Computing and IT
There's never been a more exciting time to begin a career in Information Technology (IT). With new emerging and ever changing technologies Information Technology is a fast-moving industry with much opportunity for growth.
There are currently 1.52 million people employed in the IT and telecommunications industry, which amounts to approximately 860,000 in the industry itself and an additional 663,000 working in IT in other IT industries.
There are over 150,000 businesses in the industry, 87% of which are IT-related and the industry contributes to 8.4% of the UK economy (£71billion)
IT professionals can be found in almost every industry. It is one of the most diverse industries and one that affects our everyday lives from the mobile phone in our pocket to the computer on our desktop, through to the complex information technology systems used in things like hospitals and government.
Some organisations look after their IT needs in-house while others employ specialist IT service providers to perform some or all of their IT functions. Almost any role can be outsourced in this way, for instance a market research company may develop their own specialist software to track results or it may commission a software development firm to do so.
When you start out in IT, you're likely to be in a development or service provision role. As you become more experienced you may consider more strategic, management or IT consulting positions.
Large and small companies regularly recruit within the Computing and IT industry, including
IBM, Microsoft, Customer Systems and JustIT.
BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, is the leading industry body for IT. With over 70,000 members in the UK and internationally, the Institute promotes wider social and economic progress through the advancement of information technology science and practice.
Graduate IT salaries can depend on various factors including the position you undertake, which region you work in, the company you work for and any bonus structure available.
Starting salary: £19,000 - £25,000
An IT or computer science degree is not essential to work in this sector. Employers will often take on non-IT graduates if they show strong aptitude and potential. Evidence of skills in science, economics or mathematics can be an advantage. There are also many IT courses available that can also guarantee employment within the IT industry.
IT is a young discipline and has not really developed a single recognised career route in the way that, for example, medicine and law have. The Chartered Institute for IT is working with businesses and organisations that employ IT professionals, to promote the highest standards for organisational professionalism and increase the value and respect for the IT profession.
In such a fast-moving and dynamic industry to succeed it is important to be well motivated and interested in constantly developing your own skills.
Good communication skills are essential and employers are interested in well-rounded candidates with a good understanding of IT technologies. Surveys have shown that employers are as concerned with work experience and extra-curricular activities as with degree content so make sure you have a good spread of interests.
The huge scope of work in IT means you'll find a role to suit most skills; for example network design and maintenance relies heavily on maths and physics skills; logical thinking is essential for programmers and system design; web design and general layout work requires strengths in art and design.
