CICS Developer

CICS developers are responsible for developing, maintaining, and enhancing business-critical applications that run on IBM’s CICS (Customer Information Control System) platform. CICS is a popular transaction processing system used by large organizations to manage high-volume transactions in real-time. As a CICS developer, you will work with a variety of technologies, including COBOL, PL/I, and Java, to create and maintain these applications.

Responsibilities

Some of the key responsibilities of a CICS developer include:

• Design, develop, test, and maintain CICS applications
• Work with business analysts and other stakeholders to gather requirements and translate them into technical specifications
• Code, debug, and test CICS applications using a variety of programming languages and tools
• Troubleshoot and resolve production issues
• Stay up-to-date on the latest CICS technologies and best practices

Skills

To be successful as a CICS developer, you will need to have a strong foundation in computer science fundamentals, as well as experience with the CICS platform. Some of the key skills that you will need include:

• Proficient in COBOL, PL/I, and Java
• Experience with CICS architecture and programming techniques
• Strong understanding of transaction processing concepts
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills

Education and Training

Most CICS developers have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. However, some employers may also consider candidates with an associate’s degree or equivalent experience. In addition to formal education, there are a number of online courses and training programs that can help you learn the skills needed to become a CICS developer.

Career Outlook

The job outlook for CICS developers is expected to be good over the next few years. As businesses continue to rely on CICS to manage their critical business processes, the demand for CICS developers will continue to grow. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for computer programmers, which includes CICS developers, was $93,000 in May 2021. The top 10% of earners made more than $146,000, while the bottom 10% earned less than $56,000.

Advancement Opportunities

With experience, CICS developers can advance to more senior positions, such as lead developer, project manager, or architect. They may also choose to specialize in a particular area of CICS development, such as performance tuning or security.

Personal Qualities

Successful CICS developers typically have the following personal qualities:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Excellent communication skills
• Willingness to learn new technologies

How to Prepare for a Career as a CICS Developer

If you are interested in a career as a CICS developer, there are a number of things you can do to prepare yourself:

• Earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field
• Take online courses or training programs to learn the CICS platform
• Gain experience with COBOL, PL/I, and Java
• Build a portfolio of CICS projects
• Network with other CICS developers

Online Courses

Online courses can be a great way to learn the skills needed to become a CICS developer. There are a number of different online courses available, so you can choose one that fits your learning style and schedule. Some of the topics that you may cover in an online CICS course include:

• CICS architecture and programming techniques
• COBOL, PL/I, and Java programming
• Transaction processing concepts
• CICS performance tuning
• CICS security

Online courses can be a helpful learning tool for aspiring CICS developers. They can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this career. However, it is important to note that online courses alone may not be enough to prepare you for a career as a CICS developer. You will also need to gain experience with the CICS platform and build a portfolio of CICS projects.