Unlike many other professions, there is no single, obvious point of entry for graduates who want to enter information technology (IT).

The various jobs available, ranging from infrastructure provision and software development, through to sales and marketing and technical writing, all require very different skill sets. For this reason, graduate emploters in IT recognise the value of a range of qualifications and transferable skills.

Entry requirements for graduate IT jobs

An IT or related degree clearly demonstrates good preparation for working in the field and is usually required for graduates wanting to take up a technical career – as a software engineer, for example.

However, unrelated degree subjects, such as finance and management, are also seen as highly desirable and relevant to recruiters seeking well-rounded employees who can contribute to wider aspects of their business.

Postgraduate qualifications in IT are also common and many employers are keen to provide appropriate training by releasing their employees to study on a full-time, part-time or distance-learning basis.

The non-IT graduate route

Jonathan Hunsley left Loughborough University with a BA in Politics and an MSc in Management. Jonathan had already begun training to become a chartered insurer with Allianz Cornhill, when he spotted an internal notice advertising an IT business-analyst graduate scheme.

’I wasn’t feeling sufficiently challenged in my existing role and I was looking for a chance to broaden my experience across different areas of the business,’ he says.

’This was it, so I applied to join the scheme and was accepted. It was a good move, as at the end of my training I was in a position to apply the knowledge I’d learned to help build appropriate IT systems.

’My first placement was in management information and my second in information security. I was then sent to India for three months to work on the offshore operation and train in management-information systems.

'While I was there, I was also involved in data analysis, information security and a recruitment analysis project. It was a great experience.

’My current role, back in the UK, is very varied. Essentially, I act as a link between the business and the IT technical world, with project co-ordination being an important part of the work.

'Over the next three to five years, I will be looking to become an experienced business analyst and to manage my own projects. My salary, which was £21,000 when I started with Allianz Cornhill, will rise to reflect my performance as I (hopefully) move up the company when opportunities arise.’

The IT graduate route

As an IT graduate, entry into any area of the IT world is possible. Joanne Crombie gained a degree in Computer Science and Software Engineering from Birmingham University, followed by an MSc in E-business from the University of Liverpool.

She has been in her first job, as an SAP Portals Consultant with Atos Origin, since October 2005.

’My qualifications opened up many different career options for me, but the job I applied for at Atos Origin was a perfect match to my studies,’ Joanne says.

’I work on a number of different projects, but my prime function is to help configure SAP portal software for our clients.

’My work is not as technical as that of a computer programmer, so I don’t have much to do with the architectural or programming side – to be honest, this area was the part of my degree that I enjoyed the least!

'However, I do have a good grasp of what’s involved, so I can help the programmer and the client understand each other’s problems and points of view. My prime role is to work on the look, feel and content of the portal pages.

’As I grow into this job, I am also starting to become involved in bidding for contracts. This involves building demonstration systems for pre-sales presentations to clients and putting a blueprint together of the system’s functional specifications. The next step is to configure the software to the customers’ requirements.

’My starting salary is relatively good and I have regular pay reviews throughout the graduate programme. Over the next three years or so I will be concentrating on building my expertise, and then in the longer term I can decide whether to stay in this field or to move: for example, to a project-management role. Business consultancy is another attractive option for the future.’

Self-employment in information technology

The option of self-employment is one that graduates who value independence and flexibility may find attractive. But this is not a decision to be taken lightly or without thorough research. Set-up costs can be prohibitive and competition from well-established companies will be considerable.

However, the opportunities to work independently certainly exist. There are over three million people running their own businesses in the UK, and at some point most or all of these people are going to need someone with the expertise to help when things go wrong with their e-mail or internet connection.

Small businesses, which can’t often afford to employ an IT expert full time, are also often on the lookout for freelancers who can set up a website, upgrade computers, remove viruses and service their systems.

In a self-employed role, having good contacts will be the key to success. Anyone contemplating this route into a career in IT needs to recognise that without contacts – or a great track record – building a profitable business may take time.