Information Technology
- Entry requirements
- What you might do
- Training and professional qualifications
- Rewards
- Prospects
- Useful links
Insurance companies are among the UK's largest IT employers - recognising that it is state-of-the-art technology that will give an organisation its competitive edge.
Insurance and the wider financial services industry have been responsible for developing some of the world's most innovative e-commerce solutions, and for implementing creative customer relationship management services in call centres around the globe.
IT - and, importantly, the people who deliver and support it - is an increasingly critical element of business success, where companies rely on sophisticated systems to deliver everything from accounts and management reports to customer data. Roles in this area include applications developers and programmers, network engineers, software engineers, systems designers and developers, systems and business analysts, and even web designers.
Entry requirements
While many employers express a preference for those with IT-related degrees, some will consider that a genuine interest in technology is more important than your degree subject. However, competition is tough in this field so a degree in computer science/information technology, business studies, mathematics, a science based subject or electrical/electronic engineering may boost your chances. Whatever your degree subject, you will need to show computer literacy and well developed IT skills.
What you might do
Most IT roles are likely to involve either technology delivery and support, or development of solutions to meet particular business needs. Depending on your role and the type of business you join, tasks could include anything from project management to business analysis and process modelling. You could find yourself manning a helpdesk, programming a new e-commerce solution, or developing voice and data networks.
Training and professional qualifications
On-the-job training and in-house courses are typically provided to help you develop technical and business skills, though external courses may be necessary to familiarise you with specific programming languages and business software. Depending on your role, you may also be offered training in project management, or in softer skills such as communication, team leading and presentations.
The British Computer Society (BCS) offers professional qualifications. e-skills UK - The Sector Skills Council for IT and Telecoms has also launched the Graduate Professional Development Award (GPDA), which combines National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and key skill units to complement honours degrees.
Rewards
Salaries for IT professionals typically start in the region of £19,000 - £25,000, progressing to £30,000 - £45,000 for those at senior level with experience (for example, after 10-15 years). Salaries for senior analysts and programmers may be higher in this, the financial sector, and in London, the South East and the Midlands, where they could top £80,000.
Individuals with good business skills who move into more strategic business development roles are also likely to command higher salaries.
Prospects
Career progression for most in IT roles is mainly into management via team leadership and project management. You may choose to remain in one area of technical specialisation or to broaden your career options into other IT, business development, customer-related or management functions.
Useful links
British Computer Society (BCS)
1st Floor, Block D, North Star House, North Star Avenue, Swindon SN2 1FA
Tel: 0845 300 4417
e-skills UK - The Sector Skills Council for IT and Telecoms
1 Castle Lane, London SW1E 6DR
Tel: 020 7963 8920
www.e-skills.com
Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS)
5 Kingfisher House, New Mill Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 3QG
Tel: 0700 002 3456
www.imis.org.uk
Institute of Management Consultancy (IMC)
3rd floor, 17-18 Hayward's Place, London EC1R 0EQ
Tel: 020 7566 5220
www.imc.co.uk
Institution of Analysts and Programmers (IAP)
Charles House, 36 Culmington Road, London W13 9NH
Tel: 020 8567 2118
www.iap.org.uk
Management Consultancies Association (MCA)
60 Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DS
Tel: 020 7321 3990
www.mca.org.uk
Society of Information Technology Management (Socitm)
PO Box 121, Northampton NN4 6TG
Tel: 01604 674800
www.socitm.gov.uk
