Breaking Into The It Industry

Breaking into the IT Industry

Why would I want to work in IT? In 1975 a new personal computer called the Altair 8800 entered the consumer market. Most people dismissed it at the time as little more than a nonsense idea that would never catch on, but not a certain 19-year old maths wizard and Harvard drop-out. Bill Gates, along with a small group of fellow amateur computer programmers, saw a world of endless technological opportunity and together they worked tirelessly to exploit the Altair’s potential, setting up a small company of their own which would soon become Microsoft. Today, the initiative and enthusiasm of these early innovators has sparked the rapid growth of an Information Technology industry that has become arguably the most significant driver for the modern global economy. It's estimated that the IT sector generates more than over half of the UK's total economic output and is responsible for around 5% of all jobs in the UK - around 1.5 million employees. With over 20 million British workers using some form of IT every day as part of their job, it comes as no surprise that the IT sector is one of the fastest growing and most in-demand industries in the UK with more than 150,000 new entrants needed each year to satisfy demand.

www.monster.co.uk From retail to sport and music to banking, IT is a vital component of everyday life with opportunities existing across the industrial spectrum and at every level. Just some of the specialist areas include: • • • • • •

coding and programming refining and improving functionality providing communication and network support diagnosing and resolving faults developing and implementing software solutions designing and maintaining websites

Regardless of what area you work in, IT offers everyday challenges, variety of work, and often a relaxed working environment. With such high demand for IT skills and a shortage of suitably qualified and experienced personnel, salary levels continue to remain higher than the UK average, rising at around eight times the national rate each year. New entrants into the IT sector are lured by an industry that provides a good work-life balance. Most roles are performed during normal working hours with little work to take home, however, the cyclical nature of the industry often requires longer hours when project deadline day approaches. As the growth of e-commerce, mobile telecommunications, networking, and security continues, demand for IT professionals at all levels and across all industry sectors will ensure that the outlook for new entrants remains a positive one.

How much can you earn in the IT sector? Salary by Gender

Salary by Company Size

Salary by Experience

Salary by Location

Salary by Job Role

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Breaking into the IT Industry

What are the common IT career paths? Due to the variety of jobs that are available within the IT sector, there is no single point of entry like you would find with most other professions. Even if you don’t have an IT background this doesn't necessarily hinder your chances of starting a new career as most employers look for more rounded individuals with more transferable skills. There are a number of full-time and part-time courses available to you that you can study at a university or via distance learning. It is best to look for those that are recognised by the British Computer Society (BCS) – the body that regulates the UK IT industry. The most common route of entry into the IT sector is via the Trainee Software Development or Analyst Programmer avenue. Trainee Developers and Analysts can also referred to as Web Designers, Database Analysts or Technical Support – the role is often very similar, but different sectors will choose a title that reflects their specific field of expertise. From here your career would typically progress into a Senior Developer or Programmer role before advancing up the career ladder as a Systems Analyst, Project Manager or Consultant.

Further Reading - How can I choose the right company? - What are my transferrable skills? - Should I work part-time, temporary or permanent?

www.monster.co.uk Obviously, not all positions are centred around the programming route. Some of the most popular and sought after roles in IT are within graphic design which allow more creative individuals to flourish. On the less technical side, areas such as IT sales and marketing are more business-orientated and place less emphasis on specialist know-how and more on commercial acumen. Provided you are prepared to undergo continuous professional and personal development, maintain your thirst for industry knowledge and keep abreast of technological developments, IT offers opportunities to take your career in almost any direction It’s not just your knowledge and skills that will help your career to develop, your personal attributes will be a great asset too. The importance of interpersonal communication, business insight, leadership skills, and an understanding of how IT is integral to the strategic decisions, profitability and overall functionality of an organisation cannot be underestimated. All types of organisations hire IT professionals, from small scale oneman business looking to hire the services of an IT consultant to a large scale multinational organisation with an IT department of over 200 staff. It is up to you to decide which environment is right for you.

Job Searches Database Development IT Consulting Network Administration Software Implementation Web Development

Desktop Support IT Project Management Network Security System Architecture Web Design

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Breaking into the IT Industry

Where can I find out about IT employers? If you're embarking on a fledgling IT career, it's important to get an understanding of what it’s really like to work in the sector. You will want make an informed decision as to the type of work you want to do and the type of organisation we want to do it with. If you already have an IT qualification you are already at an advantage as you will have a network of contacts who have experience within the industry. Think about your course tutors, most of whom will have spent a number of years working within the sector, as well as any companies where you worked in placement schemes. They will have sampled your work and will be able to help you identify your core skills and open doors with their contact network to help find you a job. If you're entering the IT sector without a related degree, you may need to work a little harder at obtaining information. Ask your friends if they have any contacts who work within the field and ask if they can introduce you so that you can ask them questions about how they started, what advice they can offer, and what their experiences have been in their IT career to date.

