Job hunting decisions and tips
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Five minutes with a senior manager at a tech consultancy
Former computer science student Lucy Rickards describes life as a senior manager at Alfa and advises on picking an IT career path that’s right for you.
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IT graduate schemes you can apply for with a 2.2 degree
A 2.2 degree needn’t end your ambitions for a career in IT, but you may need to look beyond major IT companies to find your first graduate job.
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A graduate’s guide to starting your career with a small employer
You don’t need to start you career through a large graduate scheme. Graduates can get extra responsibility early on and enjoy a tight-knit working environment at an IT SME (small- or medium-sized enterprise). Find out more about this valuable route into tech careers.
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Ten typical jobs graduates can do in IT
The IT industry is host to a whole raft of job titles. To help you, we've deciphered ten of the top IT job titles you might encounter when searching for graduate jobs.
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Job hunting timeline for aspiring IT graduates
Get an idea of the different stages involved in the application process and enhance your search for IT graduate jobs and internships – use this timeline whether you’re in your first, second or final year of university.
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How to network your way into an IT graduate job
The great thing about networking as a student is that there are multiple ways to go about it. Here we outline five of the best if you want to work in IT and technology when you graduate.
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What type of IT company and job is the best fit for me?
IT and technology-related graduate jobs can be found in a range of business sectors, from top IT companies to technology consulting firms, the public sector and investment banks.
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Why you should attend IT’s not just for the boys!
These graduates got jobs at Dell after attending technology event IT’s not just for the boys! TARGETjobs IT went along to find out how you could develop your skills and industry knowledge by attending the event for female aspiring future technologists.
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Cyber security expert recommends her career to graduates
Miriam Howe, senior manager and consultant at BAE Systems Applied Intelligence, explains what she loves about her job and why graduates should consider careers in this area.
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All degrees welcome for graduate IT jobs
Breaking into IT and technology with any degree is becoming increasingly normal for graduates. We spoke to an IT recruiter who knows all about hiring non-tech graduates to find out more.
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The benefits of working in information technology
Working in IT boasts advantages that are worth talking about. Here’s why graduates should consider technology jobs, with or without an IT-related degree.
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Getting a graduate job in IT and technology: the basics
How do graduates break into the IT industry? Get the essentials on the types of graduate technology job, making successful applications when you reach your final year and more.
Applications
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Online applications for technology graduate schemes
Do these seven things before clicking 'submit' on your application form for an IT graduate job or internship. Rushing your application is unlikely to get you the desired result.
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How students and graduates should research IT and technology employers
You won’t get hired into an IT graduate job unless you show recruiters that you understand their business. Here’s how to show your interest in them so that they take an interest in you as a candidate.
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Tips for a good graduate technical CV
Putting together a good graduate technical CV that will catch an IT recruiter’s eye is no mean feat, but employers notice when a CV is well structured and some thought has gone into the process.
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Writing a covering letter for a graduate job in IT
Several IT graduate employers request a covering letter as part of the application process. Read our tips on using yours to highlight your most relevant skills and experience.
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How to show your passion for technology in your IT graduate application
Nearly all graduate roles at technology companies will ask you to prove just how much you love technology in your application. We spoke to an IT recruiter for advice on how best to do this.
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'Why do you want to work for us?' Application and interview answers IT companies want
‘Why do you want to work here?’ is an almost-guaranteed question for any graduate IT job. It's actually several questions rolled into one so here are the good (and bad) approaches to answering this common IT graduate application and interview question.
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'Why do you think you are suitable for this job?' Part 1: prepare and apply
Graduate candidates for IT jobs can expect to be asked ‘Why are you suitable for this job?’. Whatever vacancy you’re going for – software developer, tester, consultant, IT support – here’s how to prepare and what to write in your online application. In part 2 we’ll address what to say at interview.
Interviews and assessment centres
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Technical interview tips for graduates, by graduates
What should you expect at a technical interview for a graduate technology job? A graduate software engineer and analyst programmer share their advice.
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Assessment centres for IT jobs: the tasks you'll face and how to tackle them
Know which exercises and tests different IT graduate employers use at their assessment days and what they are looking for.
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'Why do you think you are suitable for this job?' Part 2: at interview
Interviews for IT graduate schemes include explaining why you are suitable for the job. Here's how to show your interviewer that you match the company's requirements.
