Computing & IT
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Careers
Computers and information technology (IT) influence and interact with all aspects of life. It's an area of growth, with a strong demand for people with relevant skills and experience. Career Services states: "All IT professionals are in short supply and according to the Department of Labour, many recruitment agencies are struggling to fill vacancies, so the chances of getting a job are high."
Take a sneak peek into the different careers there are in computing and IT. No matter what your interest, there is a job for you in the computer and IT industry.
Do you enjoy spending time online, creating your own blog, website or ...?
Start your career in web design or development here.
As a web designer you are responsible for the look of a website, the part of a website the visitor actually sees. Web designers design, create and maintain websites; they work with clients to define the purpose, content and look and feel of the site. A web developer’s responsibility is to make a website work. You use a variety of coding languages and software to create and maintain the back end of a website (e.g. a database).
Web developers also work with clients to identify, for example, a website’s technical specifications and structure. If you are imaginative, accurate, enjoy working with computers, work well under pressure and like learning new things, this is the career for you.
Are you the one everyone comes to when they have a problem with their computer?
Get a career as a computer (systems) technician.
Computer technicians make a living installing, troubleshooting and supporting computer hardware, software and related equipment in a range of organisations from private companies and government to schools and healthcare organisations. As a computer technician you may specialise in particular software, hardware or networks.
This is the perfect job for you if you’re good working under pressure (people want their computers fixed as soon as possible), thinking on your feet and picking up new computer skills.
Do you like to make things work?
Get into programming/software engineering.
As a programmer/software engineer, you design, build, test and maintain software, from programmes like Word and Vista to video games and the programmes running a CT scanner in a hospital. Computer programming involves problem solving, researching requirements and writing a programme that makes something work. There’s a lot more to software engineering than sitting at a desk writing code all day. You also interact a lot with clients, analysts, designers and even the end users of your programme.
If you like a challenge, are methodical, a good communicator and work well under pressure, this might just be the perfect job for you.
Like figuring out how to best use computers to get things done?
Start your career as a systems analyst.
Systems analysts start a project by working with clients to research their needs. They then design a system, compare and test alternative solutions, and lastly decide what software or computer systems will work best. As a systems analyst it is important that you understand what the client wants, or you won't be able to suggest the best solution to get things done.
Systems analysis might be your thing if you like solving problems, are analytical, methodical and a good listener.
Are you a problem solver who enjoys helping people, with a talent for communication?
User support, helpdesk operation or computer sales is for you.
As a helpdesk operator you are the first point of contact for people with technical difficulties. User support involves receiving, diagnosing and solving a large variety of computer-related problems. Users can be very stressed or nervous when calling a helpdesk, requiring helpdesk operators to be calm and understanding. Knowing you’ve helped someone makes this a really rewarding job.
If this is you: analytical, working well under pressure, keen to learn new skills, a good decision-maker and listener, then user support may be the job for you.
Check out our computing and information technology programmes and see how you can get your career started today.
