MODULE 8

1. MODULE 8 JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN IT & CS

2. Part I JOB BEHIND THE TITLES

3. Module Objectives • At the end of the module, students should be able to : • To discuss about the prospect of IT in the future and the demand for IT graduates • To identify the various positions/field of work for an IT/CS graduate • To provide a general overview of a job and the required knowledge, job description and skill. • To identify the characteristics that a successful graduate should possess

4. Introduction • Job titles can be very misleading, particularly in the IT business. • This module demystify some of the common IT job titles by providing info on : • what the work behind the titles actually involves • the skills and qualifications required to hold these positions. • In this module, all job titles and job descriptions are generally explained. It may be vary from one company to another company.

5. IT Consultant • specialize in particular technologies and business areas such as : • mobile telecommunications • Internet • contracted to work with industrial and commercial clients who are seeking help and advice about business and IT problems • Tight deadlines, heavy workloads, long hours and lengthy periods of time spent away from home can make the job tiring, stressful and demanding.

6. IT Consultant In short, consultants : • Assess client needs, technology and business strategies • Analyze trends and help customers understand new developments • Suggest, specify and develop IT solutions to face challenges • Oversee design, development , implementation and testing • Provide support and training once a system is up and running

7. IT Consultant Skills and qualifications : • Must be bright and able to communicate effectively • Able to understand complex information • Able to absorb new information quickly • Able to work well individually or as part of a team • Need to have a good understanding of business and knowledge of programming in languages like C++, Visual Basic , ASP and Java. • Good academic results , a business ,technical or IT degree are often required.

8. Software Engineer • needed when operational problems are encountered with computer programs • investigate current applications, talk to users, produce specifications and cost for new or modified systems • often responsible for user training, support and feedback. • work is not normally stressful, but there can be some pressure to meet deadlines, extra hours may be required

9. Software Engineer Skills and qualifications : • Relevant programming knowledge • meet high standards in programming aptitude tests. • logical mind and systematic approach and good understanding of how programs work. • Team-working, numerical and analytical skills are particularly important.

10. System Analyst • employed by IT / Software consultancy firms • The skills of systems analysts are called upon when operational problems are encountered with IT systems. • examine current systems, talk to users 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. • Also responsible for user training and feedback. • Travel is a key feature of the job as the majority of work is undertaken at client’s premises.

11. System Analyst Skills and qualifications : • Fresh Grad rarely recruited as systems analysts • most begin their careers as programmers, and move into the field once they have gained a significant amount of experience • Plays almost the same role as a system analyst. • Work in this area involves troubleshooting and repair. • Involved in the actual development of the system, which includes designing , programming and testing • possess good communication skills, leadership qualities and be able to work in a team.

12. Web Developer • Design and maintain • home shopping service • online banking • interactive game playing • chat rooms • streaming video

13. Web Developer Skills and qualifications required for the job : • Project management skills – need to be able to structure sites properly and track down problems when they occur. • Understand programming principles . • A good working knowledge of scripting languages like HTML, JavaScript ,Perl and CGI • Good design sense and the ability to understand how users react to sites ( HCI ) • Have knowledge of web development tools e.g : Photoshop, Fireworks, Dreamweaver ,etc. • Can prepare technical and user documentation

14. Network Administrator • Consult with clients to design, specify and implement a new network or upgrade an older one • Work with hardware and software ensuring that devices can ‘speak’ to one another • Co-operate with IT support personnel • Provide network administration and support

15. Network Administrator Skills and qualifications : • Knowledgeable about the networks running in specific operating systems like Microsoft NT/2000 or UNIX. • Qualification – Microsoft Certified System Engineer ( MCSE ), Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert ( CCIE )

16. Programmer • Writes the code for programs • Can work in any area of IT, which requires writing code such as software and systems development and engineering. • In fact, this is a job title, which could overlap with pretty much any of the other job titles mentioned before. Skills and qualifications : • Need to know the programming languages needed for the job. Those currently in demand include C++ and Java

17. Hardware Engineer • An area that connects IT very closely to engineering. • Involves the specification, design, and development of the computer hardware, peripheral devices and network components that make up IT systems. • Involves in project work and teamwork, organization, planning and writing progress reports, testing and problem solving, presenting to and supporting customers. Skills and qualifications : • Know how to use CAD/CAM applications • Able to write assembly code for embedded systems. • Have knowledge in operating the workstations, servers, networks, etc.

18. System Engineer • Plays almost the same role as a system analyst. • Involved in the actual development of the system, which includes designing, programming and testing • Work in this area involves troubleshooting and repair.

