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https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/firefighter/

Firefighters are trained to control and put out fires. Firefighters must work quickly and as a team to keep fires from spreading. They connect hoses to fire hydrants and operate pumps to power the hoses to help control the fire. They may also need to rescue people who are trapped inside burning buildings.

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A Financial Analyst helps businesses make investment decisions. Explore the skills needed, from understanding financial statements to performing market research.

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A financial analyst is responsible for a variety of research tasks in order to inform investment strategy and make investment decisions for their company or clients. This can include things like evaluating financial data, examining current events and market developments, examining an organization's financial statements, and creating financial models to predict future performance. Depending on the position, analysts can monitor macroeconomic trends or have a narrow focus on specific sectors and industries. These roles are data-intensive and require strong mathematical and analytical skills. Given the value of their role, financial analysts can be employed by large corporations such as investment banks, insurance companies, mutual funds, hedge funds, pension funds, securities firms, investment firms, private equity groups, venture capital firms, government agencies, and similar types of organizations.

What Does a Financial Analyst Do?

Both sell-side analysts and buy-side analysts perform detailed research on company's financial data, in addition to thorough financial analysis and creating financial models, to inform investment decisions. Financial analysts will typically focus on either equity markets or credit markets.

Both credit and equity analysis are also relevant for research analysts. Research analysts and financial analysts are different, because financial analysts are more likely to make investing recommendations using the data they analyze, while research analysts tend to be involved in a broader, more investigative data collection and interpretation process.

Financial Analyst Job Description

Most financial analyst job descriptions, whether buy-side or sell-side, include the following key responsibilities:

Research industry-specific financial developments including broad economic trends and business trends

Analyze financial statements to evaluate investment opportunities

Create financial modeling for investors to find profitable investments

Recommend individual investments and collections of investments

Asses the performance of stocks, other types of investments, and bonds

Translate financial data into detailed presentations and easy-to-understand financial reports

Communicate with C-suite executives from client companies to understand company needs

Stay up to date with new technologies and market conditions

Common words that you will find in financial analyst job descriptions include "insights" and "due diligence", which reflect the level of responsibility inherent to this position, and "model" and "report", which reflect the degree of analytical skill and client-facing duties involved in this area of work. It's important to note that interpersonal skills are also crucial for this role.

How to Become a Financial Analyst

In a financial analyst position, there are several core competencies that an individual can develop through their education and early career experiences. Most entry-level financial analyst roles require a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration or a related field such as statistics, economics, or general business. In some cases, you may be able to substitute a formal degree with several years of relevant experience, but a degree will likely make you a more competitive candidate.

Senior financial analyst positions tend to have a heavier emphasis on communicating directly with high-ranking client contacts, speaking with company management, and developing marketing ideas to promote financial analyst services to potential new clients. Therefore, having experience in demonstrating good communication skills to develop client relationships with company officials is essential to have a successful career. Also, proving one's ability to think strategically on behalf of clients is another way to improve chances of career advancement into a more senior role.

Top Skills for a Financial Analyst

Whether you are continuing your education as a university student who wants to develop skills for a future career as a financial analyst, or you are a junior analyst who wants to advance professionally in the field, focusing on developing financial analyst skills is key.

Four areas of valuable skill for financial analyst in the investment industry include analytical / math skills, industry or sector expertise (including awareness of the regulatory environment), awareness of global current events, and persuasive communication skills.

Is a Financial Analyst Career Right for Me?

The global financial market is experiencing monumental growth and evolving lately. If you are thinking of making the move into the financial analyst field, there are a few aspects of an entry-level finance job to keep in mind. Junior analysts typically work long hours and spend more hours performing analytical work "in the weeds" with financial models, creating and updating client deliverable documents, and performing research to help them develop sector or industry expertise.

A day in the life of a senior financial analyst will likely involve supervisory work of junior analysts, synthesis of junior analyst findings to finalize client recommendations or insights, and direct networking with clients. Depending on the senior analyst's position on the buy side vs. the sell side, there may be travel requirements involved in the course of client meetings and presentations. Career advancement for senior analysts can include becoming a portfolio manager or fund manager where they manage a company's investment portfolio. They have the ability to move into high ranking roles in investment banking.

