© M. Scheurer 2002

Professional Issues / Lecture 2 1

Lecture 2-Organisational Issues

Looking at different modes of

work for IT graduates

© M. Scheurer 2002

Professional Issues / Lecture 2 2

The main choices Employment vs. Self

Employment Big company vs. Small

company IT company vs. Non IT

company

© M. Scheurer 2002

Professional Issues / Lecture 2 3

Employed vs. Self Employed

Advantages of Employment Stability Salary each month No need to look for clients Do your work and don’t concern yourself

about anything else Disadvantages of Employment

Work for someone else – Not your own boss

Can’t choose your work / schedule

© M. Scheurer 2002

Professional Issues / Lecture 2 4

Employment in large IT organisation (1) Suits people who are:

Technically competent Keen to improve their skills Corporate minded Flexible “Team” workers Ambitious

© M. Scheurer 2002

Professional Issues / Lecture 2 5

Employment in large IT organisation (2) Advantages

Graduate Training Schemes Know what to expect from new graduates Will teach you what you need to know Good opportunity to build up your skills Others to teach/support you Good career prospects (if you are good) Good stepping stone

© M. Scheurer 2002

Professional Issues / Lecture 2 6

Employment in large IT organisation (3) Disadvantages

Small fish in a large pond Corporate structure may not suit The company decides Take many, keep a few Some of the work may be repetitive

and low key (e.g. debugging other people’s code)

© M. Scheurer 2002

Professional Issues / Lecture 2 7

IT department of large organisation (1) Advantages

Small team All IT people Adequate support (usually) They know what they can expect Interesting work Good career prospects (if you are

good) Good pay Job security

© M. Scheurer 2002

Professional Issues / Lecture 2 8

IT department of large organisation (2) Disadvantages

Work pressure (at times) – IT function supports the mainstream business

Lack of representation at Board Level leads to lack of understanding and support from the business

May be a “jack of all trades” Opportunities to develop professionally

may be limited by organisational structure

© M. Scheurer 2002

Professional Issues / Lecture 2 9

Working in a small IT organisation (1) Suits people who are:

Technically competent Very reliable (small team) Self reliant Flexible

(hours of work, type of work, place of work) Team minded Prepared to work in difficult

circumstances

© M. Scheurer 2002

Professional Issues / Lecture 2 10

Working in a small IT organisation (2) Advantages

IT is main business of the organisation

Team to help you “Boss” understands the problems Opportunities to learn new skills Opportunity to “take a stake” in the

business (sometimes) Good starting point in IT career

© M. Scheurer 2002

Professional Issues / Lecture 2 11

Working in a small IT organisation (3) Disadvantages

Long hours (at time) Heavy responsibilities Working conditions may not be good Pay and Career prospects may vary Business may not live long

© M. Scheurer 2002

Professional Issues / Lecture 2 12

Working as sole IT person in a small organisation (1) Suits people who are:

Technically competent Self reliant Multi-talented Flexible Relate easily to “non teccies”

© M. Scheurer 2002

Professional Issues / Lecture 2 13

Working as sole IT person in a small organisation (2)

Advantages Essential role in the organisation Organise your work as you wish Almost as good as being your own boss

Disadvantages On your own / lack of support “Boss” may not understand the problems Company may have unrealistic

expectations

© M. Scheurer 2002

Professional Issues / Lecture 2 14

Teaching Company Scheme

Special type of Employment - Characteristics:

Employed by a University Work in a company (SME) Implement a specific project Technologically advanced Fixed term: typically 2 years

© M. Scheurer 2002

Professional Issues / Lecture 2 15

T C S (2) Advantages

Technologically advanced project Well defined Support from the University Funding for training, equipment, travel

Disadvantages May feel isolated in company Excessive expectations from the

company Conflict of interests (2 masters)

© M. Scheurer 2002

Professional Issues / Lecture 2 16

Self Employment Suits people who are:

Self motivated Self disciplined Self confident Technically competent Independent Ambitious(?) Prepared to work hard now

for future rewards

© M. Scheurer 2002

Professional Issues / Lecture 2 17

IT Contractor working for IT Agency (in the UK or Abroad)

Advantages They find the work and chase payment They are responsible toward the client You get paid even if the client defaults You don’t have to take the work

offered Disadvantages

You have no control over terms You get paid less (Agency commission)

© M. Scheurer 2002

Professional Issues / Lecture 2 18

IT Contractor working for Direct clients

Advantages: You negotiate terms You get paid more

Disadvantages You have to find the work You are responsible toward the

client The client may not pay you You may have to pay sub-contractor