I want to work in Computing

Find out how you can start a career in computing. Here we list potential job roles and some of the leading companies in that sector.

Introduction

Key skills

A survey of major IT companies - What skills are you seeking from the graduates you recruit into IT?

  1. Communication - oral and written 
  2. Technical aptitude
  3. Career motivation
  4. Analytical skills
  5. Business Awareness
  6. Numeracy
  7. Technical knowledge
  8. Team-working
  9. Problem solving
  10. Leadership

Note that technical aptitude comes before technical knowledge - for example, it's more important to be able to learn a new language quickly than to know a particular language. Also that communication skills come top of the list.

Business awareness is also very important: before interviews research how IT is benefiting the organisation, or could be of benefit in terms of cost savings, efficiency, improving market share etc. via e-commerce, the internet etc. Doing this will almost certainly make a very positive impression.

I.T. Performance Review - Major Companies Manufacturer

Below are the factors that were considered by a computing employer in their annual staff appraisal

  • Technical knowledge. Quick Learner
  • Planning. Establishing priorities and scheduling time. Well organised.
  • Productivity. Professionalism has been defined as "completing projects on time".
  • Quality of work. "On schedule, under budget, works first time!"
  • Self Development. Teaching yourself new skills
  • Communication (oral and written). Presentation skills, Clear, concise and up-to-date documentation.
  • Teamwork
  • Problem Solving and Judgement. Coming up with effective solutions
  • Innovation and Change. Receptivity to new ideas. "Flexible designs that can withstand last minute changes"
  • Administration. Documentation: "Much of software development involves writing things down and looking them up again"
  • Reliability and Punctuality. Can be counted on to work extra hours when necessary

Job roles

Programmer, Software Engineer

  • Applications Programmer: Writes and modifies programs to perform specific tasks (applications) for a variety of technical, commercial and business users. Programs may be tailored to users needs or written as packages which users buy 'off the shelf'. 
  • Systems Programmer: Provides the computer operating systems and standard software services essential to the operation of any computer. Systems programmers are concerned with the interface between the computer and the software used by it, applications programmers with the interface between the software and the user. 
  • Software Engineer: A programmer usually working on large complex pieces of software who uses software "tools" and a systematic approach to produce software which is well documented and modular in structure so that it can be easily updated.

Profile: Applications Programmer

  • INVOLVES: Writing programs to perform applications. Takes a program specification & writing the program using a computer programming language. Tests & 'debugs' the program (removes errors). Writing documentation. Updating existing software. 
  • EMPLOYERS: computer consultancies, computer users, software houses 
  • RELATED JOBS: systems programmer, software engineer, programmer/analyst, systems designer, multimedia designer, IT.consultant. 
  • SATISFACTIONS: Producing a finished product that you have created. The intellectual stimulation of solving difficult technical & logical problems. Informal working environment.
  • NEGATIVES: Lot of time spent at the computer screen. Not a people orientated job although likely to work in a team. Constantly need to keep up-to-date with new developments in field. 
  • SKILLS: Team-working, analysing, investigating. attention to detail. Discovering new facts or concepts. Problem solving. Logical reasoning. Creativity. Good technical knowledge. Ability to work to deadlines. Determination. 
  • ADVANCEMENT: Can stay in the technical side, move to software engineer or move into more management related roles such as systems analyst & database administration.
  • DEGREE: Computer Science/I.T. Graduates in other subjects (especially science/engineering mathematics related) may enter directly but more usually do a postgraduate computing conversion course (see below). 
  • POSTGRADUATE STUDY: MSc Computing (Conversion) for graduates without a computing degree - these usually take any degree subject & are available at many universities.
  • TIPS: Graduates without a computing degree should do a postgraduate conversion course in computing as mentioned above. Jobs are readily available to those completing these courses


Systems Analyst, Consultant

  • Systems Analyst. Investigates business, commercial, industrial and technical data processing problems; analyses information and designs and introduces systems to meet requirements or modifies existing systems for changing needs. 
  • Business Analyst. A systems analyst working on business systems, usually concentrating more on the analyses rather than the technical aspects of systems design. Investigates business and industrial and computing problems; designs and introduces computer systems to meet requirements or modifies existing systems.

