Career Opportunities in Data Processing – SS3 Data Processing Lesson Note (First Term)

A career in data processing is a job that involves collecting, entering, storing, processing, protecting and presenting data as useful information.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. name at least six careers in data processing and state what each person does;
2. list the skills and places of work linked to data processing careers;
3. name the prominent computer professional bodies in Nigeria;
4. state the background of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) and list its functions;
5. state the purpose and functions of the Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN);
6. explain the roles of the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) and the Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS).

What are the career opportunities in data processing?

Career opportunities in data processing are the jobs open to people trained to handle data with computers.

• Entry level: jobs such as data entry clerk, which need typing speed and accuracy.
• Middle level: jobs such as computer operator, programmer and database administrator.
• Senior level: jobs such as systems analyst, data analyst and IT manager.
• Self-employment: running a business centre, a software firm or a freelance data service.

What are the common careers in data processing?

The common careers in data processing are listed below with the main duty of each.

What skills are needed for a career in data processing?

A data processing career needs both technical skills and good personal habits.

• Computer literacy: ability to use word processors, spreadsheets and database software.
• Typing skill: fast and accurate keyboarding.
• Attention to detail: small errors in data give wrong results.
• Honesty and confidentiality: keeping private records safe.
• Problem solving: finding and correcting faults in data and systems.
• Continuous learning: keeping up with new software and equipment.

Where can data processing professionals work?

Data processing professionals can work in any organisation that keeps records.

• Banks and insurance companies: customer accounts and transaction records.
• Government offices: civil service records, tax, census and election data.
• Schools and universities: student records and results.
• Hospitals: patient records and billing.
• Telecommunications and media firms: subscriber and audience data.
• Software and IT firms: system design, programming and support.

What are the computer professional bodies in Nigeria?

Computer professional bodies in Nigeria are organisations that set standards, register practitioners, promote training and research, and protect the interests of computing professionals.

There are five prominent ones: NCS, IMIS, CPN, ITAN and NIG.

What is the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS)?

The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) is the umbrella organisation of all Information Technology professionals, interest groups and stakeholders in Nigeria.

• Original name: Computer Association of Nigeria (COAN), formed in 1978.
• Change of name: became NCS in 2002, after harmonisation with other stakeholders and interest groups.
• Membership: open to people interested in computing in Nigeria, who share ideas and knowledge.
• How to join: complete the membership form online.

What are the functions of the NCS?

1. Promote the education and training of computer and information scientists, computer engineers, information architects and IT and systems professionals.
2. Encourage research in the advancement of computer and information sciences.
3. Promote the interchange of information about the science and arts of information processes.
4. Develop the competence of members and encourage the practice of computing.
5. Promote and protect the professional interest of members.
6. Work for government recognition of the “Digital Divide” and collaborate with relevant governments.

What is the Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN)?

The Information Technology Association of Nigeria (ITAN) is an association of IT-driven companies in Nigeria, founded in 1991 to promote IT literacy and penetration.

• Membership: over 350 IT-driven companies.
• Policy role: promotes members’ interests in policy formulation and in talks with government on IT policy.

What are the functions of ITAN?

1. Provide learning opportunities in engineering sciences, research and technology.
2. Grow skill and knowledge in the technician profession through its education programmes.
3. Encourage continuing education among ITAN members, the engineering and scientific community and the general public.

What is the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN)?

The Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria (CPN) is a corporate body charged with the control and supervision of the computing profession in Nigeria.

• Legal basis: established by Act No. 49 of 1993.
• Dates: the Act was promulgated on 10 June and gazetted on 9 August.

What are the functions of the CPN?

1. Determine the standards of knowledge and skills needed to join the profession, and improve them from time to time.
2. Keep a register of persons seeking to practise computing under the Act, and publish the list from time to time.
3. Conduct the Computer Professionals Examinations for other professionals who want a career in IT. Those who pass are registered as full members.

What is the Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS)?

The Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS) is an independent professional association for both users and developers of information technologies.

• Purpose: to promote and support the professional use, application and management of information systems.
• Members: users and developers of today’s information technologies.

Why should a data processing professional join a professional body?

Joining a professional body gives a worker recognition, training and protection.

• Recognition: registration shows employers that the person meets set standards.
• Training: members get access to courses, seminars and examinations.
• Networking: members meet others in the field and share ideas.
• Protection: the body defends the professional interest of members.

Evaluation

1. List five careers in data processing and state one duty of each.
2. Name three places where a data processing professional can work.
3. List five computer professional bodies in Nigeria.
4. State the original name of the NCS and the year it changed to NCS.
5. State two functions of the CPN.

Assignment

Choose one data processing career. State what the person does, two skills needed, and one professional body the person could join, with one function of that body.