The guru guide to your IT career

Do you want to know what it takes to have a successful career in IT and computing? We’ve asked the experts for their tips, at each stage of the process.

1. School

Behind every successful IT guru, from Bill Gates to Mark Zuckerberg, you’ll find years of experience. For many, that experience starts when they are still at school, tinkering with technology in their spare time.

That’s because every successful career starts with passion. If you genuinely love what you do enough for it to be your all-consuming hobby, then you’ll have the energy and enthusiasm to handle the pressure and challenges ahead.

2. University

When it comes to your university IT course, it’s important to learn more than just the technical skills you need to be a programmer, web designer, network planner or computer support technician.

‘Soft’ skills such as communication, leadership and business awareness are just as important when it comes to landing a job.

A high-tech future for IT graduates

It’s hard to imagine, but many computing jobs did not even exist 20 years ago.

Web designer, systems analyst, database administrator… today, businesses and organisations around the world rely on computers and technology to make working life more efficient and more secure.

Radical advances in communications, entertainment and medical device technology have also changed people’s lives. Where would we be without SMS, the internet or ultrasound machines?

There is no doubt that the number of computer and IT jobs are expected to keep on increasing, no matter where in the world you want to work.

Study IT in the Silicon Valley

For IT students, Silicon Valley in California is the ultimate destination. Home to the world’s greatest computing companies and minds – Apple, NASA Ames Research Centre, Google, eBay, Yahoo! and many others – it’s the birthplace of countless technology breakthroughs that have changed the way we work and play.

So, would you like to study there? And also experience a paid internship with one of these amazing companies? Of course you would.

You can kick-start your IT career by completing the first 2 years of a Bachelor Degree at Foothill and DeAnza College. And then transfer to one of the most highly selective universities in America to complete your degree – such as UC Berkeley, UCLA, Stanford or Columbia.

UK: The Huddersfield guide to computer science study

The IT industry has witnessed many ups and downs, but as computer science careers are so diverse you can still choose your own path to success.

Julie Wilkinson, Principal Lecturer (Information Systems and Computing) at the University of Huddersfield, shares her insights into what you should look for when choosing your computer science course.

How will a computer science degree develop my career?

Every course should provide a critical core of theoretical knowledge. Then look for practical experience, including case studies and lab-based exercises, as well as live projects with industry collaboration. Working in project teams with industry-style facilities is great for your CV.