Career library · Computers and technology

Computer operator

Keeping records, documents and data in order on a computer

What people in this work actually do

Enter and check data accurately, prepare letters, applications and reports, maintain spreadsheets and simple records, operate printers and scanners, and help colleagues who are less confident with the machine.

This may suit you if…

You are accurate, you can sit and concentrate, and you are comfortable learning a new program when the office changes system.

The hard parts

Repetitive and sedentary. Accuracy matters more than speed, and errors are noticed. Basic data entry is increasingly automated, so this is a better starting point than a destination — build an additional skill on top of it.

We show these because nobody else will.

What people get wrong about this

That it leads nowhere. It is a common way into accounts, administration and office supervision, especially for someone who adds spreadsheet and accounting skills.

What this looks like in a smaller town

Common Service Centres, panchayat offices, schools, cooperative societies and small businesses in every block need someone who can handle a computer properly.

Ways into this work

There is almost always more than one route, and the cheapest is often perfectly respected.

Short computer course

Short skill course · Starts from Class Classes 9 and 10

A three to twelve month computer and office applications course.

How long
1 year
What it costs
Not yet verified
Available near you?
In most districts

How to do it
Ask at the local Common Service Centre or government skill centre which recognised computer courses run nearby.

Information Technology as a school skill subject

Skill subject at school · Starts from Class Classes 9 and 10

Take Information Technology as the skill subject in Classes 9 and 10.

How long
2 years
What it costs
Not yet verified
Available near you?
In most districts

How to do it
Ask the school which skill subjects it is approved to offer, and whether the computer laboratory is actually working.

Skills that matter here

Essential

Using a computer

Switching on, finding files, and not being afraid of the machine.

Essential

Making documents

Typing a letter, an application or a report and laying it out properly.

Essential

Working with spreadsheets

Keeping a list, adding up a column, making a simple chart.

Useful

Writing clearly

Filling a form, writing a message or a note without confusing the reader.

Useful

Staying safe online

Spotting a fraud, protecting a password, not sharing what you should not.

See whether this fits your family

School is one of five parts of growing up. See how your child is doing across all five, what to try next at their age, and what it would honestly cost in your area.

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Sources

Related work

Computer and network technician Software developer