19. Multimedia Designer • Creates designs for CD-ROM interactive programmes, Internet sites, web sites, advertisements, for education, entertainment, businesses, video and other multimedia applications. • Use computers at all stages of the design process and must have a clear understanding and appreciation of each others role in the project team as their work is interdependent.

20. Multimedia Designer Skills and qualifications : • Excellent command in multimedia software such as Director, Photoshop, Illustrator, Maya, etc. • Ability to work under pressure and non-standard working hours • Creative touch and technical ability to transform ideas into reality

21. Computer Sales & Support • provides pre-sales and after-sales technical advice and support about computer systems to customers. • Computer manufacturers, software or systems houses, IT consultancies, computer suppliers and IT providers employ computer sales support staff. • They are the key point of contact between an organization and its clients : • answering queries • providing technical advice • introducing new products.

22. Computer Sales & Support Skills and qualifications : • Although a degree in any subject is acceptable for entry into the profession, employers normally prefer graduates with relevant qualifications in computer science/engineering, physics, electronic engineering, mathematics and software engineering. • For graduates without relevant qualifications and/or experience, a postgraduate IT qualification can be of benefit. • Strong technical, organisational, communication and sales skills are essential.

23. Computer Sales & Support Skills and qualifications : • Should possess commercial awareness and excellent interpersonal skills. • A full driving licence is also normally essential. • Relevant experience gained in any commercial/sales area involving contact with customers or the general public is advantageous.

24. Part II CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD IT GRADUATES

25. Introduction • Graduates are not automatically knowledge-workers. • Nor does being a knowledge worker mean that you must hold a degree. •  What differentiates one graduate from another during a job interview is their competencies. • The attainment of a degree is just a start, not an end in itself. Many graduates actually stop learning when they graduate. • http://www.graduan.com.my/graduan/annuals/2004feature07.taf

26. Introduction • Graduates need to have good characteristics if they want to be more employable. • Some of these skills are already honed in the university or college, but others will need to be developed outside studies. • Having good characteristics also lead to successfulness in career.

27. Good Characteristics • Teamwork – Ability of an individual to work effectively in a team environment • Project management – Ability to plan and manage a project • Communication –Writing and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to give presentations • Business acumen – ability to acquire and administer human, financial, material, and information resources in a manner that instills public trust and accomplishes the organization's mission

28. Good Characteristics Some other characteristics that graduates should posses: • Willing to learn • Be different • Excellent in academic • Problem Analysis/ Problem Solving • Judgement / Decision Making Skills • Imagination and creativity

29. Part III CERTIFICATIONS

30. Learning Objective • Have some knowledge on what are the certifications program that are available nowadays • Knows what are the benefits of certification.

31. Certification • Certification is a skills and knowledge assessment organized by computer industry vendors Certification Benefits • Career Opportunities • Validation of Knowledge and Skills • A Firm Foundation of Skills

32. Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers (MCSEs) Design and implement an infrastructure solution based on the Windows platform and Microsoft Windows Server System software. Microsoft Certified Trainers (MCTs) Are qualified instructors certified by Microsoft to deliver Microsoft training courses to IT professionals and developers. Microsoft Certified Systems Administrators (MCSAs) Administer network and systems environments based on the Microsoft Windows platforms. Microsoft Certified Database Administrators (MCDBAs) Design, implement, and administer Microsoft SQL Server databases. Microsoft Certified Application Developers (MCADs) Use Microsoft technologies to develop and maintain department-level applications, components, Web or desktop clients, or back-end data services. Microsoft Certified Solution Developers (MCSDs) Design and develop leading-edge business solutions with Microsoft development tools, technologies, platforms, and the Windows architecture. Microsoft Certifications Program

33. Cisco Certifications Program • Cisco offers three levels of general certification representing increasing levels of expertise: Associate, Professional, and Expert (CCIE) with 6 different paths. General Certifications General Certifications

34. Sun Certifications Program

35. References • Microsoft Certifications http://www.microsoft.com/learning/mcp/certifications.asp • Cisco Certifications http://www.cisco.com/en/US/learning/le3/learning_career_certifications_and_learning_paths_home.html • JAVA Certifications http://www.sun.com/training/certification/java/index.html • http://www.graduan.com.my/graduan/

36. Additional Reading • Jobless IT grads: The real issueby Charles F. Moreira, The Star, 2 Aug 2004 http://my.jobstreet.com/aboutus/mreports61.htm • My Say: Tough job environment for graduatesBy Sulaiman Mahbob http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_ce4a12a0-cb73c03a-1b11b790-5cd9284c • Net Value: Tailoring courses to industry needsBy Sharmila Ganapathy http://www.theedgedaily.com/cms/content.jsp?id=com.tms.cms.article.Article_7383be76-cb73c03a-ee21f500-2a7ab2ca