IT Sector

The IT sector in the UK has mirrored that of global trends for the past 25 years, with strong growth in all aspects of the market. Particular growth has been experienced in two areas:

• e-business and the harnessing of the internet to generate business
• outsourcing - providing implementation and support in IT services

IT is an integral part of every business whether as a support tool for employees, or a direct facilitator of sales and revenue. The IT sector is still a young one and has a varied and interesting structure.

In some IT graduate jobs demand far outstrips the supply for new talent and organisations are constantly looking for graduates to take on ever expanding workloads. However, today much of the growth is in development and programmers of any experience are highly sought after. In this environment, employees are in a position of significant strength and can earn very good salaries relatively quickly.

Additionally, the skills shortage has ensured employers are desperate to keep hold of talent. Many organisations offer cross-training schemes supporting employees who wish to move their skills set to different platforms.

In such market conditions, it is easy to understand why the IT sector remains a popular starting point for first job graduates. Despite fluctuations in the economy, the sector will continue to provide sound, solid careers for those employees who are prepared to keep their skills and knowledge set up-to-date in a fast moving environment.

  

So what opportunities are there for IT graduates?... 

IT interacts with almost every other sector, so your IT qualifications can lead you anywhere.  Across all sectors, IT graduates are highly sought after so you can take your pick of the kind of graduate recruiter you would like to work for.

You could become a full time employee for an organisation, a contractor or a consultant. But remember, you will need to gain at least one year's experience before you can work as a contractor and many more before you become a totally competent and productive consultant. For where to start your graduate career read on for details or apply for IT Graduate Jobs with the GRB today.

 

Possible graduate roles for you to consider include:

• Computer Programmer/ Software Developer -

A popular route for many graduates; you will be responsible for the design, implementation and maintenance of software systems for an organisation/client. Your programming languages and knowledge will be utilised due to the versatility of this role.

 

• Applications Developer -

You will be responsible for writing the programming code for user software requirements. Through your knowledge of computer languages and development you will plan, design and implement applications.

 

• IT Consultant -

Through technology you will resolve business problems for clients, advising on methods to improve company functionality.

 

• Software Tester/ Test Analyst - 

You will be responsible for insuring that all potential application errors are resolved before reaching the user. In depth testing is carried out through assessing how the application could be used by a user, not how it should be used, to uncover all potential faults.

 

• Analyst -

You will design IT solutions for clients to heighten business performance based around their existing models. You will be responsible for all elements of installation, testing and maintenance, working with the client to implement your proposed solutions. 

 

• IT Helpdesk/ Technical Support Officer -

You will be responsible for installation and configuration of computer systems. Detecting hardware and software problems, and solving technical issues both over the phone and face to face to maintain an organisation's computer systems. 

 

• Systems Administrator/ Network Engineer -

You will be responsible for an organisation's communication networks, insuring that efficiency and performance are maintained for all users through providing your technical support.

 

• Database Administrator -

You will be responsible for database management, including planning and development, maintenance, security, delivery and the implementation of accurate database content. You will ensure that all data is clear, efficient and accessible.

 

• Web Designer/ Programmer -

Combining your creative and technical skills, you will create programs for websites and further multimedia products to function.

 

Graduate Qualifications and Desirable Skills

For development roles, skills with Object Oriented Languages, such as Java, C++ and C# are highly desirable.  Knowledge of database technologies such as SQL are also in strong demand. Some candidates can demonstrate that they have shown an interest in programming outside the curricular requirements of their degree. These hobbyist programmers are highly thought of as they tend to demonstrate good initiative and a "self taught" ethos.
 
In more creative positions (i.e. web design), a degree in a related discipline is virtually a prerequisite. A familiarity with web based technologies such as CSS, PHP, JavaScript, XML and HTML would also be expected. 
 
Some areas within IT are less technical and will not require pure computer science degrees. These areas include support, consultancy, project management and more analytical areas. It is not uncommon for successful graduates to have come from science and numerical degrees. What employers want is a good standard of degree (2:1 or above ideally) and a willingness to show drive, ambition and enthusiasm for a career in IT.

Above all, employers are looking for well rounded individuals who understand the role of IT in the business world, and can see the bigger picture outside of the technical aspects of development. They must be:

• Problem solvers who think laterally
• Calm and patient
• Able to prioritise work effectively

If you think you are what recruiters are looking for, why not view our IT Graduate Jobs page?

Salary Expectations

Graduate packages remain buoyant in the current market. Salaries vary depending on location and the job role within the IT sector. Salaries are typically between £18,000- 28,000 to start, supported further by pay reviews and bonus schemes.

Salaries are expected to rise as the sector competes with other popular sectors such as banking and finance.

 

Recruitment Process

Application processes differ widely across such a large sector but graduates can expect a series of competency-based interviews, numerical and verbal test, problem-solving tasks and team exercises.

 

Sources for Further Information

British Computer Society www.bcs.org.uk
British Web Design and Marketing Association www.bwdma.co.uk
Institute of Analysts and Programmers www.iap.org.uk
Internet Service Providers Association www.ispa.org.uk
British Interactive Multimedia Association www.bima.co.uk
Computer Services and Software Association www.cssa.co.uk
Business Application Software Developers Association www.basda.org
Institute for the Management of Information Systems www.imis.org.uk
Institute of IT Training www.iitt.org.uk