Follow us on Twitter Stay up to date with the latest news from the IT and Technology sector by following @ITandTechUK on Twitter.

www.monster.co.uk Research the types of companies that you would like to work for to gain an understanding of what opportunities may exist and what different companies expect of their staff. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone or email the IT manager of an organisation to ask if they would be able to spare some time giving you an insight into what it is like to work in a variety of different roles. Industry conferences give you a great opportunity to meet hundreds of useful contacts all in one day and all in one room, so use them wisely. Do your homework, network and find out as much as you can about your chosen field, what your typical working day will be like and what type of working environment will best suit your personality. Fortunately, the IT industry is awash with magazines and websites all offering a mixture of news and opinion. As well as using these to find out about the latest trends and developments affecting the sector, you will also be able to get inside information about the main employers to help with your job search..

Key Industry Associations - British Computer Society (BCS) - British Interactive Media Association (BIMA) - Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS) - Institute of IT Training (IITT) - Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators (ISTC) - Institution of Analysts and Programmers (IAP) - International Games Developers Association (IGDA) - Society of Information Technology Management (SOCITM) - UK Web Design Association (UKWDA)

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Breaking into the IT Industry

What qualifications are important in IT? Despite common perception, a degree is not necessarily a pre-requisite to start your IT career. However, you need to be prepared to put in some work to develop new skills, knowledge and understanding of the processes involved in order to succeed. If you take the university route, there are plenty of degree courses across the UK that meet both broad and niche areas of interest, such as: • • • • •

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Computer Games Development Forensic Computing Business Information Technology Computing and Psychology

If you have chosen not to go for an IT specific course, most will have an element of IT built into their content and you can always opt to take additional IT-specific modules as part of your undergraduate course. Science, economics, statistics, mathematics and business related courses will naturally improve your job opportunities due to their emphasis on numeracy and problem solving – key attributes for all IT professionals.

Find IT Courses - UCAS - The Open University - Home Learning College

www.monster.co.uk Foundation degrees (FdSc) are vocational qualifications designed to provide a basic overview of what it is like to work within an industry. It's on a par with the more familiar Higher National Certificate (HNC), but below a fully fledged Bachelor degree. Both Foundation degrees and Higher National Diplomas (HND) enable you to work around your existing commitments and will provide you with the skills and knowledge you will need to break into the IT industry. Once you are up and running in your new career, you will need to take ownership of your continuing professional development in order to progress. Many choose one of the professional qualifications offered by the Information Systems Examinations Board (ISEB). These range from an ISEB Foundation Qualification right through to Chartered IT Professional (CITP) status, the hallmark of a true IT professional demonstrating that you practise the highest professional IT standards. If you have never worked within the sector before you need to explore the various avenues open to you to help you gain the invaluable experience that will boost your chances of securing the job that you want. You should approach some local firms to ask if they offer work experience placements or ask your current employer if you can spend time shadowing one of their analysts or programmers. This will help you to appreciate how the IT function works within a company that you are already know.

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Breaking into the IT Industry

What skills are IT employers looking for? The UK’s shortage of suitably qualified and experienced workers has been well documented, and nowhere is this shortage more acute than the IT industry. In an environment where there are more jobs than there are suitable candidates, career opportunities are rife for those who can demonstrate that they have the right skill set. Everyone in the field should have at least a basic knowledge of the various programming languages used to run simple IT operations and websites including JavaScript, HTML, CSS, PHP, and XML. Skills with Object Orientated languages such as C++, C# and Java, are highly desirable, whereas an understanding of certain database technologies such as SQL are also in strong demand. Candidates who can demonstrate a personal interest in programming are regarded as hot property on account of the fact that they demonstrate initiative, and illustrate a can-do attitude to their work. Old languages die out to be replaced with new dynamic technologies, so employers are on the hunt for people who can move with the times. In more creative roles such as graphic or web design, employers will invariably look for candidates with an in depth knowledge of specific software such as QuarkXPress, AutoCAD or Adobe Photoshop.

www.monster.co.uk Regardless of what kind of environment an IT role sits in, there is a common set of intangible skills that you need to possess in order to succeed: •

Clear communication - It's important to know when you need to avoid talking in technical jargon with non-techies.

•

Working in a team - There aren't many IT operations that can be managed by just one person so knowing how to work with others for the greater good is a key attribute.

•

Ability to prioritise tasks effectively - When you have a bug list that's getting out of control, it's useful to know how to decide what to fix first.

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Problem solving and lateral thinking - If the IT department has one overall goal, it's ability to solve problems outweighs all others so this is a vital skill.

•

Ability to keep your cool and remain patient – Pressure comes in many forms from tight deadlines to pushy customers so you must manage expectations, without losing your head.

