Mobile apps are booming and that means new career opportunities for people with the right education and training.
By now, you've probably heard about the boom in mobile applications. With smart phones and tablet computers, the market is poised for even more growth.
The mobile app business was worth approximately $2.5 billion in 2009. Some predictions have it jumping up to over $20 billion by 2013.
"The last time I checked, there were 125,000 Apple app developers," says Brian Hansen, a senior engineerfor Ubermind, a Seattle-based technology firm specializing in bringing apps to life. The number of developers - and the number of jobs - continues to grow.
Want to get in on the apps action? Learn a little about the stages of app development to find out how.
Phase 1 - Idea
In this phase, the light bulb goes off. What will make a hot app that people will want to use over and over again? The inspiration can come from anywhere, but figuring out the possible demand for a product is essential, which is where a marketing professional can help.
There's A Job For That: Marketing Manager
Education & Training: A bachelor's degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing is a good starting point. To reach the managerial ranks, you'll need an MBA in marketing. Note: in highly technical fields such as the apps business, a bachelor's degree in engineering or science can also open doors.
Education & Training: A bachelor's degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing is a good starting point. To reach the managerial ranks, you'll need an MBA in marketing. Note: in highly technical fields such as the apps business, a bachelor's degree in engineering or science can also open doors.
Salary: Marketing managers make $108,580 per year.*
Phase 2 - Concept
In this phase, the idea people might work with project specialists with technical know-how to determine whether a new app can be brought to life. Using the latest technology to solve computing problems comes into play at this point.
There's A Job For That: Software Engineer/Project Manager
Education & Training: A bachelor's degree in a computer-related field is essential to starting your career. Undergraduate majors include computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, information systems, and information technology.
Education & Training: A bachelor's degree in a computer-related field is essential to starting your career. Undergraduate majors include computer science, computer engineering, software engineering, information systems, and information technology.
Salary: Software engineers earn $85,430 per year.
Phase 3 - Development
In this phase, the vision of an app starts taking shape. Will the app appear pleasing to the eye? Project designers help find an answer.
There's A Job For That: Graphic Designer
Education & Training: To get started on a design career, a bachelor's degree in graphic design will be the most useful in this field.
Education & Training: To get started on a design career, a bachelor's degree in graphic design will be the most useful in this field.
Salary: Graphic designers make more than $42,400 per year.
Phase 4 - Coding and Engineering
In this phase, apps are created, evaluated, and tested to make sure they work properly.
There's A Job For That: Computer Programmer
Education & Training: College grads with degrees in computer or information science, engineering, mathematics, or the physical sciences are preferred most by employers.
Education & Training: College grads with degrees in computer or information science, engineering, mathematics, or the physical sciences are preferred most by employers.
Salary: Computer programmers earn more than $69,620 a year.
Phase 5 - Quality Assurance
During the final stages of an app's development, specialists provide technical assistance and support.
There's A Job For That: Computer Support Specialist
Education & Training: A bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or information systems can get you on the right track. Some will find an associate's degree in a computer-related field can help land entry-level positions.
Education & Training: A bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, or information systems can get you on the right track. Some will find an associate's degree in a computer-related field can help land entry-level positions.
Salary: Computer support specialists earn $43,450 a year.
Phase 6 - Deployment
Time to get the word out: a new app has arrived! The success of companies often depends on how well they promote their products to stores and consumers.
There's A Job For That: Public Relations Specialist
Education & Training: Start by earning a bachelor's degree in public relations, marketing, communications, or journalism. From there, gain experience in information technology - this will help you land a job promoting apps.
Education & Training: Start by earning a bachelor's degree in public relations, marketing, communications, or journalism. From there, gain experience in information technology - this will help you land a job promoting apps.
Salary: PR specialists earn nearly $51,280 a year.
Phase 7 - Maintenance and Support
Once apps are on the market, tracking their success might include compiling user performance data, such as the number of downloads.
There's A Job For That: Computer and Web Administrator
Education & Training: A bachelor's degree is generally considered the norm for entry-level work. Anassociate's degree or professional certificate with related work experience is suitable for some positions.
Education & Training: A bachelor's degree is generally considered the norm for entry-level work. Anassociate's degree or professional certificate with related work experience is suitable for some positions.
Salary: Computer and web administrators earn close to $66,310 a year.
No comments:
Post a Comment