Working in the IT IndustryI . T. Posts

General based jobsSolutions Architect

• A Solutions Architect is an information technology professional who designs computer systems, networks, applications and user interfaces for an organization. These professionals typically work with internal and external customers to develop systems to required business specifications.

• In most cases, these professionals have a wide range of technical knowledge, rather than focusing their skills in a specific area of information technology.

• Design• A solution architect is responsible for understanding internal and external customer needs, and

designing computer and network systems that allow customers to implement systems for their technology business applications.

• This involves performing system and network modelling, analysis and planning to implement a solution that will meet business needs within financial budget guidelines.

• This may include researching software and hardware products or services, and finding best solutions and prices to meet business requirements.

• In most cases, the architect presents and translates the design to customers to ensure the design will meet the customers' requirements.

Solutions Architect (contd)• Development• After the design of systems are completed, the solutions architect translates the

requirements to internal information technology teams such as software and hardware programmers, developers and network administrators to successfully implement the design.

• This can include delegating development responsibilities to ensure the project is completed in a required time frame.

• As a technical expert, the architect often provides guidance and makes decisions on changes required throughout the design process, and may also do some of the development along with the team of information technology professionals.

• Analysis• Along with design and development, an architect reviews and analyses current

technology infrastructure and its ability to support strategic objectives of an employer or customer.

• This includes working with all departments within an organization to assist in the improvement of business processes, testing systems to ensure functionality is satisfactory and recommending new systems or product upgrades

General based jobs Solutions Implementation Consultant (Also refer to next slide)

• A Solutions Implementation Consultant ensures the successful delivery of large solutions to clients by taking a technical leadership role in the analysis, design, construction and management of the solution and playing a key liaison role with the client.

• He/she will also play a key role in the sales cycle and take an active part in process, product and/or staff development and improvement.

• He/she will gather and analyse clients' business and functional requirements converting them into effective designs for small-medium sized solutions. They will also design and undertake unit/integration/system testing and support User Acceptance Testing (UAT), paying attention to versioning and transition from development and test to production phases

Solutions Implementation Consultant

Skills:• Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications. • Able to perform database management activities, extract reports, analyse

information.• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Proven effective listening

skills. Highly developed presentation skills with the ability to develop the same in others. Solicits different viewpoints; shares knowledge and insights.

• Able to quickly establish rapport, gain and maintain credibility with diverse audiences.

• Quickly learns new technologies and easily works with complex systems and processes

Soft skills & Characteristics:• Remains poised and professional under stressful conditions; maintains calm,

patient demeanour while driving to meet deadlines. Requires the following characteristics: professional, leader, motivator, results and quality oriented, proactive and responsive

General based jobs- -Network Manager (Also refer to next slide)

Management responsibilities for the operation and administration of the company’s internal networks, servers, email and network security systems • Duties and Responsibilities • ■Administration and maintenance of critical web and database servers • ■Configuration and set-up of all new server systems required either

internally for the company’s activities or for external clients. • ■Firewall administration and overall internal network security. • ■Administration of email servers for company-wide email and for

management of email handling systems for clients across many domains. • ■Maintenance of existing Anti-Spam and anti-virus systems and the

setting of new Anti-Spam policies. • ■■Basic operational support for internal employee computer systems

e.g. Windows 7

•

General based jobs- -Network Manager• Skills / Attributes Required • ■Good working knowledge of the following operating systems: -

Windows 7• ■Experience of administering Linux systems. • ■Good working knowledge of major networking components,

network operating systems and basic computer hardware components

• ■Proven and relevant working experience in a busy, client focused organisation.

• ■MCSE Certification is desirable.• ■Hands on knowledge of the procedures used in the installation,

modification maintenance and repair of IT hardware and software • Problem-solving skills are essential

General based jobsIT Support (Also refer to next slide)• IT support personnel monitor and maintain the computer systems, networks, and main

infrastructure of a business or an organisation. Technical problems within the organisation are usually fixed by them and they diagnose hardware and software problems in the computers and related equipment.