Profile: Computer Systems Analyst 

  • INVOLVES: Deciding the specifications for new computer systems. investigating computer problems. Analysing information. Designing & implementing computer systems to meet the requirements of users. Specifying equipment & staffing requirements. Modifying existing systems. Testing & evaluating systems. Liaising with programmers.
  • EMPLOYERS: computer consultancies, computer users, software houses
  • RELATED JOBS: applications programmers, software engineer, programmer/analyst, systems designer, database administrator, operational researcher, IT consultant, multimedia designer.
  • SATISFACTIONS: Producing a finished product that you have created. The intellectual stimulation of solving difficult technical & logical problems. The varied nature of project-based work.
  • NEGATIVES: Need to keep constantly up to date with new developments. Sometimes unreasonable expectations of clients.
  • SKILLS: analysing, cooperating, investigating, listening, written communication, creative problem solving, numeracy, organising, business awareness, persuasiveness, client-handling skills.
  • ADVANCEMENT: To project leader, computer manager, computer consultant & other roles. Easy to change job & a good platform for progression to IT management roles.
  • DEGREE: Computer Science/I.T. Graduates in other subjects (especially science/engineering mathematics related) may enter directly but more usually do a postgraduate computing conversion course (see below). 
  • POSTGRADUATE STUDY: MSc Computing (Conversion) for graduates without a computing degree - these usually take any degree subject & are available at many universities.
  • TIPS: Graduates without a computing degree should do a postgraduate conversion course in computing as mentioned above. Jobs are readily available to those completing these courses.

Computer Sales Support

Works for computer manufacturers in conjunction with sales representatives, giving technical advice and guidance to customers on all aspects of preparing for and using computer systems. 

Profile: Computer Sales Support

  • INVOLVES: Backing up computer sales staff with technical information & support. Demonstrating & presenting products to customers. Making sure that the product meets the customers requirements. Writing sales literature. Writing tenders & proposals. Working out future areas for sales growth.
  • EMPLOYERS: Computer manufacturers, computer peripheral manufacturers & suppliers.
  • RELATED JOBS: systems analyst, IT consultant, technical sales & marketing, medical sales representative
  • SATISFACTIONS: The blend of people contact & working at the forefront of IT. Working in a fast changing environment. Varied work.
  • NEGATIVES: Quite a lot of pressure. Frequent deadlines to meet.
  • SKILLS: spoken communication, written communication, persuasiveness, planning & organising, listening, business awareness, customer handling.
  • ADVANCEMENT: To sales & marketing jobs, IT consultancy or training roles.
  • DEGREE: Any degree subject, but those with a business or computing content may be preferred.
  • POSTGRADUATE STUDY: None needed but a postgraduate conversion course in computing or business studies course may prove helpful.
  • TIPS: Apply to computer manufacturers & computer peripheral manufacturers e.g. printer manufacturers. Quite competitive to enter. Need to make speculative applications using a CV.


Database Analyst/Designer

Responsible for the design and implementation of computer databases, making sure they are right for the job.

Profile: Database Administrator

Responsible for the maintenance, development & updating of computer databases. Solving the problems of users. Ensuring the information in the database is regularly updated. Helping with the development of new databases as required. Dealing with security & back up issues.

  • EMPLOYERS: All types of computer user companies.
  • RELATED JOBS: information scientist, systems analyst, IT consultant
  • SATISFACTIONS: The intellectual stimulation of solving technical & organisational problems. Advising & liaising with others. Informal working environment.
  • NEGATIVES: Some work can be routine & requires attention to detail. Lack of formal promotion routes from this job. Some evening & weekend work may be necessary to work on databases when no users are connected.
  • SKILLS: analysing, cooperating, planning & organising, problem solving, logical thinking.
  • ADVANCEMENT: There are no formal promotion routes but progression to computer manager & other management roles in I.T. may be possible.
  • DEGREES: Computer Science/I.T. Graduates in other subjects (especially science/engineering mathematics related) may enter directly but more usually do a postgraduate computing conversion course (see below). 
  • POSTGRADUATE STUDY: MSc Computing (Conversion) for graduates without a computing degree - these usually take any degree subject & are available at many universities - grants are sometimes available.
  • TIPS: You may need to do a programmer aptitude test. Entrants may start as a programmer or trainee analyst before moving into database admin. Try to gain experience with databases e.g. by doing a project utilising these.

