Writing Software is IMHO just the proverbial tip of the Iceberg.
Let me put some of what I'm going to say into some sort of context.
I've spent the better part of my working life (now at 46years) doing
what is called Systems Integration.
Basically making stuff work together. There is a software development
component but it is more of a means to an end.
At the moment I work in a role that is to make Airport Terminals work. I
Interface the core Airport Management System computer to everything else.
Flight Information Displays, Check-in Counters, Baggage systems, the
Computers that guide Aircraft onto a stand, Billing Systems and a whole
lot more.
The software I write is just part of the solution. Knowing how to
'speak' and understand all sorts of weird (IATA Type B , AFTN Messages
etc) and wonderful protocols
(Not everything is XML!) plus WebServices and Databases (and SAP). These
are bits of the glue that make it all work end-to-end.
That make your flight leave on time with your bags in the hold below you.
So what is the problem?
No one taught me all this stuff. There are no University Courses or real
'how to Text Books' on the subject.
The job description does not fit into tidy little boxes. Some employers
and especially recruitment agencies just can't grok that you know all
this stuff.
You are the Jack of All trades.
Importantly, there are seemingly very few young people who are
interested in this sort of career.
If you are good at it, you can be a techie all your life and get a
decent Salary.
I'm 61 going on 62. I'm going to retire in ??? Well sometime in the next
42 Months. Who is going to replace me?
Do we need people like me?
IMHO is that yes we do. Systems are becoming ever more complicated and
integrated.
Writing a Bash script, a bit of 'C' is part of my job but a very very
small part.
i take the 'Dreams' of the Architects and make something tangible and
workable out of them.
But who is going to replace me when I hang up my Software toolkit?
I see no programmes out there that will even begin to skill up my
replacements. That is a problem that no one is even remotely trying to
solve.
Stephen D
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