Support Managers are also responsible for first configuring and installing operating systems on a computer, and making changes in the network as fit. They install new software as needed by the organization and businesses and set up new user accounts for their employees. In addition to all these things, new hardware is ordered by them as they find fit. All of these things are expected from an IT support analyst or manager.

• A job for a junior IT support position may involve on-site tech support, and operating system and software diagnostics. Many companies need at least two to four years of experience, and have an extensive knowledge of the Windows operating system and the hardware within a computer.

• Some other organizations may have an additional requirement that you have experience in other operating systems, like Mac OS X and Linux. You may also need to have good communication skills, as you will be helping clients resolve their problems often during your time on the job.

• A senior IT support analyst may have quite a few more duties expected of him or her.• They will be responsible for setting up all new hardware, including servers and network routers

that may arrive at the company`s office. A good knowledge of several programming languages, TCP/IP networking and firewalls is required for most of the available positions out there. You will be in charge of all the junior IT support analysts under you, and assign them jobs to do.

General –Support Technician/Helpdesk (refer to next slide)• Technical Support/Helpdesk• As a technical support/helpdesk professional you're on the front line when it comes to

supporting clients and employees who are having technical issues. This could be a problem with software, like a forgotten password, a virus or email issues, or it could be a problem with the equipment itself.

• You could work for a software or equipment supplier providing after-sales support. You could work for a company that specialises in providing IT maintenance and support or you might work in-house supporting the business directly. Thanks to advances in technology, more and more of your work will be completed from your desk.

• Using web-based technologies you can follow the problems a user is experiencing on-screen and talk them through the solution on the phone or send a 'fix' directly to their PC via the internet.

• If it's a problem with the equipment you'll need to get an engineer in to sort it or go and fix it yourself.Working with customers/employees to identify computer problems and advising on the solution

• Logging and keeping records of customer/employee queries • Analysing call logs so you can spot common trends and underlying problems • Updating self-help documents so customers/employees can try to fix problems themselves • Working with field engineers to visit customers/employees if the problem is more serious • Testing and fixing faulty equipment

Support Technician/Helpdesk• Skills / Attributes Required

You'll need to be good with technology but also good at explaining it to people in a clear way. The skills that will help you most in the job are:

• An ability to assess each customer/employees IT knowledge levels • Being good with difficult callers • An ability to think logically • Good analytical and problem-solving skills • Up to date IT and helpdesk skills • An in-depth understanding of the software and equipment your

customers/employees are using • Good interpersonal and customer care skills • Good accurate records keeping

General based jobs– Technical Writer (See next slide also)

• Duties• Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness,

style, and terminology.• Maintain records and files of work and revisions.• Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.• Confer with customer representatives, vendors, plant executives, or publisher to establish technical specifications and

to determine subject material to be developed for publication.• Review published materials and recommend revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of

reproduction and binding.• Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.• Study drawings, specifications, mock-ups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, operating

procedure, and production sequence and detail.• Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with

product technologies and production methods.• Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.• Arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of material.• Assist in laying out material for publication.• Analyse developments in specific field to determine need for revisions in previously published materials and

development of new material.• Review manufacturer's and trade catalogues, drawings and other data relative to operation, maintenance, and service

of equipment.• Draw sketches to illustrate specified materials or assembly sequence.

General based jobs– Technical Writer• Skills & Characteristics required

• Reading Comprehension -- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Writing -- Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Time Management -- Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Active Learning -- Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Active Listening -- Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Learning Strategies -- Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Critical Thinking -- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Complex Problem Solving -- Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Judgment and Decision Making -- Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Speaking -- Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Hardware based jobs – Systems designers/builder/architect (see next slide)

• Systems Designers analyse, design and modify networks, computer systems and websites.

• The skills of systems designers are called upon when new networks, websites or IT systems are required or when operational problems are encountered with existing systems.

• They research current arrangements, consult clients and systems analysts about required specifications and produce designs that utilise suitable software and hardware.

• They then liaise with other IT staff such as software engineers and programmers in the production, installation and implementation of the new system, before testing and modifying it to ensure that that it operates reliably.

• Systems designers are predominantly employed by software firms, IT consultancies and large engineering, telecommunications and computer companies. Employers also include major commercial and industrial organisations, retailers, the Civil Service and financial institutions. Self-employment is often possible for designers with several years' experience.

