Studying a degree in IT and Computing can lead to many different career opportunities, but what are the most popular? We take a look at the ten most popular graduate jobs in the computing and information technology sector.
Also known as a software developer, this role normally includes designing and programming system-level software such as operating systems and database systems. A keen eye for detail is a must, as well as being a great team player. Larger pieces of software are created by a team of software developers, often working in partnership with hardware engineers too, so an understanding of how the two interact with each other is vital.
A relatively new industry, but one that is taking off quickly, being a game developer is fast becoming the dream job for many IT and computing undergraduates. It’s a fiercely competitive industry though, and your previous work and experience count a lot. Careers in game design and development typically require a good degree, but postgraduate experience is always seen as a bonus. The UK is currently at the forefront of the gaming design revolution, so studying in the UK could be beneficial too.
Often referred to as solutions specialists, systems analysts investigate and analyse problems in businesses and then design technology systems that provide a workable solution. Normally, these problems are presented by the business and can vary from creating a solution to a stock control issue at a warehouse, to developing an internal database system.
Network engineering is a technically demanding job, involving setting up and maintaining a variety of types of network. You’ll need to know more than the difference between a WAN and a LAN, and will often be the first port of call if things go wrong. Jobs often crop up at the larger corporations, which have a vast amount of networks and wires that need maintaining and administering. Network engineers are often also in charge of security and data storage on the networks.
This role requires much more than just inputting data, for many businesses this is a key role – and the salaries often reflect this. Working with database management systems that you may have developed yourself, your role as a database administrator would involve identifying the needs of a business, maintaining the database system, implementing any new features, and troubleshooting issues as they arise.
Web development is often used as the overarching term used to describe any role that focuses on websites, although web design, development and marketing all require very different skills. This role exists within larger organisations and is becoming an increasingly popular role for graduates.
Becoming the next Mark Zuckerberg isn’t as easy it looks in the film The Social Network. The idea of an internet entrepreneur sounds exciting and enticing for many, but it takes a lot of hard work and passion. Effectively working for yourself, the first few days/months/years will be tough and could end with failure. However, with a good enough idea, a great amount of talent and some clever marketing tactics, you too could be appearing on the Forbes Rich List in a few years time.
Project management roles are ideally suited to IT and computing graduates with a strong technical understanding, but an even greater social understanding. The role involves managing resources; time, people and money, of any given project and as such, it’s often a more difficult role for a graduate to secure. Many project managers have years of experience within the relevant fields, but that’s not to say a graduate wouldn’t be able to secure a ‘small-projects’ management role.
A role that only the top graduates need apply for, computer and information research scientists invent and design new technology. Normally a role for PhD graduates, this position is a highly respectable and very sought after position. If you’ve ever wanted to create a new iPod, rethink how a laptop works or just redesign the television, this is a role for you.
Finishing off our list of the ten most popular graduate jobs in the computing and information technology sector is the trusty hardware engineer. Responsible for creating new products, developing existing systems and rethinking the way in which we think about technology, a hardware engineers job is anything but dull. Although many hardware engineers find themselves working on specific components such as the chips and circuit boards inside modern technology, the effects their work has on finished products makes it a very rewarding role.
These are ten of the most popular graduate jobs in the computing and information technology industry. By studying a computing and IT degree abroad, you could find yourself in one of these positions sooner than you might think.
Is your dream graduate role listed here? If not, let us know what it is in the comments!
