IT and Software Development

Technical/Systems Architect – Career Advice

Posted by Simon Thompson on

Technical/systems architects are all about efficiency, cost-effectiveness and innovation. A technical/systems architect usually works alongside designers and developers to provide made-to-measure IT solutions to companies and organisations.

A typical project will involve meetings to define a client’s exact IT needs, creating a plan to provide those needs and producing progress reports as that plan becomes a reality.

IT and Software Development

Software Tester – Job Description

Posted by Simon Thompson on

Software testers are vital in an industry which includes the mantra that software is only as good as its testers.

So, if you fancy working out as many ways to break a product as possible, then a job as a software tester is for you. You’ll work on any number of different scenarios, all designed to test the software to its limits and all aimed at producing the best, bug-free product possible.

IT and Software Development

Software Developer – Job Description

Posted by Simon Thompson on

Software developers might get to work on the creation of an entirely new system, but more often than not they’ll be required to modify or re-work ‘off the shelf’ software, writing code that can link previously incompatible systems.

Responsibilities include providing code and cost proposals for system work, liaising with designers and analysts, pre-launch system testing, preparing training manuals and working on the maintenance of a system once it’s live.

IT and Software Development

Programmer – Career Advice

Posted by Simon Thompson on

Programmers don’t just write code. They’re part of the design process as well, working with managers and analysts to fully understand a project before getting to the coding, or re-coding, work required. System testing and creating a full, well-documented record of the entire process is also part and parcel of a programmer’s role.

Having a strong record of writing in specific languages such as Visual Basic, C++, Java, etc is the most obvious skill required, but the flexibility to work on your own or as part of a team, deadline management and good communication skills are also important attributes.

IT and Software Development

Network Support Engineer – Job Description

Posted by Simon Thompson on

Network support engineers work on the design, installation and maintenance of a network.

If a network crashes, it’s the support engineer’s job to fix it – and work out ways to prevent it happening again. Key work areas include the installation of software, hardware, security and anti-virus protections, providing technical support, the set-up of new accounts, passwords and network permissions and staff training.

IT and Software Development

Network Manager – Career Advice

Posted by Simon Thompson on

Network managers are the main administrators of a system or network, overseeing who gains access to email, internet, security and file systems, preventing attacks and occasionally writing programmes.

Other duties include staff training and technical support, system monitoring, back-up management and setting up new user accounts across local, national and global networks. Devising and refining system recovery plans in the event of a major IT meltdown is another key part of the job.

IT and Software Development

Network/Systems Analyst – Career Advice

Posted by Simon Thompson on

Network/Systems analyst works with programmers, designers and managers to help create IT systems. The work is hands-on from start to finish – after design and construction, network analysts test and evaluate the new systems before helping to train users.

Project management, people and problem-solving skills are important, as is programming knowledge. Network analysts don’t write code, but they commonly have experience using major computer languages such as SQL, C++, Visual Basic and Java.

IT and Software Development

IT Support – Job Description

Posted by Simon Thompson on

IT support workers, contrary to popular belief, don’t spend their time sighing and asking whether you’ve actually turned your computer on.

The job does involve plenty of customer/user support, so patience, problem-solving and people skills are important. But much of the work revolves around installing and configuring systems and networks and discovering trends and underlying issues that can help you diagnose and solve hardware and software problems.