Skills and competencies
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How to showcase your commercial awareness in IT applications and assessment centres
You may be technically skilled, but commercial awareness could be the deciding factor on whether you get the job. Graduate recruiter Jessica Davies explains what it is and why it’s needed in IT.
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Why your computer science degree won't get you an IT job
Many students with computer science degrees think that's enough to have recruiters falling at their feet. They're wrong. Computer science, computing and IT graduate jobs require more than just a graduate with a related degree.
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Prove you've got the soft skills IT professionals need
Impressive technical skills are all very well, but if you can't work effectively as a team or communicate concepts to clients, how does that help your employer’s business? IT graduates need ‘soft skills’ too.
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The best programming languages for graduate jobs
Whether you write code on your degree or not, use these practical suggestions for learning the programming languages that IT graduate employers seek.
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Extracurricular activities that will develop your IT skills
Getting skilled in a way that IT employers like doesn’t have to be a chore. Here's how to make tech your hobby at university and gain valuable experience in the process.
Internships and placements
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Which IT and technology employers offer summer internships or industrial placements?
Find out about work experience schemes with major IT recruiters, including summer internships, industrial placement years and insights programmes.
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What to do if you don’t find an IT internship
No luck with your summer internship applications? There’s plenty you can still do with your university holiday to develop vital skills in other ways.
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How to find an industrial placement for your IT degree
Get an IT sandwich placement or industrial placement to boost your chances of getting a graduate job in the tech sector. Anyone studying computer science or a technology-related degree needs to follow this advice in their placement applications.
Pay and progression
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What graduate salary can I expect in an IT job?
Find out what starting salary you could earn on IT graduate schemes, and what typical earnings are like for IT professionals at different stages.
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Professor Sue Black OBE: how women can succeed in IT
IT industry figurehead Professor Sue Black reveals her advice on how women can get hired and get ahead in tech sector careers.
Training and qualification
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Postgraduate conversion courses: your route into a graduate career in IT?
Find out how IT postgraduate conversion courses can help graduates without IT degrees integrate into the industry and increase their chances of securing jobs – particularly technical roles.
Areas of work
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Retail IT: graduate area of work
The modern retail business relies on IT to ensure the smooth integration of all its sales channels, as well as its supply chain. As such, graduates can find a wide range of business-focused IT jobs in retail.
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Financial services IT: graduate area of work
Financial services is a different working environment to the traditional technology firm. The London Stock Exchange Group gives graduates an overview of IT careers in this sector.
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Financial software development: graduate area of work
Financial software development requires skilled developers and programmers. It's a great option for smart graduate computer scientists who want to work in financial technology, but don’t necessarily want to work for a bank.
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Technology consulting: graduate area of work
Technology consulting isn't just about IT but enabling businesses to achieve their outcomes. Find out what key skills graduates need to embark on a career in this area from Rachel Head at Capgemini.
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Public sector IT: graduate area of work
The public sector recruits graduates from every degree background. The focus is on implementing IT systems that will provide better services to the community.
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Investment banking technology: graduate area of work
Investment banking technology is one of the most fast-paced graduate career options in IT. Technology is central to a bank's success and these commercial giants have to continually develop their technology to compete and survive.
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Games development: graduate area of work
To break into the games industry you need to understand the market and get as much relevant experience as possible. Mathew Burnet from Jagex explains how.
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Cyber security: graduate area of work
Cyber security skills are in high demand. Dr Andrew Rogoyski from CGI outlines the latest trends and how graduates can start their career in this area.
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IT services: graduate area of work
Graduates don't necessarily need a technical degree to work in IT services. Jonathan Young from FDM Group explains what IT services is and how you can start your career in this area.
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Hardware development: graduate area of work
Hardware development jobs for technology graduates can be found in a range of sectors, from telecoms to defence.
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Professional services IT: graduate area of work
IT graduates working for professional services firms help other business organisations protect their information systems and meet compliance standards in their financial reporting and processes.
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Defence IT: graduate area of work
The Armed Forces are supplied many of their IT systems by external companies. James Nicholls at CGI gives advice for starting your graduate career in defence IT.
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Health informatics: graduate area of work
Develop the information systems used by healthcare providers and hospitals. Richard Betteridge from the NHS Leadership Academy explains more about careers in health informatics.
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Industry/manufacturing IT: graduate area of work
IT jobs in industry and manufacturing require graduates with strong technology skills in disciplines such as software engineering, network engineering, software development and computer science. You'll also need good commercial awareness.
