Information Technology Career Guide

Information technology (IT) is a fast-moving, constantly changing and evolving sector. A career in IT offers plenty of exciting opportunities to be part of creating the next big software tool or tech gadget. Whatsmore, every industry relies on information technology to some extent, so IT jobs are available in areas as diverse as finance, farming, healthcare and construction.This guide will focus on three roles in information technology: IT Security Engineer, IT Support Engineer and Software Developer.

Potential Roles in Information Technology

The diversity of the information technology sector means a vast range of jobs is available, from entry-level to senior and managerial roles.

IT Security Engineers have the important job of protecting software from cyber attacks. Organisations that store sensitive or valuable information, including banks and healthcare providers, rely on cyber security experts to keep confidential data safe. IT Security Engineer jobs are often found in specialist IT companies that outsource cyber-security services to businesses and organisations.

IT Support Engineers support customers with their IT and software needs. Tech companies may employ IT support engineers in their post-sale customer care service. Organisations that rely on IT can employ support staff to assist employees using the tech, for example, clinicians in a hospital.

Software Developers are technically skilled professionals who create and develop software programs. Software developer job opportunities are plentiful and lucrative for experienced, skilful developers, although a high level of technical skill and expertise is essential for success in this field.

Salary and Career Progression

Information technology is an ever-growing industry, so there is real potential for career progression into senior, highly-paid roles. Time spent in the industry is less important than expertise and knowledge of the latest software tools and programmes.

IT Security Engineers can start in junior and graduate roles and work up to advanced positions with time and experience. Starting salaries are around £23,000. Senior IT Security Engineers oversee security systems and develop IT systems to improve security. At this senior level, you can earn upwards of £50,000, with many larger companies paying £100,000 and more.

IT Support Engineers take on a customer support role. Although a good understanding of information technology is required, you can also progress in your career if you excel in customer services. Starting salaries are £25,000, with the scope to earn up to £90,000 and above for technically skilled engineers.

Software Developers have a range of potential career paths to choose from, with impressive earning potential. Starting salaries for inexperienced workers can be low, at around £19,000, but skilled, experienced developers can earn £100,000 or more. Software developers can be employed directly by a company, work on a contracted basis, or take on freelance, project-based work.

Qualifications, Education and Experience

IT Security Engineers are in a position of responsibility and handle sensitive and confidential data daily, so they must demonstrate a high level of technical ability.

Security engineers may need the following:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or a STEM subject (Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths)
• A Master’s of Science degree in a relevant subject is desirable
• Good working knowledge of programming languages, like Java, Python and similar
• Knowledge of technologies such as Windows, Linux and Cisco
• Experience in using forensic tools for some senior roles
• Industry certificates in areas such as incident management, general forensics and malware reverse engineering
• Ability to pass official background and security checks for some positions

IT Support Engineers can take an entry-level role and learn on the job or study for industry qualifications and certificates. Alternatively, graduates can enter the profession at a higher level.

The following qualifications, education and experience can be beneficial for a career in IT support:

• Experience using technologies like Windows, Microsoft and ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library)
• Project management qualifications or experience (for senior roles)
• Exposure to Docker, GitLab pipeline, Kubernetes or similar may be an advantage
• Technical knowledge of firewalls and security products

Software Developers can enter the profession with little industry experience, and employers may just ask for a keen interest in software and IT. However, to advance to senior roles, you will need to demonstrate a high level of technical skill alongside industry-recognised certifications and training.

The following education, qualifications and experience can be beneficial:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or STEM subject
• Knowledge of programming languages becomes essential as you climb the career ladder
• Coding experience
• An understanding of SQL Server & Database platforms
• Experience with JavaScript, HTML, RTOS, Azure DevOps and other relevant operations systems and tools
• Some roles may require experience working in Defense and Security

Skills

IT Security Engineers are highly skilled professionals who need to ‘think like a hacker’. They must be quick-thinkers and fast action-takers. Additionally, they need to be:

• Confident in trying new things and making suggestions to senior managers
• Naturally curious
• Strong problem-solvers
• Organised and good at forward-planning
• Excellent at written and verbal communication
• Trustworthy and honest

IT Support Engineers typically work with customers who are not tech experts. Therefore, patience and a willingness to help are essential. Other valuable skills include:

• Attention to detail
• Conscientiousness and diligence
• Getting enjoyment from helping others
• Confidence
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Being motivated and proactive

Software Developers rely on hard skills, like technical know-how, but also benefit from soft skills to communicate their processes and ideas. Desirable skills include:

• Good time management and organisation
• Technical IT skills
• Diligence and attention to detail
• Excellent problem-solving and mathematical ability

Working Hours

Most jobs in the information technology sector are within standard office hours of Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. However, some large companies may provide round-the-clock services, for example, IT support for hospital employees. In this case, you may need to work shifts or be on call to address issues out of hours.

Cyber security attacks can happen anytime, so if you are part of an incident response team, you may need to work outside of office hours if there is a security risk.

Notable Locations

Due to the nature of work in the information technology field, it can be common to work remotely from home or to take a hybrid approach, splitting time between your home and the office. Of course, some employers may require you to go in to work full-time.

Information technology companies are in every city and some larger towns in the UK. IT jobs also exist in hospital trusts, banks, finance offices and commercial companies across the UK and worldwide.

As well as in London, other notable UK locations for information technology jobs include:

• Surrey
• Stoke-on-Trent
• Knutsford
• Manchester

Notable Companies

• Bet365 – An online gambling company based in Stoke-on-Trent, UK, that relies on secure, high-performing IT systems.
• BAE Systems – Helps governments and companies worldwide protect themselves from cybercrime, based in Surrey, UK.
• BullGuard – Security and data protection services based in London, UK.
• NHS trusts – Employ IT teams to support clinical and admin staff in all healthcare settings around the UK.
• Barclays Bank PLC – Employs a team of information technology experts, including cyber security, software developers and customer IT support staff from its HQ in Knutsford, Cheshire.

Next Steps

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