Computer Helpdesk/User Support

  • INVOLVES: investigating computer problems brought to you by computer users. Helping users with their computer problems by phone, email or in person. Explaining solutions to non-technical users in a clear jargon-free manner. Maintaining written or electronic help files on common problems.
  • 4 Large computer users e.g. universities, software houses, computer manufacturers, peripherals (e.g. printer) manufacturers.
  • RELATED JOBS: applications programmer, systems analyst, IT trainer
  • SATISFACTIONS: The intellectual stimulation of solving problems. Helping users. The variety of problems faced.
  • NEGATIVES: Need to keep constantly up to date with new developments. To some extent you have to be a 'Jack of all trades'. Some users can be unreasonable in their demands.
  • SKILLS: analysing, cooperating, investigating, listening, problem solving.
  • ADVANCEMENT: This can sometimes be a first IT post & a stepping stone to help-desk manager or other IT roles.
  • DEGREE: Computer Science/I.T. Graduates in other subjects (especially science/engineering mathematics related) may enter directly but more usually do a postgraduate computing conversion course (see below). 
  • POSTGRADUATE STUDY: MSc Computing (Conversion) for graduates without a computing degree - these usually take any degree subject & are available at many universities - grants are sometimes available.
  • TIPS: Graduates without a computing degree should do a postgraduate conversion course in computing as mentioned above. Jobs are readily available to those completing these courses.

Network Administrator

Installs, maintains & develops computer networks. Resolves network faults. Sets up accounts of users. Monitors network traffic. Dealing with security issues.

  • EMPLOYERS: Most large companies.
  • RELATED JOBS: software engineer, systems analyst, database administrator.
  • SATISFACTIONS: Stimulation of solving technical & organisational problems. Advising & liaising with others. Informal work environment.
  • NEGATIVES: Can be pressure to sort things out quickly if network fails. Some evening/weekend work may be needed when few users are connected.
  • SKILLS: analysing, cooperating, planning & organising, problem solving, logical thinking.
  • DEGREES: computing, electronics. Graduates in other subjects usually do a 1 year postgraduate computing conversion course which take any degree subject.
  • TIPS: Gain experience e.g. by doing a network-related project on your course. May start in a user support role."

Analyst/Programmer

Investigates and analyses a client's needs. Designs, tests and implements a system to meet these needs. Writes new or modifies existing software to run the system. Determines requirements for data processing systems by examining existing procedures. Prepares a feasibility study and cost estimate. Specifies equipment, software and staff requirements. Writes new or adapts existing programmes as necessary. Implements the system through training and testing, writes documentation. Provides support once the system is installed.

Systems Designer

Takes the specification of the requirements of a system from the analyst and designs the system including hardware, software, communications, installation, testing and maintenance. Consults with clients' staff to gather information, identifies the stages, activities and skills involved. Investigates possible solutions, plans and designs system. Makes sure system will do the job, is reliable and secure, and speed and recovery rate are appropriate. Produces documentation. On small systems one person may be responsible for analysis and design.

Other roles

Systems Engineer

Analyses and designs computer systems including the identification, development and support of systems solutions.

Computer Manager/Data Processing Manager

Responsible for the supply of computer facilities to a range of clients and/or colleagues. Carries overall responsibility for hardware, software and staff necessary to achieve this aim within budget limits.

Forensic Computing/Computer Security

Computing Researcher

Carries out systematic investigation and evaluation of new ideas, theories, materials and processes by application of theoretical knowledge and experimental techniques. Skills required include investigating, exceptional analytical ability shown by high academic achievement, creative problem-solving and communication skills.

Technical Author

Produces manuals which communicate technical information - e.g. computer software manuals. Skills required include investigating, written communication, languages/IT skills, ability to understand the design and use of systems and sensitivity to customers' needs. 

Patent Work

Patent Examiners are responsible for ensuring that applications for patents are within the requirements of the Patents Act and don't infringe the rights of inventors. Patent Agents act as agents for the purposes of obtaining patents world-wide. Skills required include investigating, written communication, analysing and language skills. 


Companies

IT training 

Other online courses

Learn to code

Microsoft 


Who employs computing graduates?

Systems House/Consultancies

They recruit IT consultants, systems analysts, systems designers, project managers and sales staff.

  • Major recruiters of new graduates.
  • Lots of client contact so interpersonal and business skills important.
  • Project based work - move to a new project every few months so constantly learning new skills, but can be a bit unsettling.
  • Focus on "whole solutions" rather than just consultancy.
  • Often international so opportunities to work abroad.

More than 1/4 of tech jobs advertised outside London

Different types of IT Consultancy

Accountancy Roots e.g. Accenture, KPMG

  • Higher salaries but work harder.
  • Have often grown out of accountancy firms. 
  • Project work, based in small or large teams - you generally start out programming but normally move into analysis and project management.
  • More consultancy orientated.

