLS).

That a Software Development Engineer must possess a bachelor’s degree and vast practical experience implies that a new employee must be qualified in computer science of software engineering (Microsoft). Software engineers often graduate from colleges with computer information systems major degree. For more complex jobs, potential employers will prefer hiring an applicant with graduate degree (BLS). Good knowledge of mathematics and systems design is desirable. Those who seek to work as Software Development Engineers at Microsoft can participate in co-ops and internships; these experiences will make them more attractive to employers (BLS). Although Software Development Engineers can participate in a variety of certification and training programs, certification alone is not enough for a potential engineer to become a part of Microsoft. However, certification can be a good supplement to a college degree in IT, showing the new employee’s commitment to continuous education and training (BLS).

Everything is different with Operations Program Managers. For these management positions, companies usually require that applicants have a graduate degree, “especially an MBA with technology as a core component” (BLS). The difference between traditional MBA and MBA with technology is in that the latter places special emphasis on learning information technology (BLS). Given that Operations Program Manager will have to take serious and responsible business decisions, it is important that an applicant is well-prepared to tackle with complex technological challenges in daily practice. Sometimes, a degree in management information systems can be enough to be hired by a good company like Microsoft. It is important that an applicant possesses a mixture of business and technical knowledge and skills. Also, applicants can later improve their knowledge by earning bachelor’s and master’s degree while working (BLS).

IT companies like Microsoft usually seek Operations Program Managers, who have vast knowledge and practical experience. A potential employee must have experience and knowledge of the software systems, with which he (she) will have to work in practice (Microsoft). Although certification is not required, having a certificate can be of help when getting this job. Potential managers must have knowledge of modern business operations. They must possess good interpersonal and leadership skills (BLS). They must have a clear understanding of how businesses operate and what role technology plays in maintaining and improving the quality of these operations (BLS). In distinction from Software Development Engineer, this position requires more extensive preparation, experience, and knowledge. Background requirements of a Software Development Engineer are limited to IT, while Operations Program Managers are expected to project their technical knowledge on business operations and research (BLS).

Working Conditions

Software Development Engineers work in clean and comfortable environments (BLS). In Microsoft, software developers work normal hours and do not need to follow any dress code (Vault). Software Development Engineers work in laboratories or offices with computer equipment. Sometimes, software engineers may need to travel in order to meet their customers (BLS). Although the hours are normal, Software Development Engineers may need to work up to 50 hours a week: to meet deadlines or to deal with unexpected issues, some of them will have to stay evenings and weekends (BLS).

Operations Program Managers spend most of their working time in offices and usually work no more than 40 hours a week (BLS). Sometimes, like their software development colleagues, they will have to spend more time at work to deal with unexpected complexities and to meet deadlines (BLS). Operations Managers often work in tough conditions, meaning that they must balance high quality performance with tight budgets and short deadlines (BLS). Also, managers must be able to contact and monitor the quality of their offsite employees by using computers, communications systems, and other advanced technologies (BLS).

Pay Scale

As of May 2006, Software Development Engineers earned $79,780 in average (BLS). 50 percent of developers earned between $62,000 and $98,000, and only less than 10 percent earned less than $49,350 (BLS). Those working with software publishers had better financial conditions, while insurance carriers earned very little. For Software Development Engineers, the areas of R&D in physical, engineering, and life sciences offer the best earning opportunities, while data processing and related services are the least promising. For applicants with the degree in software development the starting salary in 2007 ranged from $66,500 from $99, 750 (BLS).

For Operations Program Managers, salaries range depending on the level of responsibility and specialty (BLS). In 2006, Operations Program Managers earned $109,130 in average (BLS). Salaries in computer systems design and related services were the highest, while those working in colleges and universities did not earn more than $83,280 (BLS). In different management positions, Operations Program Managers can earn from $101,000 to almost $141,000, and those working at higher levels often receive additional benefits, including bonuses and stock option plans (BLS).

Geographic Expectations

Software Development Engineers and Operations Program Managers work in offices and usually, do not travel (BLS). However, the Software Development Engineers need to travel overnight in order to meet their customers (BLS). Operations Program Managers do possess a variety of technological solutions and applications needed to manage and monitor offsite employees. Managers do not travel much and spend most of their time in offices.

Job Outlook

Job prospects for Software Development Engineers are almost excellent: firms show the growing interest to these positions and applicants, and more and more software development jobs appear in the market. The more technologies organizations use, the more likely they are to be in need for a professional Software Development Engineer. The demand for Software Development Engineers will grow as companies face the need to engage in computer networking (BLS). The use of the Internet, the proliferation of websites, and the development of new technological products will lead to an increased demand for quality software development services (BLS). As a result, those with good educational and practical background will have excellent chances to succeed in their professional fields. Employers will tend to seek software development specialists with strong skills in programming, systems analysis, business, and communication (BLS).

Employment of Operations Program Managers will grow, too. New application will require developing extensive management systems. Firms will strive to install and use sophisticated technologies and networks which will require high quality professional managers (BLS). IT Operations Program Managers will have to deal with security issues. To become successful, potential managers should concentrate on industries in which they seek to perform. High quality professional technical managers are still scarce, and the demand for them constantly rises (BLS). The best prospects will be for those possessing specialized technical knowledge and strong communication skills (BLS). Those who have business and management knowledge and skills will have a better chance to make perfect career (BLS).

Conclusion

In the process of analyzing the two positions, I have come to realize that that of Software Development Engineer will suit my career and individual needs. The position offers excellent career growth and learning opportunities. It can readily become the starting point of my gradual movement to a managerial position. By being a developer, I will have a unique chance to grasp practical knowledge and skills needed to succeed in more responsible IT areas at Microsoft. While working as IT Software Development Engineer with Microsoft I will be able to advertise myself as a professional and experienced specialist in different IT fields.

Works Cited

BLS. “Computer and Information Systems Managers.” 2008. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 23 September 2009. http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos258.htm

BLS. “Computer Software Engineers.” 2008. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 23 September 2009. http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos267.htm

Microsoft. “Development and Platform Evangelism Lead.” 2009. Microsoft Careers. 23 September 2009. https://careers.microsoft.com/JobDetails.aspx?ss=&pg=0&so=&rw=12&jid=5892&jlang=EN

Vault. “Microsoft Corporation Employer Review.” 2008. Vault Career Intelligence. 23 September 2009. http://www.vault.com/wps/portal/usa/!ut/p/c5/dcndCoIwGADQZ-kB4lshm10Oxb8w0S2nu5GFIOr8oxTd09cLxLk8IOFnVFvbqE87jUpDARJX-HJ7MBJcUWL5FIV26nt2HCLsEChBkr_PCHAokFWx7pgTzva7mZqNtWg1bIgMMllnGIrddI_rPDii_OktfMnwa_BW3ue4FFQKIZUS-Fwr7bwdmhCt3fAEc6_oFxUVmwQ!/?search_result_id=181445&search_type=employer_review