JobsAndCareersWithJamesCaanAutumn2016 - 183

FOCUS :

IT

specific experience and knowledge, but
tech support can be a good way to get into the
industry for graduates with tech knowledge,
patience and communication skills.

Consult
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 lifecycle: whether pitching for
a contract, refining a project with the client,
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.
You will, however, need to have technical
and business understanding, project
management skills and be able to work
as part of a team.

Getting paid to
game? Get in! If
you're excited by this
idea, you're in luck.
The computer games
industry has
recently experienced
huge audience
growth

Test software
Bugs and glitches 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 do need a good understanding of code.
Testers prepare test scripts and macros,
and analyse results, which are fed back to the
project leader so 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 and earn good money.

Play and create games

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
human 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.

Join tech support
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. 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

Getting paid to game? Get in!
If you're excited by this idea,
you're in luck; the computer games industry
has recently experienced huge audience
growth and incredible advances in technology
and creative possibilities.
Although the majority of the workforce
has a degree-level qualification, many
successful game professionals are qualified
in non-game degrees, around either art or
programming, and employers are specifically
concerned with relevant experience,
portfolios and knowledge of specific software
tools. Get networking on forums and contact
manufacturers to get noticed.

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JobsAndCareersWithJamesCaanAutumn2016

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