How to Get a Job as a COBOL Programmer

COBOL, a high level programming language, is an acronym for Common Business Oriented Language. It has been around since the late 1950's. It is the second oldest programming language of this kind. While many have predicted the demise of COBOL with the new object oriented languages, there are still hundreds of billions of lines of code to be maintained, and new code is constantly being added.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Go to college to become a programmer. Most COBOL programming positions require a degree in Computer Information Systems or Computer Engineering. At the very least, exposure to programming in general and to COBOL in particular is desirable.
2. Take classes at community or technical colleges. These types of schools often offer classes that larger universities don't have the demand for. It is also possible to take classes at night or on weekends at these schools, which is convenient for busier and non-traditional students.
3. Keep examples of programs. Employers like to have examples of past work to evaluate coding skills. Make sure to clean up the code and thoroughly test it before handing it over to a prospective employer.
4. Research companies that develop or maintain COBOL software. Companies that keep large amounts of data, especially transaction data, are likely to use mainframes. COBOL is widely used in mainframe environments.
5. Ask professors or other professionals in the field for references and letters of recommendation. Choose people who will attest to professionalism, work ethic, coding skills and temperament. These letters demonstrate the likelihood of success of the applicant.
6. Talk to COBOL programmers about their jobs and companies. This gives insight as to what employers offer. It also helps to assess whether the job is compatible.

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