careers in computing dr. lynda thomas department of computer science university of wales aberystwyth
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Careers in Computing
Dr. Lynda Thomas
Department of Computer Science
University of Wales Aberystwyth
Why go for a job in Computing?
One of the best careers for employment
Excellent salaries
IT skills shortage reaches ten-year high (13/2/08)
Most fun you can have and be paid forChallenging, Lots of variety
Opportunities for travel if you want
Types of Employer Business/ Academia/ Government
Types of Employer
ICT UsersSoftware System
SuppliersManufacturers ofequipment that
uses computers
Computer Industry
Business/ Academia/ Government
Industry (1): Users of ICT
Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury, Tesco
Lloyds TSB / Citibank / Stock Exchange
Manufacturing companies (ICI, Ford, Sony)
Armed Forces
National Health Service / DSS
Local Authorities
etc
Industry (2): Software Suppliers
IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Apple
Microsoft, Adobe, SquareSoft, BroadSword
EDS, Logica, JD Technology, FirstEarth
Google, Amazon, Hotmail
Your local computer shop
Industry (3): Manufacturers of equipment incorporating computers
ICI, Kvearner, Control Techniques
Medical equipment manufacturers
British Aerospace, Ford, McClaren
Makers of TVs / CD players / telephones etc
What kind of jobs are there?Old view:
Trainee Programmer
Programmer
Senior Programmer
Systems Analyst
Senior Systems Analyst
Data Processing Manager
Better view: Variety of jobs in the different types of company
Jobs with companies that are ICT users
Jobs with hardware/software suppliers
Jobs with manufacturers who incorporate computers in their products
Jobs with Users
Data analysts
Web developers
Telecommunications specialists
User training
Security specialists
Database administrators
Jobs with suppliers
Development of new applicationsOperating system level workBespoke developmentHuman factorsSales / marketingCustomer supportConsultancyQuality assurance / Project management
Jobs with manufacturers
Embedded system design
Development of new products
Safety critical systems design
Jobs in previous two categories…
Getting jobs in Computing
Just start doing it!Getting less frequent
Often end up studying for degrees later
Get a job from school
Get a degree in Computing
Do postgraduate diploma
My own experience
Moved to Canada when I was 14
Did a Pure Maths degree – moved back to Britain
Needed a job! Programmer for Coop
Systems Engineer for IBM uk
Did an MSc to get formal qualifications
Worked in Academia since (some consulting)
Some statistics from Aberystwyth
6 months after graduation 92% in work or study (2004)
78% in a ‘graduate role’
Average salary £19,100
Work of our undergraduates (2 years after graduation)
78 % - Technical jobs. These people have titles like “Web developer” or “Software engineer” and are spending most of their time building systems.
8% - Further education. These people have gone on to pursue a further course (MSc or PhD)
14% Managerial. Intending to signify that these people are supervising other people. In all cases, the job still has a technical element, but rather than doing it, they are supervising other people who are doing it.
Typical employers of our undergraduates
Computer Engineer, Sony
Business Analyst, Hitachi Europe
Analyst Programmer, Tyco Electronics
Analyst Programmer, HSBC
Web Developer, Legal & General
Systems Programmer, OpenWorld Internet
Systems Engineer, Control Techniques
Support Analyst, UBS Warburg
Software Engineer, Teleca
Software Design, Compaq Computer Ltd
Quality Systems Supervisor, Tradewear
Network Specialist, Extant Telecomms
Development Engineer, NTL
Computer Programmer, Logica
Computer Programmer, Digital Workshop
Associate Consultant, First Consulting
Software Developer, Securicor Information Systems
Typical Computing courses
Computer Science
Software Engineering
Internet Computing
Computing with a language
Business Computing /
Information Technology
Questions to ask about university computing courses (1)
Is the course accredited by BCS?Does course include professional issues?How much Hardware teaching is there?How much Maths is there?Is there opportunity for industrial experience?
Questions to ask about university computing courses (2)
Where do course graduates get jobs?
Do the staff have industrial experience?
Do the staff do interesting research?
What is mix of theoretical/practical teaching?
Does the course include any team working?
How easy is it to change courses if I choose wrongly?
Finally - a warning!
A Computing degree does not necessarily mean you will end up with a job in the computer industry
You might end up with an
Oscar instead
Any Questions
Ask me now!
Email me: [email protected]
Look at the Department’s Web sitehttp://www.aber.ac.uk/compsci/
Look at Careers in Computing web sitehttp://www.CareersInComputing.org.uk