Jobs for information technology graduates
A first year student asked: “What kinds of job Computer Science graduates can get in the technology industry besides being programmers and testers? People tell me that I will have to sit in front of the computer writing or testing code all day. Is it true? Please advice.
Answer: It is incorrect; these people do not know what they are talking about. There are many positions that graduates in Information Technology (Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Information System Management) can get and most of them pay very well. Most information technology jobs requires technical skills AND soft-skills (Teamwork, communication, presentation, listening, leadership etc.) Because they often work in teams, they spend a lot of time in team discussions, design, debug, research, and meeting with customers, users and managers. On the average, they spend about 20% to 35% working on computer. Some positions require travel to meet customers, users. Following are few popular entry-level positions for graduates with a Bachelor’s degree:
- Programmer: Programmers must have a strong knowledge of computer languages such as C++, Java, and JavaScript. Many programmers begin their careers as testers when they start to work in a company. After few months or a year many move to programmer position. They work in project alongside systems analysts, software engineers or web developers to create programs or video games.
- Web applications developer: This job requires strong artistic skills in combination with programming skills. Web Developers use complex languages and scripts to create websites. Currently, many jobs are focusing on building websites for mobile so knowledge of mobile platforms such as IOS, Android, or Window 8 is preferred. After few years, many Web Developers move up to Web designer to create the aesthetically pleasing website.
- Software engineer: These people need special training to build quality and complex software products. They often work from the beginning to the end of product development project. Some work closely with customers and users to get requirements, architect and design the product and implement those using programming languages like Java, C++. They are also responsible for extensive testing and maintenance, support of throughout the life of the product.
- Systems analyst: Most Systems analysts are experienced Software engineer who specialized in working with customers and users to identify problems in software products and make sure every technical problem gets solved. Some analyst jobs also require knowledge of both business as well as technical and have various responsibilities within each.
- Network analysts: These people are responsible for overseeing all network operations and use their knowledge of computers to fix technical problems and errors. Business systems analysts decide what software and system is best for their organization and must have profound understand of those programs.
- Database administrators: These people collect and organize data such as client or financial information into databases. They have to make sure the data are secure, accessible and consistent between all systems. After few years, some will move up to database architect to design database for special purpose or Business intelligent to analyze data and create reports for managers and executives.
- Data modelers/Data analysts: Many modeler or analyst is experienced database administrator who specialized in using mathematics and statistics to model data for improving the transfer of data between systems or predicts system performance then optimizes them.
- Information auditors: Information technology auditors investigate computer systems and collect info about accounting and controls to make sure companies follows all government’s laws and company practices. Information auditor work with systems administrators to ensure that networks are running efficiently and safely. IT auditors are also responsible for consolidating all resources within a system so it operates at the highest performance possible.
- Security specialists/administrators: These people install and oversee server activity to make sure everything is running smoothly and securely. They manage and keep the network connection running well and safely. Security specialists are important position for all major companies, which typically require special knowledge to deal with hackers, virus, and cyber attacks. They must have a good sense of judgment when it comes to system access capabilities and privileges.
Sources
- Blogs of Prof. John Vu, Carnegie Mellon University