Systems designers/builder/architectSkills & characteristics required• Computer literacy and familiarity with programming languages and

relevant software is essential to the job. Few designers enter the profession immediately after graduation: the majority begin their careers as programmers or analysts.

• Graduates with a computer science or software engineering degree are generally preferred, although a scientific, technical, engineering or mathematics degree and/or programming experience gained during placements and vacation work may also be helpful.

• For graduates without experience or a relevant qualification, a postgraduate IT conversion course can be of benefit.

• Potential recruits must be meticulous and logical in their work and capable of meeting high standards in programming aptitude tests. Team working, analytical and verbal/written communication skills are also important.

Hardware based jobs- – IT Systems Engineer• As an IT Systems Engineer, you will be responsible for analysing and optimising Microsoft

Windows systems and related components to improve the availability and performance of various business applications.

• This role requires your excellent analysis and troubleshooting skills to review the existing infrastructures and implement tactical fixes and long term improvements with the aim of reducing the number of service affecting incidents.

In addition to the above, you will troubleshoot and resolve hardware and software problems, assist in quality assurance testing, monitor and test system performance and conduct research on Microsoft-related hardware and software.

Your other duties will include:

- Analysing existing Microsoft systems and network infrastructures- Analysing service incidents and identifying root causes of any issues- Designing and implementing systems and processes to migrate users away from legacy platforms- Designing and implementing highly resilient web infrastructures

Hardware based jobsSystems Administrator (Refer to next slide also)

• The main duties and responsibilities for the Systems Administrator are-

* Full lifecycle systems responsibilities of computers, network hardware, office equipment, printers, phone system,

• * Maintenance of network security, firewalls, VPNs, managing host security, file permissions, backup and disaster recovery plans, file system integrity, and adding and deleting users. * Administer and maintain Exchange Server, Domain Controller, Storage Server, and Application Servers.* Liaise with 3rd party vendors in the upkeep and administration of WAN, MPLS Cloud, adsl vendors, server hosting companies, hardware vendors* Work with hosted SQL DB and Application servers vendor to achieve maximum server productivity and output by managing outages and monitoring performance * Assists with technology planning through on-going research. * Research and perform on-going performance tuning, hardware upgrades, and resource optimization as required. * Perform daily system monitoring.* Eliminating and proactively preventing Viruses both local and remotely* Liaising with remote store personnel, remote contracted IT professionals, local hardware and software contractors worldwide to clearly advise and determine the best overall solution to minimise operational downtime.* Maintain site licenses and Assets for department/organization* Administration of email servers for company-wide email. * Provide telephone and desktop support to internal users.

Systems Administrator

• Skills & characteristics required

* Provide professional support whilst supporting non-technically minded end users via Phone and remote login.* Ability to work with minimal supervision* Ability to manage multiple projects, activities and tasks simultaneously. * Ability to negotiate hardware/software service and technical support contracts with vendors. * Responsibilities may require evening and weekend work in response to needs of the systems being supported.* Experience in Retail a strong bonus, but not required* Experience with SQL administration, Microsoft Dynamics

Hardware based jobs- –Technical Services Specialist (refer to next slide also)• The Technical Services Specialist is responsible for providing support and

assistance with hardware and softwareJob Responsibilities:• Configure computers for employees and guests at all levels of seniority and IT literacy, including software installations, network configurations, hardware integration and final testing.• Troubleshoot and repair in-house systems. In addition to hardware failures, this includes difficulties with software such as system freezes, application crashes, and slow performance.• Set up, maintain, support and arrange repairs for printers.• Provide off-site support for employees’ home systems located regionally. • Maintain current information regarding new products, drivers, versions, etc. relevant to in-house systems and software. Acquire and distribute new products as is appropriate.• Liaise with internal/external support personnel where needed for the setup of special projects – such as shows, demonstrations and on-site training courses. Where appropriate, provide informal technical training to users for minor tasks.• Ensure that all support calls are logged and recorded.

