Top career in IT industry in future prospects

The IT industry is well known for its wide range of job titles which can make it hard for graduates interested in this sector to pin down exactly what people do.

As a job-hunting graduate, chances are you’ve got a lot on your plate so we’ve decoded some of the more common job titles you may come across during your graduate job search. However, pay close attention to the job description of particular positions you apply for. Make note of the key skills and competences wanted, and ask questions at interviews to find out more specific information about what the role will involve day to day. This will ensure that you find the right graduate job in IT with the right employer.

In our daily lives, we have integrated the products and end means of information technology whether it's the operating systems on the computer networks that automate a company's tasks and processes, our mobile phones, or the vast amount of information sought and found on the internet. This translates ostensibly that careers in the information technology sector are expected to grow significantly in the upcoming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in computer software engineering for example, are expected to grow by as much as 32 percent by 2018.

According to CompTIA’s “IT Industry Outlook 2015” report, the IT sector employs more than 5.7 million workers in both technical and non-technical occupations. Approximately 4.88 million of that number can be attributed to technical IT occupations that are found in departments across every industry in the world. Of the global IT industry, the major segments consist of telecom services (44 percent), IT hardware (27 percent), IT services (18 percent) and software (11 percent). By percentage growth, CompTIA notes the career fields experiencing the largest employment gains in 2014 included Web developers, information security analysts, computer systems analysts, software developers (applications, and software developers (systems software).





What is amazing about the Information Technology field is that you do not have to be a tech person to get involved in the industry. Like many other skills, technology skills can be learned on the job. Nowadays, a lot of job training is done informally, through observation, interactions with co-workers and hands-on projects. No matter what career you might pursue in the future, technology skills can definitely lead you to bigger and better things. The technology industry not only needs programmers and developers, they need writers, graphic designers, project managers, human resource personnel and marketing professionals, and the list goes on. And by pursuing one of these positions in the technology field, not only do you work on something you are familiar with, but you also have the opportunity to learn more about the technology that surrounds us every single day.

 Software engineer

Also known as: 

application programmer, software architect, system programmer/engineer.

This job in brief: 

The work of a software engineer typically includes designing and programming system-level software: operating systems, database systems, embedded systems and so on. They understand how both software and hardware function. The work can involve talking to clients and colleagues to assess and define what solution or system is needed, which means there’s a lot of interaction as well as full-on technical work. Software engineers are often found in electronics and telecommunications companies. A computing, software engineering or related degree is needed.

Key skills include:

·         analysis,

·         logical thinking,

·         teamwork

·         Attention to detail.

 Systems analyst

Also known as: 

product specialist, systems engineer, solutions specialist, technical designer.

This job in brief:

 Systems analysts investigate and analyse business problems and then design information systems that provide a feasible solution, typically in response to requests from their business or a customer. They gather requirements and identify the costs and the time needed to implement the project. The job needs a mix of business and technical knowledge, and a good understanding of people. It’s a role for analyst programmers to move into and typically requires a few years’ experience from graduation.

Key skills include:

·         ability to extract and analyses information,

·         good communication

·         persuasion

·         Sensitivity.

Business analyst

Also known as:

 business architect, enterprise-wide information specialist.

This job in brief: 

Business analysts are true midfielders, equally happy talking with technology people, business managers and end users. They identify opportunities for improvement to processes and business operations using information technology. The role is project based and begins with analyzing a customer’s needs, gathering and documenting requirements and creating a project plan to design the resulting technology solution. Business analysts need technology understanding, but don’t necessarily need a technical degree.

Key skills include:

·         communication

·         presentation

·         facilitation

·         project management

·         Problem solving.

Technical support

Also known as:

 help desk support, operations analyst, problem manager.

This job in brief: 

These are the professional troubleshooters of the IT world. Many technical support specialists work for hardware manufacturers and suppliers solving the problems of business customers or consumers, but many work for end-user companies supporting, monitoring and maintaining workplace technology and responding to users’ requests for help. Some lines of support require professionals with specific experience and knowledge, but tech support can also be a good way into the industry for graduates.

Key skills include:

·         wide ranging tech knowledge

·         problem solving

·         communication/listening

·         patience

·         Diplomacy.

 Network engineer

Also known as: 

hardware engineer, network designer.

This job in brief: 

Network engineering is one of the more technically demanding IT jobs. Broadly speaking the role involves setting up, administering, maintaining and upgrading communication systems, local area networks and wide area networks for an organization. Network engineers are also responsible for security, data storage and disaster recovery strategies. It is a highly technical role and you’ll gather a hoard of specialist technical certifications as you progress. A telecoms or computer science-related degree is needed.

Key skills include:

·         specialist network knowledge

·         communication

·         planning

·         analysis

·         Problem solving.

Technical consultant

Also known as: 

IT consultant, application specialist, enterprise-wide information specialist.

This job in brief: 

The term ‘consultant’ can be a tagline for many IT jobs, but typically technical consultants provide technical expertise to, and develop and implement IT systems for, external clients. They can be involved at any or all stages of the project life cycle: pitching for a contract; refining a specification with the client team; designing the system; managing part or all of the project; after sales support... or even developing the code. A technical degree is preferred, but not always necessary.

Key skills include:

·         communication

·         presentation

·         technical and business understanding

·         project management

·         Teamwork.

Technical sales

Also known as: 

sales manager, account manager, sales executive.

This job in brief: 

Technical sales may be one of the least hands-on technical roles, but it still requires an understanding of how IT is used in business. You may sell hardware, or extol the business benefits of whole systems or services. Day to day, the job could involve phone calls, meetings, conferences and drafting proposals. There will be targets to meet and commission when you reach them. A technology degree isn’t necessarily essential, but you will need to have a thorough technical understanding of the product you sell.

Key skills include:

·         product knowledge

·         persuasion

·         interpersonal skills

·         drive

·         mobility

·         Business awareness.

Project manager

Also known as:

 product planner, project leader, master scheduler.

This job in brief: 

Project managers organize people, time and resources to make sure information technology projects meet stated requirements and are completed on time and on budget. They may manage a whole project from start to finish or manage part of a larger ‘program’. It isn’t an entry-level role: project managers have to be pretty clued up. This requires experience and a good foundation of technology and soft skills, which are essential for working with tech development teams and higher level business managers.

Key skills include:

·         organization

·         problem solving

·         communication

·         clear thinking

·         Ability to stay calm under pressure.

Web developer

Also known as: 

web designer, web producer, multimedia architect, internet engineer.

This job in brief: 

Web development is a broad term and covers everything to do with building websites and all the infrastructure that sits behind them. The job is still viewed as the trendy side of IT years after it first emerged. These days web development is pretty technical and involves some hardcore programming as well as the more creative side of designing the user interfaces of new websites. The role can be found in organizations large and small.

Key skills include:

·         basic understanding of web technologies (client side, server side and databases)

·         analytical thinking

·         problem solving

·         Creativity.

Software tester

Also known as:

 test analyst, software quality assurance tester.

This job in brief: 

Bugs can have a massive impact on the productivity and reputation of an IT firm. Testers try to anticipate all the ways an application or system might be used and how it could fail. They don’t necessarily program but they do need a good understanding of code. Testers prepare test scripts and macros, and analyses results, which are fed back to the project leader so that fixes can be made. Testers can also be involved at the early stages of projects in order to anticipate pitfalls before work begins. You can potentially get to a high level as a tester.

Key skills include:

·         attention to detail

·         creativity

·         organization

·         analytical and investigative thinking

·         Communication.