If you enjoy analytical work that produces actionable insights on behalf of clients making lucrative financial decisions, then this job could be a great career path for you. If you enjoy a job where you can preserve a 40-hour work week or need to work in a space with little client-facing interaction, it may be a good idea to look toward other finance industry roles to determine if they are a better fit.

CFA Charter vs. Other Financial Analyst Credentials

There are several credentialing choices available to financial analysts seeking certifications to advance their professional development, including the CFA Exams, Series 7 Exam, the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam, and FINRA Licensing.

Many hiring managers for financial analyst jobs list the CFA charter as a desired qualification. As a leading certification in the investment management and asset management industry, the Chartered Financial Analyst designation demonstrates to a current or potential employer that you have completed rigorous preparation for this challenging three-level examination in the fundamentals of investment tools, valuing assets, portfolio management, and wealth planning.

Since the CFA designation also carries with it a commitment to promoting ethical practices in the investment management industry, and provides access to a global network of investment management professionals, it can go a long way in convincing clients of an analyst's trustworthiness and in supporting the networking demands of the financial analyst job description.

Other Finance & Investment Management Career Tracks

Interested in exploring other financial services roles beyond buy-side or sell-side financial analysts? Check out our career hub for more role descriptions, including:

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Interested in an investment career? Review CFA Institute's financial analyst job description to see if this finance career path may be right for you.

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https://www.sp.edu.sg/

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https://www.moe.gov.sg/post-secondary/overview/autonomous-universities

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Discover what it takes to become a Software Developer. Learn about coding, software development methodologies, and the importance of problem-solving skills.

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Software developers create software to meet user needs by employing diagrams and models, writing code, and ensuring overall functionality. These professionals design, build, and implement computer programs and applications.

Applications software developers focus on applications used on mobile devices and computer desktops. Systems software developers create and oversee software used in network distribution, along with database, game, and web development.

Software developers typically have bachelor's degrees in software development, computer science, or other related fields. Developing experience, earning certifications, and completing training programs like bootcamps allows individuals to pursue employment in the field.

Software transcends industries, allowing software developers to design and build programs for companies and organizations in the private and public sectors. Discover the skills, duties, and opportunities associated with software development in this guide.

History of Software Developers

Software development has its roots in the early 19th century, although the predecessors of modern programming languages and software design came to fruition during the mid-20th century. Alongside the growth of computers in the 1970s and 1980s, the need for software developers grew.

Technological innovation drove the expansion of software development. The creation of the internet, mobile devices, and increasingly advanced computers all led to the need for subsets within the field of software development. By the 2010s, software transitioned from a niche discipline into a widespread, commonplace industry.

In the contemporary landscape, the duties and responsibilities of a software developer include designing, creating, testing, and monitoring software programs and applications. These professionals now perform their work across many industries.

What Is the Job Description of a Software Developer?

A job description for a software developer includes researching, designing, building, and managing computer and application software. They apply scientific and technological principles to user needs, write code, and ensure software functionality. These developers must know coding languages, have problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, and understand the software development process.

Software developers collaborate with coders, computer programmers, software engineers, and other team members or work independently through the development process. They test software, make changes as needed, and document their efforts.

Application software developers create mobile and desktop applications, while systems software engineers focus on operating systems. Game software developers, security software developers, database developers, and web developers are among the other specializations in the field.

Key Soft Skills for Software Developers

Communication: Software developers must communicate with customers, colleagues, managers, and employees in non-technical departments to perform their jobs effectively.

Teamwork: Software developers often work in teams to plan, design, and develop projects. They must collaborate effectively with others, receive feedback, and participate in meetings.

Problem-Solving: The responsibilities of a software developer include fixing problems found by computer programmers and users. These abilities ensure proper functionality.

Attention to Detail: Software developers must identify and track small coding issues. These professionals must also shift focus back and forth from the big picture to the minute details.

Key Hard Skills for Software Developers

Data Structures and Algorithms: Developers store, arrange, and organize data for processing and retrieving. Algorithms follow steps to complete a task. When used with data structures, algorithms make up the instructions needed to use data for different purposes.

Software Security: Developers ensure data safety by adding layers of security to applications and programs, performing tests, and making updates and upgrades.