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Telecommunications IT: graduate area of work
A graduate career in telecoms offers the chance to solve complicated problems with global implications. We hear more from Fiona Corden at Metaswitch Networks.
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Web development and e-commerce: graduate area of work
All serious organisations have a web presence and conduct large chunks of business via the internet. Find out how graduates can kick off a career in this technology sector that has truly come of age.
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Niche software houses and technology consultancy: graduate area of work
The UK is home to many small, but very active software houses and niche technology consultancies. They can be a great starting place for the business-savvy technical graduate who wants broad experience and to move up the career ladder under their own steam.
Job descriptions
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Business analyst: job description
Business analysts work with organisations to help them improve their processes and systems. They conduct research and analysis in order to come up with solutions to business problems and help to introduce these systems to businesses and their clients.
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Computer scientist: job description
The expertise of computer scientists and computer engineers overlap in certain areas but computer science is a profession in its own right and one that attracts some of the world’s brightest minds.
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Technical author: job description
Technical authors write scientific and technical information for a variety of products including web pages, printed documents and computerised help files.
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IT support analyst: job description
IT support analysts (also known as helpdesk analysts or technical support analysts) provide technical support and advice to IT users.
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Video game developer: job description
Video game developers take a designer’s concepts and build them into a playable game for users.
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Database administrator: job description
Database administrators are responsible for accurately and securely using, maintaining and developing computerised databases within a wide range of public and private sector organisations.
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Geographical information systems manager: job description
Geographical information systems (GIS) managers are responsible for the day-to-day supervision of teams of IT experts that produce geographical data using specialist computer systems.
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Cyber security specialist: job description
Cyber security is fast becoming one of the most important roles in the tech sector as cyber criminals and hackers become ever more sophisticated.
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Multimedia programmer: job description
Multimedia programmers are responsible for designing and creating multimedia computer products that combine text with sounds, pictures, graphics, video clips, virtual reality, digital animation and other forms of media.
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Test automation developer: job description
Test automation developers create programs that test software throughout the development cycle.
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Web designer: job description
Web designers plan, create and code internet sites and web pages, many of which combine text with sounds, pictures, graphics and video clips.
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QA analyst: job description
Quality assurance (QA) analysts are responsible for the final step in the development of a game, website or any software product before it is released to the public.
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Network administrator: job description
Network administrators connect different devices together to form fast and efficient networks.
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Web developer: job description
Web developers build, and make improvements to, websites and web applications.
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Information scientist: job description
Information scientists are responsible for managing the acquisition, supply and distribution of information within an organisation or section of an organisation and for making that information accessible to users.
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Software developer: job description
Software developers implement software solutions by building programs, applications and websites.
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Operational researcher: job description
Operational researchers provide the quantitative and qualitative information that improves strategies, decision-making and processes.
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Data analyst: job description
Data analysts collect, organise and interpret statistical information to make it useful for a range of businesses and organisations.
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Information systems manager: job description
Information systems managers, or IT managers, are responsible for the secure and effective operation of all computer systems, related applications, hardware and software that is used within a wide range of public and private sector organisations.
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UX designer: job description
UX designers turn applications into something that people like and want to use.
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Computer sales support: job description
Computer sales support staff provide pre-sales and post-sales technical advice and support about computer systems to customers.
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Mobile developer: job description
Mobile developers specialise in mobile technology and demand for their skills set has never been stronger.
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Information technology/software trainers: job description
IT and software trainers teach desktop applications and software to a range of clients, from business people to the unemployed.
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Data visualisation analyst: job description
Data visualisation analysts make large data sets useful and meaningful by presenting key information in a variety of ways.
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Systems analyst: job description
Systems analysts examine existing IT systems and write requirements for new ones.
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Data scientist: job description
A data scientist turns raw data into valuable insights that an organisation needs in order to grow and compete. They interpret and analyse data from multiple sources to come up with imaginative solutions to problems.
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IT consultant: job description
Information technology consultants advise on, plan, design and install information technology systems for their clients.
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Video game designer: job description
The games industry rivals the movie industry in value and is evolving all the time. Now is an ideal time to put all those hours spent zapping aliens to good use and design video games.
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Systems developer: job description
Systems developers build the behind-the-scenes software for a wide range of business and organisational functions.