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Considering a career in IT can be daunting and confusing as there are many ways of getting in and opinions differ as to the best route to take. Being a very dynamic industry with an increased rate of change in all areas of the field, some skills become irrelevant pretty fast whilst others can become over emphasised. An ideal starting point would be a user qualification such as The European (or International) Computer Driving Licence (ECDL/ICDL) which is recognised across the world and offers evidence that one is prepared to train and build IT skills. Thereafter, one can progress to a more specific training course in an area which is in high demand such as web design, do one of the numerous and recognised certification courses such as ITIL, MCSE, MCSA or even venture into a degree in computer sciences. Nevertheless, as demand for particular skills can be short-term, it is advisable to continuously keep your finger on the pulse by keeping an eye on the market's demand and general trend of desirable IT skills. The range of jobs in IT is vast and there is always something to suit everyone. Some are very creative jobs whereas others can be highly technical. They can be summarised under software development, system operators, technical authors, helpdesk support, technicians, engineers, web designers as well as business analysts. Within these broad headings, the actual job roles can be very different and again be across most industries such as finance, banking, health, transport and the creative sector, hence enforcing the fact that a career in IT doesn't have to mean working in an IT company. It is important to note that in the recent years, the increased use of the Internet, E commerce as well as wireless and Voip technology has seen a particular high demand for programmers, analysts, networking as well as telecommunication experts. Either way, an end user support role e.g. as a service desk analyst can be a very good starting point for people without technical qualifications in IT as this would help provide a better understanding of the various functions and their relevance, not forgetting appeal. As a majority of IT jobs require working closely with customers, there is just as strong emphasis on good interpersonal and communication skills as there is on IT skills. Much work requires innovative thinking to find IT solutions to everyday challenges and problems and thus one has to have a liking for problem solving. Other desired qualities for the field are the ability to work in a team, a creative imagination, a logical mind as well as the determination to meet deadlines and a think outside the box approach. Last but not least, the pull of good remuneration packages in IT related jobs is usually a factor that entices a lot of people into the industry. A recent survey showed that the average starting salary in the IT industry in the UK to be around £28,000. Directors and some consultants in IT earn six figure salaries. However, it is important to note that this ranges from one sector to the other and is also affected by the industry's demand in a particular field as well as the skills one possesses. As a whole, it's vital to note the role that ICT plays as a global catalyst for development. A lot of governments and companies continue to embark on programs that are aimed at increasing IT awareness, access and usage, due to the difficulty of separating ICT from business processes. IT careers are fast changing and the knowledge and expertise moves all the time. Job seekers and IT professionals looking to get ahead will no doubt need to know what skill sets employers need, and learn to tailor their own training to those job skills. Whichever route you decide to take, be prepared to adapt and change to meet the ever dynamic needs of the IT industry! Angela Mwelu SOME USEFUL WEBSITES
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