•

Flexibility and commitment – You’ll often be asked to help ensure the successful completion of a project so you need to be able to lend your hand to any situation.

Above all, employers want to see that you are well-rounded, have an understanding of the IT industry and its place in the world, and you have the drive and ambition for a career in IT.

Further Reading - What are my transferrable skills?

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Breaking into the IT Industry

What makes a good IT CV? When submitting your CV, it's vital to know what it is your potential employer is looking for in the perfect candidate. By reading the job advert you'll get a good idea of their requirements. If you can go one further and get yourself a full copy of the job spec from the HR department or your recruitment agent, then you'll have all the information you need to tailor your CV to include the key skills they're after. Find out as much as you can about the job and the company to make sure you can match your abilities to their requirements. Look at the company website, call the company directly or speak to someone you know who has worked there previously. Think about what you have to offer and ensure that your skills, experiences and career aspirations are in sync with the employer’s requirements and their company values. If they are a company that believes in creativity, try to demonstrate how you have been innovative throughout your career. Most IT roles are reliant on technical ability so it's important that you can demonstrate that you know the theory behind various skills, as well as how to put them into practice.

Further Reading - How can I tailor my CV to an audience? - What are my unique selling points? - What are the classic CV mistakes to avoid?

www.monster.co.uk The theory part is relatively simple to demonstrate by listing your certificates and qualifications. If you state that you have a BSc (Hons) degree in Computer Sciences then they can immediately determine that you will have knowledge of databases, networks and software engineering. The key to creating a CV that really catches the eye is showing how you've used these skills to achieve results in a professional environment. Be specific to the job you're applying for and use examples of projects you have worked on which made a difference. You may have designed a new intranet for your employer which helped improve staff communication, or you may have developed a new piece of software that helped your company increase profits by £500k. These achievements tell the reader that you're aware of how your actions contribute to wider company goals and will earn you invaluable Brownie points. Only include information that is relevant to the job that you are applying for and remember that your application is designed to do just one thing – get you to an interview where you can go into more detail on the projects you have worked on. It's worth remembering that the person who initially evaluates your CV may be a junior in the HR department who may not be fully versed in technical IT language. You want to make sure your CV shows you have the knowledge, but isn't so full of jargon that it alienates the reader.

Free CV Templates Database Administrator Project Manager Web Developer

Network Manager Web Designer

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Breaking into the IT Industry

What does the job interview process consist of? Once you’ve jumped the first job search hurdle by securing an interview, the selling process really begins. Interviews can take a number of different forms. Some employers prefer to start with an informal telephone interview, others will opt for the more traditional one-on-one first and second interviews. It's easy for you to put on your CV that you're an expert in HTML, but don't be offended if you're asked to prove this by taking a test as part of the interview process. Technical ability is often the one aspect that sets one candidate apart from the others. Before you attend your interview, find out if there will be any tests and revise so a simple mistake doesn't ruin your chances. Employers will also look to find out about why you wanted to get into IT and what you know about the industry as a whole. As well as preparing for the general "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" questions, you should do some research into the latest technological developments in the industry and also think about where you might like to be in five years time. A Senior Project Manager? An IT consultant? They will want to know what it is about the job that makes you passionate and what your future goals are.

Take part in a Virtual Job Interview to find out if your answers are what IT employers want to hear. Click here when you’re ready to begin.

www.monster.co.uk You'll be given the opportunity to ask your own questions so have some prepared and keep them relevant to the job. Something such as "I see software development as my real specialism. Will the role give me a chance to progress my skills in this area and put them into practice?" shows that you're aware of your abilities and have an interest in developing them for the good of the company. Interviews will invariably be held at the office where you will be hoping to work, however, some larger companies with a large employee intake may opt for an off-site assessment centre where your problem solving, analytical and leadership skills will be pitted against your fellow candidates. As daunting as it may seem, assessment centres are a golden opportunity of securing a job offer with just the top few job applicants making it to this stage. Interviews are often seen as a necessary evil in the quest for employment. However, they are designed for you to decide if the job is right for you, as much as they are for employers to determine if you're right for them. Any job offer is a deal between a buyer (the employer) and a seller (you) – it's important to make sure what is being offered meets with your own expectations:

Further Reading - How do I make a good first impression? - What should I wear to my job interview? - How can I calm my job interview nerves?

