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Find out more about...
Skills
Sectors
Roles
Skills
.NET Jobs
.Net software developers start off at a junior level and can expect to rise to mid-level and then senior developer with five plus years experience. The most successful .Net developers are able to demonstrate that they have more than just technical ability. They will often work in project teams and the ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines on multiple projects are vital qualities. Verbal and written communication skills are also necessary to succeed.
A degree is useful for a .Net developer and employers will consider most science related degree subjects, with conversion to a computer science qualification being a popular route. Alternatively a strong object-oriented programming background should satisfy most employers. Microsoft accreditation may be advantageous, but is not a prerequisite for a .Net developer role.
To work in a company using the .NET platform you will need experience of .Net technologies, such as ASP.Net, Winforms, VB.Net and C#. Recruiters will also be looking for interest, if not experience of the latest Microsoft technologies, such as .NET 2.0, Atlas and LINQ.
C, C++, C# Jobs
Disciplines and skills looked for in C and C++ programmers include strong interpersonal and communication skills, as well as more specific attributes. For example, employers may be drawn to those with maths qualifications as well as technical skills if they are recruiting for people to develop financial business applications.
Employees can get involved in a project from inception to completion, while developing new skills on a regular basis. Employers consider a university education a necessary pre-requisite for programmers, ideally in a computer science or IT-based subject, while those with PhD's are also extremely sought after
Java/J2EE jobs
As in many sectors, a university degree has becoming an essential requirement for Java/J2EE developers, especially in subjects such as computer science, engineering or a business-related discipline that is heavily geared towards IT.
Working in a Java or J2EE programming role does not restrict employees to research and development. Opportunities also exist in technical support, sales or even managing the developing team.
Although several years experience would be required to get the top jobs, some companies offer high starting salaries to secure the best and the brightest recent graduates. Almost every sector of business and industry has embraced modern technology, which has created a huge dependency on IT professionals with niche or specialised skills, such as software and computer programmers. However, although many would expect them to be hired on the strength of their technical knowledge, their roles have broadened to include a much wider remit of responsibilities and skills.
Linux jobs
Linux trained professionals can work in a variety of roles, such as a software engineer, web developer, database administrator, or in technical support and system maintenance, looking after networks and various Linux servers.
Knowledge of different applications, such as HTML, Javascript, CSS, OOP, SQL and PHP, can prove extremely beneficial in these jobs, while in-depth experience of Linux is essential.
As in much of the IT sector, opportunities are open to candidates with degrees in a relevant discipline, although sections of the profession are responding to increased take-up of Linux based systems, by supplying their own training and qualifications. Since there are relatively few IT staff with Linux qualifications, these have proved to be industry-recognised certifications of competence in the field and would be noticed by prospective employers.
Oracle Jobs
Working with Oracle systems can involve basic maintenance of the various applications, as well as dealing with any technical issues that may arise and fine-tuning the system to improve it.
An Oracle specialist has to be equipped with the relevant skills and qualifications, such as experience with various applications, including UNIX, DD1, Dataguard and the main database packages and triggers.
Furthermore, a degree in a technical discipline can prove an asset, along with qualifications that are recognised by the wider IT industry, such as an MCP, MSCE or CCNA.
As in most technical research, development and support areas, specialist knowledge and experience can lead to good career progression opportunities in a large number of companies.
SAP jobs
SAP professionals work in areas such as systems integration, developing e-business software and providing solutions for supply chains.
Many IT jobs are highly technical and specialised - and this can be used to the advantage of SAP practitioners as more industries increasingly adopt new systems. Those with highly specialised IT skills can command considerable starting salaries, while also developing their engineering and project management skills.
As well as systems maintenance and development, SAP specialists will also be heavily involved in managing both their team and the relationship with clients and customers. This means that as well as possessing specialised technical abilities, SAP professionals need wide-ranging communication skills to deal with a variety of people quickly and efficiently.
UNIX jobs
UNIX is configured differently on every machine, ranging from small microcomputers to more powerful supercomputers. Being on a UNIX team involves working with the main systems that can drive a company's IT infrastructure, such as storage devices, web servers and backup systems. This entails considerable responsibility, while it also requires strong problem-solving abilities and a good working knowledge of related technologies, such as TCP/IP, DNS, NFS, AIX and Solaris.
