IT Opportunities

It goes without saying that making a career choice can be one of the most important decisions you make in life, and if your choices are leading you towards a career in IT, you want to make sure they are the right ones. IT-Opportunities is here to give a brief overview of the type of questions and answers that are likely to come into your mind, and suggest where you can look for further help.

Types of roles available:

There are a diverse number of jobs available in the IT sector, to suit all levels of skills and experience. Entry level positions generally focus on all round IT support, while there are a range of specialist roles further up the ladder. These will require specific skills such as software testing, web application development, network maintenance, and website design. There are also companies that will recruit for those with advanced knowledge of Microsoft systems, computer programming, or IT Management and Team Leading skills.

Possible Salaries:

As IT jobs are very technical by nature, the skills and experience needed to carry them out, is reflected in the generous salaries attributed to them. Variants include level of skills, experience and qualifications, and location of the job. A few example salaries, uncovered by MY IT Career, for those with certification are below:

Microsoft Systems Analyst: £31,276

Cisco Certified Design Associate: £44,497

CompTia Server +: £27,457

Qualifications and Training:

Gaining the right qualifications and training can be vital in helping you stand out from the crowd, and gaining a job in IT. You can study for qualifications right from school at GCSE and A-level, including Business Studies and Computer Science, take an ECDL, a nationally recognised computer competency certificate, or choose to study at university. All of this will be beneficial in building up your knowledge and skill sets, but must be added to. It’s important to get as much work experience as you can, and back that up with an industry recognised qualification. There are classroom, home study, online and company based training available, which cover everything from windows operating systems and programs, to professional courses in IT support and various computer systems/applications. At the top of the ladder there’s also an Msc in Professional Computing and IT Management training.

Careers Advice and Resources

For further information and resources check out the following:

GET: a website for graduates offering general, and industry specific careers advice. Includes sections on IT Work Placements and Internships, and the Shell Step Scheme, which offers project based work placements in various industry sectors to students and graduates.

Connexions: Young people’s career database and advice service.

MY IT Career: A London based website detailing training opportunities, along with hints and tips to help you gain a job in IT.

BCS: The Chartered Institute of IT: Professional body for the IT industry, offering careers and training advice, industry news, and training opportunities at BCS approved centres.