It’s no secret that technology doesn’t have any other way to go but up. Because of this, the demand for innovative professionals is steadily increasing. More jobs are available in the tech industry as it’s considered one of the backbones of society. That being said, the educational system places high value on programming track jobs. This has resulted in a clearer path toward careers in Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
Given the need for more tech professionals, many students wish to thrive in this industry. If you’re one of them, you need to start preparing because the job market is getting more and more competitive. It’s important to know about the industry, career outlook, programming track jobs you can pursue, and what program to take to secure a rewarding career.
What is the Programming Track?
As a response to DepEd’s initiative to make workplace-ready students with the K-12 curriculum, CIIT now offers a Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) track. Under the TVL track, students can choose diverse strands, one of which being the ICT strand.
The ICT strand offers several specializations. These include robust Computer Programming courses involving .Net Technology, Java, and Oracle Database, among others. Through the programming track, students will learn computer programs, programming languages, technical drafting, illustrating, data structures, and game design and development, to name a few.
This preparatory course enables students to get advanced knowledge about the subject through immersion and hands-on training. Students that take this programming track can eventually study for a BS in Computer Science or a BS Entertainment Multimedia Computing once they reach college.
In addition, you can explore different career opportunities. These range from system programmer and system analyst, to software engineer, graphics programmer, game designer, and software developer.
What is Computer Science?
This course prepares students to be experts in computers and computing, which includes hardware, software, algorithms, and other IT functions. They’re also provided with lessons on how to effectively work on data structures and modeling, computer and network design, and AI.
What is Entertainment and Multimedia Computing?
The Commission of Higher Education (CHED) defines this as a specialized course that covers both digital animation and game development. Overall, its goal is to get students ready to make and produce multimedia for science, entertainment, education, marketing, and simulations.
Through this course, students will learn how to utilize various IT tools, game tactics, animation concepts, audio-visual aspects, and programming trends to create various applications that entertain users.
Career Outlook for Computer Programming
As mentioned earlier, there’s a demand for programming track jobs in the Philippines and across the borders. The number has increased since the pandemic, giving more opportunities for IT professionals both locally and abroad. If you’re interested in being part of the computer programming workforce, here’s an overview of what to expect in this career.
Requirements to be a Computer Programmer
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, or related courses
- NC II Certification is a plus
- Expertise in different programming languages
- Pass technical tests for programmers, such as designing and programming applications, QA and debugging exercises, and technical documentation exams
Skills Needed to Take on the Job
- Proficiency in different coding languages (C++, Java, PHP, XML, HTML, etc.)
- Understanding off all operating systems
- Aptitude in math concepts
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Time-management
- Detail-oriented
- Problem-solving skills
Computer Programmer Roles
- Write, test, and debug codes
- Manage database systems
- Provide technical assistance
- Plan, design, and test computer systems and structures
- Develop systems based on clients’ requirements
- Troubleshoot system errors
- Edit source codes
List of Computer Programming Track Jobs
TVL-ICT prepares you to be globally competitive, innovative, and tech experts. Senior High’s curriculum immerses students in the field to arm them with industry-related skills and ensure that they are ready for whatever career path they choose. Here are some programming track jobs you can take once you’ve taken this path.
Computer Programmer
Techopedia defines computer programmers as specialists who create designs and implement solutions to problems with the use of various coding languages. They’re also responsible for testing, maintaining, and debugging systems,
There are two classifications of programmers: application programmers and systems programmers. The former is assigned to implement solutions to a client’s program, while the latter is tasked with maintaining databases and operating systems used by their clients.
Salary range: ₱25,000-₱55,000
Game Designer
Game designers plan and create video games. They also need to work on testing and improving the game’s plan and all its elements. Aside from that, game designers are expected to think of the game’s aspects when it comes to marketing and sales. After all, they’re involved in making sure their team makes a game that can sell.
Salary range: ₱16,500-₱56,900
Software Engineer
The two main jobs of software engineers are to produce and manage a software project from start to finish. Plus, they’re responsible for handling clients’ requests, testing programs, fixing bugs, following through a software development life cycle, creating quality assurance procedures, and upgrading existing software.
Salary range: ₱35,000-₱75,500
Graphics Programmer
If you’re interested in tackling the visual arts side of applications, this job might be for you. Graphics programmers create and manage 2D or 3D graphics; work with artists, art directors, and content creators; fix graphics-related bottlenecks; enhance existing or past graphics features; and test whether the graphics work on multiple systems.
Salary range: ₱33,200-₱56,400
Game Developer
Choosing this job would mean being a part of the future $250 billion industry. If you wish to be a game developer, you are expected to create game prototypes, fine-tune game versions for a smoother experience, produce technical documentation, keep up with the latest game industry trends, implement game development validation procedures, translate game design into code, and assist with creating a user interface for the game.
Salary range: ₱18,000-₱60,000
The Impact of a Good Work Immersion Program on Career Choice
Achieving career goals is possible when you’re prepared for what’s ahead. It takes time and effort to acquire the necessary skills. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways and opportunities to be armed with knowledge and expertise. One way is through work immersion. This is one of the programs in senior high that aims to expose students to the field.
The work immersion program helps students to get an idea of what it’s like in the workplace. It also serves as a training ground for them to learn the ins and outs of the industry. This way, they can weigh if they want to pursue this career path or shift to another.
Boost Your Chance of Securing Programming Track Jobs with CIIT
With the right preparation and training, landing one of the best programming track jobs is within reach. If you want to thrive as an IT professional, start by making the right decision—choose the computer programming strand. Aim to get a jumpstart on your career with CIIT!
What are you waiting for? Check out our courses and enroll in our K12 programs. Enjoy a fulfilling school life with CIIT while getting equipped with industry-ready skills. Contact us today.
