Information Technology
This page offers a starting point for those looking into careers in information technology (IT). This includes programming, systems analysis, software engineering, computer systems, sales and services.
What are careers in information technology?
What do University of Brighton IT graduates do?
Finding a job or employer in the IT sector
Recruitment agencies and IT jobs boards
Further information and useful links
An industry overview
Approximately 1.52 million people in the UK work in the IT and telecoms industry. This equates to one person in eighteen. This includes approximately 860,000 in the IT and telecoms industry itself and an additional 663,000 employed as IT or telecoms professionals in other industries.
There are over 150,000 businesses in the industry, 87% of which are IT-related.
The UK's IT and telecoms industry produces an annual Gross Value Added (GVA) contribution of £71 billion (8.4%) of the total UK economy.
Outside the IT industry, the largest numbers of IT professionals can be found in manufacturing, financial services, retail and the public sector, although there are opportunities in just about every sector.
It is anticipated that the UK economy will require an average of 110,500 new IT professionals every year for the next three years.
(source: Prospects - Information Technology overview)
"A career in IT provides excellent job prospects and growth potential, with demand for IT Consultants far outstripping supply. Further training and work experience in the IT sector can help transform graduates into professional IT Consultants who can progress to become senior Technical Consultants, Business Analysts, Investment Bankers, or secure a job with a FTSE 100 company.
Typical salaries for entry-level graduates start at £18,000, but those who pursue a career in IT can earn anything up to £24,000 in their first year. The majority of IT graduates will require a degree, have some knowledge or practical experience in IT, be geographically flexible and be eligible to work in the UK"
Information provided by FDM Group, international IT services provider.
What are careers in information technology?
Prospects
Prospects is a graduate careers website with a wide range of information about careers within the IT industry, including;
Targetjobs
IT and telecoms graduate jobs, internships and careers advice.
Inside Careers
Information and advice about entering the IT profession, in partnership with BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT.
What do University of Brighton IT graduates do?
See current and past reports on destinations of University of Brighton graduates, searchable by faculty, school and course.
Read about BSc (Hons) Computer Science alumnus Michael, who talks about his experiences after graduation and how he got to where he is now.
How do I get into it?
You may find that opportunities are open to all graduates, however graduates of computer science, software engineering, electronics, mathematics are especially strongly placed.
Pre-entry experience is a distinct advantage but not essential. IT-related vacation work or an industrial placement can lead to graduate employment, with 70% of placements leading to an offer of permanent employment.
Competition for vacancies is keener than ever, particularly for the more high profile employers; it is a good idea to start making applications to larger firms in the autumn term of your final year.
In addition to technical skills, equal emphasis is placed on so-called ‘soft’ skills, for example; communication - written, verbal and interpersonal skills, teamwork, commercial awareness and customer focus.
Information technology opportunities in Brighton and Hove exist across the key employment sectors for the area: wholesale and retail, financial services, business services, health and education.
Eskills UK
Information, advice and guidance on choosing an IT career.
BCS - The Chartered Institute for IT
The leading professional body for those working in IT. Here you will find a range of careers information, with leaflets available to download. In addition to this there is the Young Professionals Group (YPG), which is dedicated to supporting and representing those in the foundation years of their career.
Institution of Analysts and Programmers
The Institution is Britain's leading professional organisation for people who work in the development, installation and testing of business systems and computer software. Here you will find a careers information section with an education and training area, details of key skills and key roles.
Prospects - Engineering and Manufacturing sector
Career options (including software engineering) for non-Engineering graduates.
Finding a job or employer in the IT sector
Computer Weekly
A weekly trade magazine for the IT Industry includes a recruitment section.
Computing Careers
All the news you need from the world of IT employment and skills.
CWjobs.co.uk
Specialist IT recruitment website serving permanent and contract IT jobseekers.
Cabling People
Specialist technical recruitment consultancy with a particular emphasis on networking related industries including; datacomms, telecoms, electrical, fibre optic, SDH & the IT sector.
The Guardian
National newspaper with an IT section every Thursday and new media vacancies every Monday.
Women in Technology
Promoting female employment within the IT and technology industries. Includes jobs, events and industry news and careers information.
Recruitment agencies and IT jobs boards
A selection of recruitment agencies and job sites that specialise in IT. Visit our page on recruitment agencies for more information about how to use them.
Hays IT Recruitment
Specialist recruitment consultancy for the IT, telecoms and technology sectors.
IT Executive
An agency specialising in the IT sector.
The IT job
The IT job is the IT specialist on-line recruitment resource.
JM Group
Career advice and IT jobs in the financial, banking, telecommunications and management sectors.
Matchtech
Technical Recruitment Agency for IT, Engineering and Science.
Proactive People
The jobseeker pages for Proactive People (UK) Ltd.
Technojobs
Jobs in the IT, Electronics, Engineering and Telecoms industries.
Further information and useful links
Society of Information Technology Management
The professional association for ICT managers working in and for the public sector.
An Ethical Career in Science and Technology
This downloadable booklet looks at issues such as genetics, climate change, arms, militarisation of space, animal experiments, cleaner technology, information technology, and science funding. Briefings on different areas of scientific and technical work are also available to download.
National Computing Centre (NCC)
The NCC is the single largest and most diverse corporate membership body in the UK IT sector.
British Interactive Media Association (BIMA)
The trade association representing the diverse interests of the UK interactive industry.
UK Web Design Association (UKWDA)
Established in 2001 to encourage and promote industry standards within the British web design and new media sector.
Intellect UK
Intellect is the trade association for the UK hi-tech industry.
International Games Developers Association
The largest non-profit membership organisation serving individuals that create video games.
Institution of Analysts and Programmers (IAP)
Professional organisation for people who work in the development, installation and testing of business systems and computer software.
