Jobs & Careers with Piers Linney - 109

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TECHNOLOGY

App developer

Tech support

This is the holy grail of IT, as many app
developers have hit the big time with popular
apps that have gone viral - Candy Crush,
anyone? Apps need writers and programmers. Writers
require good tech knowledge, plus several languages,
ideally, so you can make your app multinational.
Programmers need in-depth knowledge of web
languages, such as HTML5 and CSS, and platforms like
Java, so it may be worth taking a programming course
to up your skills. You can work for a company or go it
alone, turning your idea into an app - testing it,
debugging it, marketing and promoting it.

Web developer
Web development is a broad term and covers
everything to do with building websites and
the infrastructure behind them. The job is
still viewed as the trendy side of IT, but it is still pretty
technical and involves some hardcore programming
as well as the more creative side of designing the
user interfaces of new websites. You'll need to be
extremely creative, have basic understanding of web
technologies, and be a good problem solver.

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. Some work for end-user
companies supporting, monitoring and maintaining
workplace technology and responding to users'
requests for help. Some lines of support require specific
experience, but tech support can also be a good way
into the industry for graduates with tech knowledge.

Software tester
Bugs and glitches can have a huge 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 do programming
but they do need a good understanding of code.
Testers prepare test scripts and macros, and analyse
results, which are fed back to the project leader.
Testers can also be involved at the early stages of
projects to anticipate pitfalls.

Computer gaming

System programmer
The work of a software engineer typically
includes designing and programming systemlevel software - the stuff you take for granted:
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. Software engineers are
often found in telecommunications and electronics
companies. A computing, software engineering or
industry related degree is needed.

If you find the idea of creating games for PCs,
the internet and mobile phones exciting, and
are eager to become part of this industry,
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 games
professionals are qualified in non-games degrees
around either art or programming. Employers are
concerned with relevant experience, portfolios and
knowledge of software tools.

Images: Getty Images, Shutterstock.

What's involved...
There are many sub-sectors of
the IT industry, which all require
different skills and offer varied
job opportunities, such as
computer programming,
gaming, data processing and
telecommunications, to name
but a few. While you'll normally
need a degree or higher education
certificate in the chosen area,
there are openings for juniors
and graduates from other
disciplines, particularly in gaming,

as long as you can prove expert
knowledge of software systems,
and a portfolio of work in the field.
To find out about the positions
available, visit www.nationalcareers
service.direct.gov.uk
In the private sector, the big
graduate employers are typically
international companies such
as Accenture, IBM, Cisco,
Logica, TATA Consultancy and
Microsoft. However, over half of IT
professionals find roles outside of

the industry. Big employers
include financial services, retail,
telecommunications and
games development.
Graduates who are entering the
IT and information services sector
can expect relatively high starting
salaries - around £26,250 (which
will then rise with experience);
typically long working hours
(including weekends and evenings;
and many self-employment and
freelancing opportunities.

J O B S & C A R E E R S /// 1 0 9
http://www.nationalcareers http://service.direct.gov.uk
Jobs & Careers with Piers Linney

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