Software Houses e.g. Logica 

  • More concerned with design and implementation of new systems and provide a wider range of services.
  • More relaxed and informal but still very professional.
  • Typically Finance, Energy, Retail and Defence Divisions
  • Logica - whole solutions not just consultancy.

Outsourcing e.g. Accenture, IBM

  • Facilities Management - Taking over a customers DP dept. and running it for them. e.g. Inland
    Revenue, Benefits Agency, General Motors
  • You work in the other organisation's offices as one of their employees, but are paid by the outsourcing company!
  • Growing rapidly: worth £1,000 M annually
  • Economies of scale and savings of 15%: but difficult for a company to change back!
  • Spend most of your time on client's sites, moving from one client to another. So need good interpersonal skills

Systems Integration e.g. Logica

  • Growth area. Combining hardware and software from different manufacturers in such a way that users get the ideal system for their specific business purposes. e.g. combining ICL computers with Lotus notes.
  • SEMA stress foreign language skills for some jobs

Hardware Manufacturers

e.g. IBM, ICL, VIGLEN, HEWLETT PACKARD

  • Recruit technical sales and marketing staff, research and design engineers.
  • Some are USA/Japan based so sales and after-sales only in UK
  • Characterised by constant change, new and innovative product development, aggressive sales approach, competitive, entrepreneurial.
  • Expect high work rate and commitment but offer excellent working conditions, salaries and career development

Telecommunications and Electronics Companies

Recruit network engineers, software engineers, systems engineers e.g. BT, Siemens, AT&T, Vodaphone, Thales, BAE Systems, Philips, Nortel, Cisco.

Often R&D based.

Government Organisations

e.g. GCHQ, Qintiq

  • Often end users and developers at the same time therefore jobs in technical specialisms to customer services.
  • Opportunities in state of the art research and development (e.g. neural networks, A.I., simulator development) but can sometimes be bureaucratic and monolithic

New Media, Multimedia, Web Design, games Companies and Dot.coms

Users - All Other Organisations

Require systems managers, database managers, applications programmers, analysts and user support staff. e.g.

  • Application and running of IT systems.
  • Banks - Standard Chartered Bank - high salaries
  • Retailers - Sainsbury, Tesco, John Lewis
  • Energy industry - oil companies/electricity companies

Education

Freelance Contractors 

  • 40,000 freelance IT staff in UK
  • Most work as own limited company (they are the MD!) - Inland Revenue prefer this and can't be sued!
  • Most contractors work via an agency - 200 of these. IT departments don’t want to be bombarded with CVs
  • Salaries £50k + (£60k in The City), but tax laws have recently changed, making contracting less rewarding.
  • Need 2-3 years experience first - contracts offered will be determined by previous career history
  • Can join contractors organisation e.g. “Independent Computer Contractors Specialist Group” of the BCS.

But:

  • Pay your own pension
  • No sick or holiday pay.
  • Can be fired at short notice, therefore pressure to perform well when you begin a new contract.
  • No pay between contracts some of which may be short - 2 months to 10 years long!
  • No training to update skills.
  • Have to go wherever the work is.
  • First to be sacked in a recession!

The following organisations may follow placements:

Check their web sites from the Autumn term onwards as closing dates are often early.

Useful Information Sources and General IT Links

IT and Electronics Employers

IT Recruitment Agencies

  • TAG offices in Bromley, and Canterbury shortly. Recruit for a number of East Kent businesses. Authorised Job Centre Plus agent offering advice and assistance in finding new employment to unemployed IT and technical professionals.
  • CW Jobs specialise in IT related positions. Currently have over 1200 graduate jobs and programmes from companies such as Deloitte, CapGemini, Microsoft and Google.
  • Gradcracker careers for graduate engineers.
  • Cititec IT Recruitment financial IT recruitment for investment banks
  • Dayjob IT jobs board, advertising the latest IT jobs and SAP jobs for the UK and abroad. Includes graduate vacancies
  • DEVIT jobs -  IT jobs board
  • IC-Resources Microelectronics recruitment - independent design houses and pre IPO start ups to major blue chip semiconductor companies throughout the UK, as well as mainland Europe & USA. Job opportunities in ASIC Design ( VHDL, Verilog ), Analog/Mixed-Signal/RF IC Design, CAD/EDA , ASIC Design Management, IC Layout, Product Engineering, Applications Engineering, Semiconductor Sales , Marketing & Account Management.
  • Wireless Mobile -  specialist telecoms jobs board, operating in mobile telecoms and wireless computing.
  • Technojobs specialist technical IT job site: graduate jobs, jobs in Kent and across the UK permanent and contracting.
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