Working in Information Technology

Business Sectors

Source: Target IT 2006, GTI Publishing

Author: Gary Argent, Logica CMG.

The IT services business is about relating expertise in technical specialisms to a customer's business needs, whether they are seeking to improve the efficiency of their current business processes or requiring a technology system for a new aspect of their business. The scope of IT services is broader than consulting and covers a longer period of time, from understanding a customer's problem and developing a system to installing it and providing training. In some cases, an IT services organisation will then run and support the IT for the customer through an outsourcing agreement.

Many of the larger 'traditional' IT companies and consultancies have embraced the idea of IT services as customers are keener than ever to seek technology solutions to all their business problems in one place. For this reason, they cover a wide range of expertise in technology areas such as security and mobile communications, as well as in-depth knowledge of business sectors, such as finance, energy and space.

New developments

Mobile communication has had a big impact on all areas of business and there has been a shift towards customers requiring outsourcing and service models, e.g. running call centres and looking after and developing a customer's IT system. Where contracts previously lasted from two to three years, they are now more likely to span 10 to 15 years. Longer contracts give IT services organisations an opportunity to gain insight and see what makes their customer's business tick.

Skills required

Many organisations take graduates from a variety of degree backgrounds, but it's essential that you have a keen interest in IT. Work experience is desirable, but this doesn't necessarily have to have been in an IT organisation. Recruiters look for evidence that you can demonstrate responsibility for customers and team working skills.

A selection of technical skills - appreciation of modern programming languages and database understanding can be useful. Other key skills required include good interpersonal skills, verbal and written communication skills, flexibility and 'get up and go'.

Starting out

Graduates get a good variety of experience from the outset. You will typically join a training programme that provides you with the basic business skills you'll need and then your career can progress in a variety of directions as you gain experience.

You can pursue a technical or a business career path, or even do both. It's important to keep an open mind, take on different roles, learn from them and be flexible about what you do.

• I've always found that I've had a good say in the direction of my career and I've had opportunities to do lots of different things. The people I work with - both customers and colleagues - are also a highlight.

Worst

• Paperwork can build up and there are times when you are under pressure and working long hours to meet a close deadline, but the there's always the buzz once it's out of the door!

Don't bother if...

...you have no skills in IT and no interest in IT.

Information Systems,

Software Engineering,

Computer Studies,

Computer Forensics,

Information Technology and Multimedia Computing

Along with core IT concepts, business analysis forms and integral part of many of our courses. The school also prides itself in being able to incorporate knowledge acquired from our various research activities into the undergraduate cirricula. As a result our graduates are equipped to deal with the fast changing face of IT technologies and its future developments.