Handling such responsibilities creates a number of chances for people to progress in their career, either through development, programming and system maintenance, or as team leaders and line managers.
A degree in a computing or engineering discipline is now a pre-requisite for many UNIX jobs, while broad skills such as critical thinking and the ability to communicate well can be essential. Depending on the level or nature of the job, an amount of relevant experience could also be required, ideally in an organisation heavily involved with IT, such as banking or telecoms firms.
Tester jobs
There are two main routes to getting a testing job. One is to gain a technical degree in a field such as computer science, get experience as a programmer within a software house and then move across into a quality assurance role. The other is to work your way up within a business and look out for an opportunity to help test some of its IT projects.
Take note, however, that to move upwards and onwards employers now expect to see an ISEB Foundation Certificate in Software Testing on candidates� CVs before they will even consider offering an interview.
The rates of pay in testing jobs are not much different to those in, say, a developing role (see our Salary Checker), but it attracts professionals who like to break new developments and enjoy the buzz of liaising between business analysts on one side and technical people on the other.
It�s also a magnet for IT professionals who have a good attention to detail and who can identify a small problem before it develops into a big one.
Most start out as a test analyst and move up to become test manager. From there you can go sideways and become a business analyst or move into another area of IT.
Other roles are performance testing and automated testing. This more technical job involves setting up computers to automatically test new programmes, so it tends to carry an extra £10,000-£15,000 on top of your salary.
The great thing about testing - besides being in demand - is that it gives you your life back. Hours tend to be in line with most offices and the only time you might have to give up your weekend is before the launch of a new product � when adrenaline will carry you through.
Sectors
Banking and Finance jobs
Candidates are enticed by attractive salaries and bonus structures, as well as opportunities to work on huge multi-national projects. However bear in mind that with all the potential benefits often comes long hours and stress to meet crucial deadlines.
Some IT specialists will work in developing and programming financial software and applications, while others will work in website development and maintenance. Here commercial acumen, as well as technical knowledge is desired, as a company's online strategy can be critical to its overall success.
An IT specialist with business or marketing experience and qualifications, can diversify into managing and implementing aspects such as e-promotions, e-brochures and direct marketing solutions.
Even the various financial institutions are themselves consumers, purchasing the latest applications from financial software houses. These software houses employ specialists to regularly develop new programmes and applications, as well as liaising with clients and selling the product.
Whether it is for a high-street branch or a high-flying investment bank, IT systems are widely used and often maintaining an IT infrastructure for a financial institution comes with a broad remit of responsibility.
Public Sector jobs
Services such as the police, the NHS, schools and local government all require technical support, research and development and are keen to attract skilled people. While the salaries can sometimes be slightly lower than in private companies, public sector services can offer employee perks and one major draw - better job security. The police force is never going to go out of business and will always need technical support.
The proliferation of IT into every aspect of modern life has fueled a need for trained specialists in most sectors of employment, and the public sector represents a strong base for professionals to begin or develop their careers.
Telecoms jobs
Technicians are required to build and configure a variety of equipment, requiring strong knowledge of systems such as voice over internet protocols, interactive voice recognition and/or call centre technology. These systems are used for advertising or communicating, through means such as conference calling and instant messaging.
A commercially-minded, business brain can prove a strong asset in developing communication technologies. However, engineering and IT skills, ideally gained through a degree or HND, are the most important requirement to work in this sector. In turn experience can lead to more commercial opportunities or leading a team and managing a company's IT telecoms development
Roles
Business Analyst jobs
Business analysts have broad responsibilities that apply across the whole spectrum, although there are certain roles and responsibilities specific to each individual company.
They are responsible for testing, managing resources and persuading the business that a product is commercially viable, meaning that a business analyst is there at the stage where the item moves from development to manufacture and distribution.
Knowledge of a broad variety of IT systems, web development, research and testing are all crucial, as different projects require different skills.
