Orange County Register

By Bill Quinnan
For O.C. Register Special Sections

Following is a look at the five high-tech occupations that are projected to provide the greatest numbers of job openings to Orange County from 2006 through 2016, according to the California Employment Development Department.

Computer-applications software engineers
Leading the way among high-tech careers is the occupation of computer software-applications engineers, projected to afford 4,860 job openings in the 10-year period, including 3,450 newly created jobs and 1,1410 openings due to people leaving the occupation or the county.

Workers in the occupation develop, create and modify general computer-applications software or specialized utility programs. They analyze the needs of computer users and develop software solutions. Typically, entering the occupation requires a bachelor’s degree.

Computer support specialists
The occupation of computer support specialist, or help-desk representative, is expected to produce 3,400 job openings in Orange County from 2006 through 2016. The projection includes 970 newly created jobs and 2,430 openings due to replacement needs.

Computer support answer questions or resolve computer problems for clients in person, via telephone or from remote location. Entry into the occupation typically requires an associate degree.

Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives: technical and scientific products
Those with an interest in science and technology and a knack for sales may want to consider a career as a wholesale or manufacturing sales representative in the area of technical and scientific products. The occupation is expected to generate 2,650 job openings in Orange County from 2006 through 2016, including 1,080 newly created jobs and 1,570 opening due to replacement needs.

Workers in the occupation sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers requiring technical or scientific knowledge in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry and electronics. Normally, a minimum of two years of postsecondary education in an appropriate field is required.

Computer-systems analysts
For computer-systems analysts, 2,520 job openings are projected in Orange County from 2006 through 2016.

Computer-systems analysts examine science, engineering, business and other data-processing problems for application to electronic-data-processing systems, finding ways to automate or improve existing systems and review computer-system capabilities, workflow and scheduling limitations. Entering the occupation typically requires a bachelor’s degree.

Network-systems and data-communications analysts
The EDD estimates that the occupation of network systems and data-communications analysts will generate 2,020 job openings in the county from 2006 through 2016, including 1,450 newly created jobs and 570 opening due to replacement needs.

These analysts examine, design, test, and evaluate network systems, such as local- and wide-area networks, Internet, intranet, and other data-communications systems. They perform network modeling, analysis and planning, and research and recommend network- and data-communications hardware and software.

Bill Quinnan is a freelance writer who lives in Orange County. Readers can send e-mail to him at bquinnan@sbcglobal.net. Bill cannot provide job leads.

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