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Computer and Information Technology
Information technology affects most of us either at school, home or work. There are so many uses for microchips and computers that it is almost impossible to imagine a world without them. Digital television, calculators, fridges, car engines, microwaves, video games, CDs, mobile phones are just a few items that need technology to work.
The computer industry is one of the fastest growing areas of the economy. Because of this there are many careers that involve computers and use information technology. With a lot of hard work there is the potential to earn high salaries.
Web Designer
Web designers use their computing skills and knowledge combined with their artistic talent to create visual appealing and user friendly web pages. The web designer is therefore responsible for the 'front-end' of a website, in other words, the areas that you can see on the screen.
To be come a web designer you need to be able to talk to your clients and fully understand their requirements, (for example, who will be looking at their site? How would they like their site to look and what do they want their users to be able to do on the site? etc.) and then have the computer skills to be able to write the web page. It is necessary to be able to use a variety of computer software and understand computer codes, such as HTML and Javascript. Opportunities exist in 'e-commerce' (e.g. online shopping), film, TV, publishing, libraries, schools, museums and company and personal web sites.
Usually web designers will gain customers by showing a portfolio of web pages. The best way to develop the right skills and gain experience is to get a degree or HND/HNC in a computing subject. It can therefore take a couple of years to qualify as a web designer. Once you have the right qualifications there are a world of opportunities available for designers including: eCommerce (e.g. online shopping), TV, film, publishing, schools as well as company and personal web sites.
Salary range: from £17,500 to £40,000 or more.
Want to know more?
- www.e-skills.com/itcompass - e-skills UK provides careers advice, hints and tips for anyone looking for a career in IT, Telecoms or Contact Centres.
- www.bcs.org.uk - The British Computer Society exists to provide service and support to the those working in computers and information systems.
Systems Analysts
Systems analysts are IT specialists who study businesses and solve problems by designing and using computer systems. A business will recognise a problem and call in a systems analyst to see if they can solve it. The analyst will begin by investigating the existing computer system, to see if it needs to be modified or updated, or whether a new system is needed. They will then supervise the installation and testing of the system. If necessary they will also write a manual for the new system and help to train the client's staff in its use.
A systems analyst will often have a degree in IT, as well as a good back ground in business and excellent mathematical skills. It can take a minimum of three years to gain an IT degree, but to become a systems analyst you will also need to gain professional experience, which can take a few more years.
Salary range: £25,000 to £50,000.
Want to know more?
- www.bcs.org.uk - The British Computer Society exists to provide service and support to the those working in computers and information systems.
- www.imis.org.uk - The Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS) support and focus on roles that practically apply and manage information systems within our society.
Other jobs that use computer skills:
- Computer animators
- Computer engineer
- Computer network manager
- Computer programmer
- Database operators
- Software designer