A degree, ideally in a business discipline, is essential, while business analysts also need good communication skills, as they need to be outgoing and decisive in their consultations with clients.
Business analysts need to be able to state a case and influence the thinking of both clients and their own senior management. In order to do this they will need to utilise their knowledge of the company's corporate business strategy.
The role suits someone who is focused on goals and reaching targets, as well as being dynamic, technically gifted and ambitious.
Contract jobs
Contractors sell their time and their skills instead of the product of their company. This requires not only the ability to sell yourself well, but it demands expert knowledge in a certain field, ideally gained through academic and industry-recognised qualifications and accumulated experience.
Companies can be drawn to contractors since they are more flexible, well-qualified, easier to hire and fire and have specialist skills that can fill a niche in an existing team. While there is the risk of not being in demand and being without work, it places the contractor in full charge of their own affairs, with the ultimate perk of being able to take time off whenever they want. A contractor is also able to diversify into other fields, while carrying on with their main role. Networking helps them to make more contacts in the profession, opening up a wide variety of future opportunities.
Developer jobs
Developers are primarily engaged in writing programmes and designing codes for operating systems to improve their efficiency, allowing them to call on their technical expertise to solve problems and create solutions.
Although developers may be working to specifications or a basic guideline set out by their employer, the onus on their technical knowledge means that their creativity and ability will be paramount to the overall project. All-round skills, such as knowledge of development technologies including Microsoft, Java, C# and .Net will be essential, while qualifications such as a technical or computing degree are also often required to get a foot in the door.
Once the project is completed, developers may be called upon to provide training for future users or clients, with some even writing the book on the new software. In another measure of how vital the developer's knowledge can be, they may need to make recommendations on its future use or developments to the system, while they will review its effectiveness to see if it has achieved the desired aim.
Graduate jobs
Different firms may use their own internal applications, software, networks and intranets, meaning that skilled expertise is required to create, run and maintain what are key systems for many businesses.
Graduates will either work directly in the IT industry itself or provide technical assistance and support for other sectors, such as managing their technical infrastructure, programming a firm�s software and developing websites. Skilled graduates are likely to be hired initially in roles such as a software engineer, computer programmer or systems analyst. These roles offer opportunities to gather a broad range of skills and experience in different systems and applications.
Although many IT companies will talk about a skills shortage, this can work to the advantage of skilled graduates who are snapped up into lucrative and rewarding careers. Many IT companies have voiced their concerns about a skills shortage in Britain, prompting some to offer increasingly attractive benefits packages and starting salaries, in order to tempt the best and the most talented skilled graduates into the sector.
IT Support jobs
As well as responding to problems, technicians must be familiar enough with the variety of systems to identify any potential issues before resolving them efficiently.
While technical skills and versatility are the main requirement, good communication skills are also essential, as support technicians will be regularly working with a wide variety of people.
This could include customers, clients or colleagues from different departments of the company the technician is already working for.
And when they are not on site, IT support staff will be expected to remain on hand to provide technical assistance, possibly on a helpdesk or through email.
Although a computing related degree would be advantageous in some support jobs, it is not necessarily a graduate only position. IT support positions can be used as a valuable means of gaining professional experience with different applications and hardware.
IT support offers a wide range of challenges that require those in the role to be professional, methodical, diligent and versatile.
Project Manager jobs
Project managers are in charge of the planning and execution of a project, balancing technical skills with more general requirements, such as administration and team leadership. The role offers the opportunity to manage the delivery of IT projects independently, as well as the chance to deal with customers and suppliers in a senior role.
Project managers use specialist software to organise their tasks and members of the team, which enables them to produce relevant data and reports at the touch of a button. Other office skills, including record-keeping and budget management, also fall under the purview of the project manager.
Experience in similar roles, such as a project coordinator or support analyst, is vital, as is a good bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline, such as business or IT.
Besides academic qualifications, the IT industry has moved heavily towards establishing its own professional standards and certifications, in order to help people develop skills that any manager would find useful, such as team building and people management.
Gaining a recognised qualification is an ideal way to enhance a career and shows employers that the candidate has a well-rounded set of necessary business skills.
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