Hardware based jobs – Technical Services Specialist (refer to next slide also)

Skills & Characteristics required

• Experience configuring, maintaining and troubleshooting PC hardware and operating systems in a networked environment.• Desktop support skills, centred around Windows and Microsoft Office suites.• Proven problem-solving and technical support skills.• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a positive and pro-active attitude towards end-user problems.• Basic knowledge of TCP/IP networking. Ability to configure client network connectivity.• Extremely high accuracy and attention to detail.• Ability to respond promptly to technical support issues, occasionally during nights and weekends.

Software based jobs - Systems programmers (refer to next slide also)

• Systems Programmers produce, install and implement new and modified computer systems, networks and related operating software.

• Most systems programmers are employed by computer manufacturers and systems software houses. Self-employment via contract and consultancy work is increasingly common for programmers with relevant experience. Responsibilities of the job include:

• researching and examining current systems and consulting users• liaising with colleagues such as systems analysts and designers• writing software and operating manuals• testing and modifying systems to ensure that they operate reliably• fault finding and fixing.• Programmers may also be responsible for user training, support and feedback.

The work can be demanding at times, particularly as deadlines approach, when extra hours may be required. There are excellent promotional prospects for employees willing to move into managerial positions and/or to change jobs regularly.

Software based jobs- Systems programmers • What's required – Skills & characteristics• Employers normally prefer graduates with honours degrees in

appropriate subjects such as physics, mathematics, computer science/engineering and microelectronics. For graduates without relevant qualifications, a postgraduate IT conversion course or a technical postgraduate degree can be of benefit. Relevant work experience is also often necessary. Employers seek graduates who are resourceful, meticulous and logical in their work and capable of meeting high standards in programming aptitude tests. Good analytical and problem solving skills are also important

Software based jobs- Applications programmers (refer to next slide also)

• Applications programmers are responsible for producing new/modified computer applications - from research and design to implementation, training and support

• Applications programmers write code to create software applications. For larger applications, programmers may work in a team to complete different aspects of the system.

• In designing new or modified applications, the first task a programmer undertakes is to research and examine current systems and talk to users (requirements gathering). Then, once proposals have been agreed, the new software and operating manuals are written and the product is tested and modified to ensure that it operates satisfactorily. Programmers may also be responsible for user training, support and feedback. The job can involve some pressure to meet deadlines at times, when extra hours may be required.

• Applications programmers are employed by telecommunications, engineering and computer companies, service industries, information technology/software consultancy firms, commercial and industrial organisations, the Civil Service and financial institutions. Self-employment via contract and consultancy work is possible for programmers with several years' experience.

Software based jobs- Applications programmers

• Qualifications and training required

• Although training is normally provided to successful candidates, computer literacy and familiarity with programming languages and general software is essential. Consequently, employers normally prefer graduates with a degree in an appropriate subject such as physics, engineering, mathematics, computer science or software engineering. For graduates without a relevant qualification, a postgraduate IT conversion course can be of benefit. Alternatively there are many part-time programming and computing courses available. Relevant work experience can also be advantageous.

• Key skills for applications programmers• Programmers are often competent in more than one programming language

(eg C, C++, Java). In addition to a core programming language, employers seek graduates who are meticulous and logical in their work and capable of meeting high standards in programming aptitude tests.

Software based jobs-Web Developer/designer/ multimedia programmer • Web designer• Web designers plan, create and code internet sites and web pages, many of which combine text

with sounds, pictures, graphics and video-clips.• Web designers are predominantly employed by software firms, IT consultancies, specialist web

design companies and large corporate organisations, but they may work for any organisation that uses computer systems. Self-employment/freelance work is commonly possible for individuals with appropriate experience. Responsibilities of the job include:

• meeting/liaising with clients to discuss requirements and/or project progress• creating web site designs• producing sample sites• demonstrating and receiving feedback about draft sites• keeping up-to-date with recent technological and software developments• developing skills and expertise in appropriate software/programming languages including html,

Javascript etc.• producing products that are user-friendly, effective and appealing• working as part of a multi-disciplinary team.• The work is not normally stressful, but there can be some pressure to meet deadlines, when

extra hours may be required. Promotional prospects are excellent for employees willing to change jobs regularly. Individuals holding relevant experience can command good salaries.