Programming Languages: Software developers typically know at least one programming language, but knowledge of multiple programming languages enhances their experience and competition in the job market. These developers must know the syntax of languages like Python, Java, and HTML/CSS.

The list below provides more information about the best programming languages for software developers.

HTML/CSS: HTML is a markup language, and CSS is the style sheet language used to present the information written in HTML. Together, HTML and CSS create the look of web pages. HTML defines the structure, colors, and other visual elements, while CSS arranges their aesthetics visually.

JavaScript: JavaScript is a high-level programming language conforming to the ECMAScript specification. Alongside HTML and CSS, it ranks among the three core technologies of the internet.

Java: As a general-purpose programming language, Java features class-based, concurrent, object-oriented functions. Designed to minimize implementation dependencies, Java allows application developers to "write once, run anywhere." Java is one of the most popular programming languages, especially for client-server software applications.

C#: This general-purpose programming language comprises functional, declarative, object-oriented, component-oriented, and generic programming disciplines. Developed by Microsoft within the .NET initiative, C# received approval as a standard by ISO and ECMA.

Python: Python is an interpreted, general-purpose, high-level programming language. Python's design philosophy emphasizes readability by using significant whitespace and providing clear programming on large and small scales.

A Day in the Life of a Software Developer

A day in the life of a software developer includes using models and diagrams to design software based on user needs and client specifications. Software developers write code using programming languages, build software components, and test their designs. As a part of software testing, developers address issues or errors. After deploying an application, software developers perform maintenance, updates, and upgrades as needed.

Software developers may collaborate with coders, software engineers, graphic designers, and other colleagues to create applications. A day in the life of a software developer may also include independent work.

Software Developer Salary and Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), software developers earn a median salary of $120,730 as of May 2021, far outpacing the national median salary of $45,760 for all occupations.

For comparison, the BLS reports that the median income for all computer occupations is $97,430. However, a software developer's salary depends on factors like industry, geographic location, and professional experience.

About 25% of software developers work in the computer systems design industry, and the top-paying industries for software developers include information services, computer equipment manufacturing, and independent artists and performers. The best states for software developers, in terms of salary, include California, Washington, and Maryland.

How to Get a Job as a Software Developer

Getting a job as a software developer typically starts with earning a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Most bachelor's degrees include four years of requirements.

Individuals with associate degrees in computer science or comparable disciplines can also pursue employment as software developers. However, becoming employed may depend on experience and additional training, including software development bootcamps.

Software developers benefit from knowing multiple programming languages and earning professional certifications. Technology industry companies and organizations like CompTIA, EC-Council, and the Information Systems Audit and Control Association offer programs to software professionals.

Similar Specializations and Career Paths

Software development-focused education programs build the hard skills and knowledge that graduates need to pursue careers in the computer and information technology sectors. Professional opportunities typically depend on past work experience, preferred industry, geographic location, and education level.

Associate degree-holders can pursue jobs in web development, while bachelor's degree-holders can explore opportunities as software developers or computer programmers. Additional higher education credentials can boost job opportunities - candidates with master's degrees can supervise teams of developers or become research scientists.

Whatever path they choose, graduates seeking software developer careers can expect relatively high salaries. The following list explores similar computer science specializations.

Systems Analyst: Systems analysts assess, identify, and implement steps to optimize the user's experience with computer programs. Systems analysts study existing processes, make recommendations for changes, and research new technologies to improve system efficiency and functionality.

Information Security Analyst: These professionals plan, implement, and monitor security measures within companies and organizations. Information security analysts check for vulnerabilities, investigate security breaches, research new technologies, and make recommendations for security enhancements.

Software Engineer: Software engineers oversee the development of operating systems and applications. They design software; collaborate with coders, programmers, and developers; and address issues as they arise. Software engineers keep the timeline of a project on track, report to supervisors and managers, and ensure overall software functionality.

Network Architect: These architects design and build local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets. These possess business knowledge and technical capabilities. Network architects analyze user needs, research appropriate technologies, and deploy networks once they are ready.

Resources for Software Developers

Professional resources offer information about the knowledge and skills needed to enter software development. Books, blogs, and periodicals offer updates about the world of software development. Industry leaders offer certification programs, and professional organizations can provide networking opportunities.

