A Guide from Success at School
Tech is all around us. It’s not just the smartphone in your hand or the games console in your bedroom. The world is filled with electronic devices, with increasing numbers – from fridges to lightbulbs – connected in the Internet of Things. Artificial Intelligence (AI) will increasingly dominate our lives, while robots are becoming more and more advanced, transporting our shopping and maybe even augmenting our bodies.
What jobs are out there?
In this expansive field of work, jobs range from hardware and software to cybersecurity, digital marketing and IT support. Programmers, software developers and app developers create the code that underpins computer programs and apps (software) while electronics engineers research, design and develop the physical hardware – from computers to household appliances – these programs run on.
Web designers and developers create and maintain websites while digital marketers produce content for sites and social media, and help organisations attract more visitors and achieve their online goals. Cybersecurity professionals protect people and organisations from cyberattacks by hackers – they make sure digital systems are using the best security measures and carry out tests to check for weaknesses.
Career Zone: IT & The Internet
Check out our IT & The Internet Career Zone for information about this area of work, many more jobs and guidance on what it takes to succeed in a career in tech.
What skills do I need?
Creativity: From app developer to electronics engineer, many tech professionals create something from nothing. Web designers and content creators think up snappy text, attractive graphics and engaging videos to make websites, apps and social media appealing to users. Find out more.
Problem solving: Whether writing computer code, designing a new device or developing robust systems to protect against ever-changing cybersecurity threats, tech jobs are built around finding answers to technical challenges. The ability to think logically and systematically is crucial to a successful career in tech. Find out more.
Technical skills: Anyone working in this field will need some degree of IT savvy – an affinity for picking up digital platforms. There are a whole host of other technical skills, many of which are dependent on the role. For example, a more specialist skill is the ability to code – essential for software specialists. Find out more.
What subjects should I take?
Computing
Computing will certainly stand you in good stead for careers in software and hardware. You’ll learn about both of these aspects of computer systems as well as how they interrelate. You’ll learn coding skills, find out how computers think (using binary and Boolean logic) and create algorithms. Find out more.
Design and technology
Electronics is a good choice if you want to pursue a career in hardware, while graphic design will provide you with good skills for careers in areas such as web design and digital marketing – where an eye for design will help you produce the layout and content for websites. Find out more.
Maths
Typically, maths is an entry requirement for degree courses such as computer science – which provide the traditional, non-apprenticeship route into careers such as computer programming, software engineering and app design. It will help develop your logical thinking and data analysis skills. Find out more.
Uni or apprenticeship?
University
Many roles in this area of work require a higher education qualification. This means that studying towards a relevant degree provides you with a strong platform for a career in this field. A degree in computer science will pave the way for careers in software, including computer programmer, software developer and cybersecurity professional. If you are more interested in the hardware side, a relevant engineering degree might be more relevant. For careers on the marketing side, such as social media management or content production, any degree will help, but those which develop your writing, such as English, will provide you with relevant skills.
Apprenticeship
Increasing numbers of roles in this industry are now available through an apprenticeship programme, and many of these are at level 4 or above, meaning you can gain a higher-level qualification, in some cases even a degree, without paying a penny towards your tuition fees. A few examples of job roles you can train for include:
• AI data specialist (level 7)
• Cybersecurity technologist (level 4)
• Digital and technology solutions specialist (level 7)
• Game programmer (level 7)
• Software developer (level 4)
Opportunities for everyone…
The tech industry has a reputation for being overwhelmingly male. Organisations like Girls in Tech aim to help women begin and succeed in a career in tech. Girls in Tech is free to join and membership offers access to skills training, networking and mentoring and industry-specific careers advice. Research shows that skills training and mentoring can help you progress quickly in your career.
Many tech roles require a university degree, which in the past put them out of bounds for young people not keen on another three or four years in education, or unwilling to take on extra debt. That’s why the sudden rise of apprenticeships is great news – these days, you can train to be a software engineer, game designer or cybersecurity specialist straight from school or college.