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Breaking into the IT Industry

What career goals should I set myself? With IT jobs in every sector you can think of, the opportunities for career development, progression and variation are readily available. It’s up to you to decide what field of expertise is right for you. The one constant is that the IT industry is always changing. As technology continues to develop faster, slicker, smaller and funkier ways of doing things there will always be new opportunities for both inexperienced and established IT professionals. Career advancement is typically into management roles, often via a supervisory or team leader position which could see you taking responsibility for team of programmers, or overseeing the successful completion of a specific project. This isn’t going to happen overnight but, depending on the size of organisation and sector in which you work, it will typically take a graduate trainee three or four years before they take on this kind of responsibility. Early on in your career, you will need to consider whether you want to specialise in a certain area, or become an all rounder. Those with very specialist skills will always be in demand and IT consultants and freelancers are amongst the highest paid workers in the UK.

www.monster.co.uk It's worth remembering that as technology advances, it's possible that your specialism could be made redundant, so always keep your skill set up-to-date. IT all-rounders on the other hand have a much higher chance of progressing into management as they are able to understand multiple tasks and team members. The money may not be as good, but the job security is much more of an attraction. One of the beauties of the IT industry is that there are quite literally hundred’s of different roles to choose from but the opportunities aren't just limited to within the sector. The skills that you develop and the knowledge you acquire make it possible for you to make the switch to other roles offering the kind of working conditions that you really want. If you feel that you're not getting the people interaction you crave then a job as an IT Teacher may be right for you, or if you reel you're not getting enough creative input, Digital Marketing might be more suitable. A career in IT is a career with opportunities and options, rewarding those who remain innovative and up to speed with the latest technological advancements.

What Next? If you’re still looking for advice on finding the right job, creating a great CV or tips on job interview, career-advice.monster.co.uk contains everything you ever wanted to know, and more! If you’re ready to apply for jobs, upload you CV to Monster and then take a look through the latest IT and Technology roles.

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Breaking into the IT Industry

IT & Technology Glossary Ajax (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) - a group of interrelated web development techniques used to create interactive web applications. Browser - a software application which enables a user to display and interact with text, images, videos, music, games and other information typically located on the World Wide Web or a local area network. Cookie - a small pieces of text, stored on a user's computer by a web browser containing the user's settings, shopping cart contents, or other data used by websites. DNS (Domain Name System) - a hierarchical naming system for computers, services, or any resource participating in the Internet. It it translates domain names into binary identifiers associated with networking equipment. Ethernet - a family of frame-based computer networking technologies for local area networks (LANs). Firewall - part of a computer system or network that is designed to block unauthorized access while permitting outward communication.

www.monster.co.uk GUI (Graphical User Interface) - a type of user interface which allows people to interact with electronic devices such as computers, hand-held devices, household appliances and office equipment. HTML (HyperText Markup Language) - the predominant markup language for web pages. A means to describe the structure of text-based information in a document. IP (Internet Protocol) Address - a numerical identification that is assigned to devices participating in a computer network utilizing the Internet Protocol for communication between its nodes. Java - a number of computer software products and specifications that together provide a system for developing application software and deploying it in a cross-platform environment. Kernel - the central component of most computer operating systems. Its responsibilities include managing the system's communication between hardware and software components. LAN (Local Area Network) - a computer network covering a small physical area, like a home, office, or small group of buildings, such as a school.

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Breaking into the IT Industry Macro - a rule or pattern that specifies how a certain input sequence should be mapped to an output sequence according to a defined procedure. NTFS - the standard file system of Windows NT, including its later versions Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista, and the new Windows 7. Operating System - an interface between hardware and user. It is responsible for the management and coordination of activities and the sharing of a computer's resources. PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) - a handheld computer incorporating colour screens and audio capabilities, enabling them to be used as mobile phones (smartphones), web browsers, or portable media players. QuarkXPress - a computer application for creating and editing complex page layouts in a WYSIWYG environment. Router - a device that determines the correct destination for data being transmitted from one network to another. Shareware - copyrighted commercial software that is distributed without payment on a trial basis and is often limited by any combination of functionality, availability or convenience.

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Terabyte (TB)- a multiple of the unit byte for digital information storage equal to 1,000,000,000,000 bytes, or 1,000 Gigabytes (GB). URL (Uniform Resource Locator) - a type of Uniform Resource Identifier that specifies where an identified resource is available and the mechanism for retrieving these resources. Virus - a computer program that can copy itself and infect a computer without the permission or knowledge of the owner. Wi-Fi - a set of internationally accepted standards which ensures the compatibility of wireless network devices manufactured by different companies. XML (Extensible Markup Language) - a general-purpose specification for creating custom markup languages. XML's purpose is to aid information systems in sharing data YouTube - a video sharing website that displays movie clips, TV clips, and music videos, as well as amateur content such as video blogging and short original films. ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) - a concept used in the design of IC sockets, invented to avoid problems caused by applying force upon insertion and extraction.

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Breaking into the IT Industry

They say that the grass isn’t greener on the other side, but often it is. Our series of eBooks brings together expert advice to help you secure the job you want and build a successful career. For more career tools, visit career-advice.monster.co.uk.