Professional Organizations for Software Developers

Computer science students, entry-level software developers, and senior developers alike should take advantage of the many available professional resources. Software developers should strongly consider joining professional associations to pursue continuing education opportunities, networking events, and professional development resources.

Some associations serve all IT professionals, while others focus on specific computing occupations. Professional associations can help you gain new skills and meet like-minded professionals.

IEEE Computer Society: This organization links students, professionals, and researchers in the computer science and technology fields. Member benefits include a magazine, access to the IEEE digital library, local networking events, and career development webinars.

CompTIA: CompTIA offers continuing education opportunities, including independent and instructor-led training courses. It also offers certifications, resources on trends in the IT industry, and membership benefits.

Association for Women in Computing: Established in 1978, AWC aims to advance women in technology professions. Members include programmers, consultants, and systems analysts. AWC offers professional networking meetings, continuing education programs, and mentorship opportunities.

The App Association: This association supports over 5,000 application development companies across the United States through advocacy and research.

FAQ About Software Developer Careers

What does a software developer do?

Software developers plan, create, and deploy applications across platforms. They recommend upgrades, test functionality, and maintain software once it has been employed.

Is software developer a good career choice?

Software development is a good career choice for individuals who like computers, are creative, and enjoy solving problems. The BLS projects a 26% job growth rate for the profession from 2021-2031, far outpacing the national rate for all occupations.

What languages do software developers use?

Software developers use languages like Python, Java, and C#. Developers who work with online programs also benefit from knowing languages like HTML and CSS.

What are the main skills a software developer needs?

Software developers need to know programming languages, data structures and algorithms, the software development process, and information security measures.

Page last reviewed on Nov 17, 2022

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What Is a Software Developer? | Skills and Career Paths

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Learn about the career of a software developer. Research education requirements, career opportunities, average salaries, key skills, and sample job descriptions.

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Learn about the rigorous education and training required to become a doctor. Understand the different specialties and what it's like to work in healthcare.

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A doctor or physician is a medical practitioner that is responsible for maintaining the health of their patients. A doctor analyzes the health of a patient, produces a diagnosis based on their health and provides a treatment that helps them get healthy.

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Nursing is a rewarding career focused on patient care. Discover the educational paths, certifications, and skills needed to excel as a nurse.

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Nurses at SingHealth are given numerous avenues for growth, learning and a clear career path that supports their passion to serve and make a difference to others.

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Marketing Specialists connect products and services with consumers. Learn about market research, advertising strategies, and the creative side of marketing.

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Marketing Specialist Jobs in Singapore - Jul 2024 | Jobstreet

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Find your ideal job at Jobstreet with 1229 Marketing Specialist jobs found in Singapore. View all our Marketing Specialist vacancies now with new jobs added daily!

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Journalists gather and report news to the public. Discover what it takes to pursue a career in journalism, including writing skills and knowledge of media ethics.

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https://www.nyp.edu.sg/student

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https://www.np.edu.sg/

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https://www.rp.edu.sg/home

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https://allabout.city/singapore/list-of-junior-colleges-and-millennia-institute/

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You can find more career paths here:

https://www.jobstreet.com.sg/career-advice/

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https://content.mycareersfuture.gov.sg/an-educators-guide-to-a-first-teaching-job-in-singapore/

Teachers help students understand academic information. They write curriculum, create worksheets, give lectures and guide students through interactive lessons, using different teaching styles to reinforce essential information. Explore what it takes to become a teacher.

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https://www.pitman-training.com/advice-hub/careers-focus/marketing-assistant/#:~:text=Monitor%20marketing%20campaigns'%20progress%20and,media%20accounts%2C%20blogs%2C%20and%20emails

Monitor marketing campaigns' progress and results to gather data to help improve performance. Deliver graphic, written, or verbal presentations and reports of findings, statistics, and insights.

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https://vault.com/professions/astronomers/requirements

Astronomers study planets, stars, and other celestial bodies. They use ground-based equipment, such as optical telescopes, and space-based equipment, such as the Hubble Space Telescope.

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https://www.munich-business-school.de/en/l/university-glossary/professor#:~:text=The%20university%20professorship%20is%20often,progress%20through%20their%20research%20work.

