Task 4 - Working In The IT Industry

Software Developer

The Work : As a software developer, or programmer, you would design and build computer programs that help organisations to work more effectively. Your work could involve

Hours :

You would work between 37 and 40 hours a week

Income :

Starting salaries for graduates can be between £20,000 and £26,000 a year.

Entry Requierments :

You normally need a degree, foundation degree or BTEC HNC/HND to become a software developer.

Training Devolopment :

Once you are working, you could develop your career by taking professional qualifications, such as:

• e-skills UK Professional Programme
• British Computer Society Certificate, Diploma and Professional Graduate Diploma
• Institute for the Management of Information Systems (IMIS) programmes
• Institution of Analysts and Programmers (IAP) programmes.

Skills and Knowledge

• a good knowledge of hardware, software and programming languages
• the ability to interpret and follow technical plans
• a creative approach to problem solving
• an understanding of Computer Aided (Assisted) Software Engineering (CASE) tools
• excellent communication and customer care skills
• the ability to work with people at all levels, including non-technical staff
• good project management skills
• the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• good teamworking skills
• an appreciation of the client's business needs
• an understanding of confidentiality and data protection issues.

Oppotunities

You can find work as a software developer across a range of businesses and industries, public services, utilities, defence and research.
With experience, you could become a senior developer with responsibility for project management, planning and research, or move into related areas, such as systems design, IT architecture and business systems analysis.