Web Developer/designer/ multimedia programmer (see next slide)

• A degree in any subject is acceptable for entry into the profession, although employers may seek graduates with relevant IT, computer science or engineering qualifications. Conversely, however, some employers prefer candidates from non-technical backgrounds. Generally, computing experience or a postgraduate IT conversion course (for graduates without relevant degrees) can be useful. • Candidates should be able to demonstrate that they

possess imagination, creativity, patience, attention to detail and good analytical and communication skills.

Software based jobs-Systems Analyst (refer to next slide also) • Systems analysts are responsible for the complete life-cycle of a

new/modified IT system, from analysing existing arrangements to implementing systems and providing training.

• When recruiting systems analysts, employers consider relevant experience and a logical mind to be more important than the degree subject studied.

• What it involves• Many systems analysts are employed by information technology/software

consultancy firms. Employers also include commercial and industrial organisations, the Civil Service, retailers, service industries and financial institutions. Self employment is possible for individuals with several years' relevant experience.

• The skills of systems analysts are called upon when operational problems are encountered with IT systems. They examine current systems, talk to users (requirements gathering) and produce specifications for new or modified systems. Once the proposed changes have been accepted they liaise with other IT staff such as programmers to produce and implement the new system. They are also responsible for user training and feedback. Travel is a key feature of the job as the majority of work is undertaken at clients' premises.

Systems Analyst

• What's required – Skills & characteristics• A genuine interest in and enthusiasm for IT is often more

important than your degree subject, although graduates with a technical background (physics, mathematics, computation or software engineering) are preferred.

• Arts and humanities graduates should be able to demonstrate their interest in computers and IT (a 2.1 would generally be required) and a postgraduate IT conversion course can be useful. Employers often require candidates to meet high standards in programming aptitude tests.

Investigation & Development based jobs based jobs- Systems designers (See next slide)

• Systems designers (also known as systems builders or architects) analyse, design and modify networks, computer systems and websites.

• The skills of systems designers are called upon when new networks, websites or IT systems are required or when operational problems are encountered with existing systems.

• They research current arrangements, consult clients and systems analysts about required specifications and produce designs that utilise suitable software and hardware.

• They then liaise with other IT staff such as software engineers and programmers in the production, installation and implementation of the new system, before testing and modifying it to ensure that that it operates reliably.

• Systems designers are predominantly employed by software firms, IT consultancies and large engineering, telecommunications and computer companies. Employers also include major commercial and industrial organisations, retailers, the Civil Service and financial institutions. Self-employment is often possible for designers with several years' experience.

Systems designers • What's required – Skills & characteristics• Computer literacy and familiarity with programming languages and

relevant software is essential to the job. Few designers enter the profession immediately after graduation: the majority begin their careers as programmers or analysts.

• Graduates with a computer science or software engineering degree are generally preferred, although a scientific, technical, engineering or mathematics degree and/or programming experience gained during placements and vacation work may also be helpful. For graduates without experience or a relevant qualification, a postgraduate IT conversion course can be of benefit.

• Potential recruits must be meticulous and logical in their work and capable of meeting high standards in programming aptitude tests. Teamworking, analytical and verbal/written communication skills are also important.

Investigation & Development based jobs Project managers

• Project managers are responsible for the planning, management, co-ordination and financial control of a construction project.

• Project managers ensure that the client's requirements are met, the project is completed on time and within budget and that everyone else is doing their job properly. Depending on the project, responsibilities can cover all aspects from the design stage through to completion and handover to the client.

• What does it involve?• representing the client's interest• providing independent advice on the management of projects• organising the various professional people working on a project• making sure that all the aims of the project are met• making sure the quality standards are met by visiting sites and testing out

equipment• using the latest IT to keep track of people and progress• accounting, costing and billing.

Project Manager– Skills & characteristics

• A project manager needs good organisational and communication skills, because there is no room for mistakes. Before going into this role you will need lots of experience.• Firstly, you will need to be aware of all the

different kinds or people involved in a project - what they do and how they work together. Then you should have the knowledge and the management skills to get the best out of them.