The university professorship involves extensive research and teaching responsibilities. They contribute significantly to scientific progress through their research work.

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https://www.mediabistro.com/climb-the-ladder/what-does-a-copywriter-do/#:~:text=A%20copywriter%20creates%20clear%2C%20compelling,%2C%20PSAs%2C%20social%20media%20platforms%2C

A copywriter’s job is to quite literally write copy. Its ultimate goal is to inspire action, to convert leads to sales. The best ones take readers on a journey that educates while it persuades, and must be able to write creatively while thinking strategically.

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https://sg.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-is-a-forensic-scientist

As a forensic scientist you'll provide scientific evidence for use in courts of law to support the prosecution or defence in criminal and civil investigations. You'll be primarily concerned with searching for and examining contact trace material associated with crimes.

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Graphic Designers create visual content for various mediums. Find out the skills and tools needed to succeed in graphic design, including proficiency with design software.

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-tertiary institutions that focus more on project-based learning and group work.
- spans over 3 years for students to learn the fundamentals of the course they’ve enrolled in.
- students not required to wear uniforms
- after graduating with a diploma, able to find work straight away.
- cut-off points (for lowest requirements): 26

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https://www.clio.com/blog/how-to-become-a-legal-consultant/#:~:text=A%20legal%20consultant%20advises%20clients,minimize%20risks%20and%20achieve%20goals.

A legal consultant advises clients on legal issues, including contracts, risk assessment, and compliance. If you are interested, click here to find out more about a legal consultant.

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https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/contractor/what-is-an-architect/

The Architect plans, designs and supervises the construction of buildings and other physical infrastructure. They help to prepare project specifications and detailed drawings on architectural works for their clients.

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https://www.fst.nus.edu.sg/education/postgraduate-programme/admission-information/msc-in-food-science-human-nutrition/

https://www.ntu.edu.sg/cceb/fst

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https://www.nus.edu.sg/oam/undergraduate-programmes

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https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/farmer/

A farmer is a person engaged in agriculture, raising living organisms for food or raw materials. The term usually applies to people who do some combination of raising field crops, orchards, vineyards, poultry, or other livestock.

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https://resources.workable.com/photographer-job-description

Photographers capture subjects in commercial-quality photographs. Photographers use their technical expertise, creativity, and composition skills to produce and preserve images that tell a story or record an event.

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- centralised tertiary institute offering 3 years A-Levels course compared to JC of 2 years
-  cut-off point: 20, nett aggregate L1R4 result (maths and 1 humanities subject is mandatory), is considered for the admission to MI.

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https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/art-director/

An art director develops a creative vision and design for a visual project, making decisions on elements like images, typography, layout and written content. They articulate this vision to a team of artists and designers, approving graphs, illustrations, artwork and other submissions made by team members.

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https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/?page=2

This website includes
: The different types of jobs
: Required education
: Salary

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https://www.sp.edu.sg/mad/dmad-course/sm/overview

Poly degrees
Ngee Ann Polytechnic | School of Film and Media Studies Diploma in Film, Sound & Video

Republic Polytechnic | School of Technology for the Arts (STA)
Diploma in Sonic Arts

Singapore Polytechnic | School of Digital Media & Infocomm Technology (DMIT)
Diploma in Music and Audio Technology

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https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/accountant/

An accountant reviews and analyses financial records, keeping track of a company's or individual's income, expenditures, and tax liabilities. An accountant may also be involved in project planning, cost analysis, auditing, and financial decision-making.

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- tertiary institutions that offer 2 year pre-university courses that leads to A-Levels.
- L1R5 cut-off point (for lowest requirement): 20
- students must wear uniforms
- take either 4 Higher 2 (H2) subjects or 3H2 and 1 Higher 1 subjects of their choice, along with H1 Mother Tongue and General Paper (GP) as compulsory subjs
- streams are branched into science, arts and hybrid streams. those of sci streams take 3 science subjects (eg. maths, physics, chemistry) and 1 arts subject (eg. economics) of their choice; vice versa for arts stream
- encouraged to take a maths and pure sciences in secondary school if entering science stream. (assumed knowledge of these topics in JC)